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Posts Tagged ‘Chicago Shopping’
Take A Break from Shopping
Posted on January 10th, 2012 by Adam Marks
You know that you’ve had that long day of trudging up and down Michigan Avenue, and all you want is a place to sit and some warm food. Did you know that Ralph Lauren has its own restaurant? With an entrance on Chicago Avenue just west of the Mag Mile, The RL Restaurant is a great place for lunch, or an evening drink.
Located adjacent to the Polo Flagship Store, RL is designed to make you feel like you’re in a clubhouse. The heavy, dark wood, comfy chairs, and warm crackling fire set a tone just perfect for the colder months of the year. If you’re feeling frisky, they have a great bar (open until midnight 7 days a week) that serves everything from fine wines by the glass to a Mad Men worthy Manhattan.
If you got time for more than a cuppa, they’ve got some great food options. I’m always partial to their tuna nicoise, but they offer a great unique dish called the riff raff salad as well. This concoction includes chicken, shrimp, salami, olives, provolone, and artichoke.
What better to eat in a club room than a club sandwich? They offer a few to choose from, including the mouth-watering Club Monaco Club. This pile of goodness includes chicken, a hard-boiled egg, bacon, lettuce, and tomato.
RL Restaurant Magnificent Mile
The RL restaurant is definitely at a higher price point than more casual options, but sometimes a little luxury is just the thing. Their design, menu, and service is top notch, so you’ll get your money’s worth for sure!
RL Restaurant is located at 115 E. Chicago Avenue off of Michigan Ave.
Tags: Chicago Restaurants, Chicago Shopping, Downtown Chicago, Mag Mile, things to do in chicago
Gwendolyn’s Top Spots
Posted on December 20th, 2011 by Amber Holst
Concierge Preferred has expanded their roster of Concierge Correspondents and welcomes Gwendolyn Ramsey, concierge at Trump International Hotel and Tower to the team.
This week, Gwendolyn dishes on Ikram, your go-to shopping destination for upscale French and British Designers; III Forks, a newcomer to the dining scene and a spot that’s easy on the eyes (and palate!); and details on where to take the kids to run off some of that excess energy this holiday season. Happy Holidays, Chicago!
Tags: Boutique, Chicago Shopping, Gwendolyn Ramsey, III Forks, Ikram, Navy Pier, River North, things to do in chicago, Trump International Hotel and Tower Chicago, What to do, WinterWonder Fest
Tis the Season! Mag Mile Lights Festival Returns
Posted on November 8th, 2011 by Mike Chamernik
In Chicago, the Christmas season officially starts on November 19. That’s when the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival takes place. Billed as the nation’s largest holiday event, this will be the 20th annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, and it usually draws over one million visitors. Held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving on the Magnificent Mile, the event has something fun for everyone.
The festival runs all day. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Lights Festival Lane at Pioneer Court will have live entertainment and family friendly activities, including games and photos with Santa. Radio Disney AM 1300 Chicago brings its family-friendly concert to the Fest, headlined by the star of Disney Channel’s hit series “A.N.T. Farm” and Hollywood Records recording artist China Anne McClain, along with her sisters Lauryn McClain and Sierra McClain. Season 4 “N.B.T.” (Next BIG Thing) artist and Chicago-native Shealeigh will also perform. China Anne McClain and her sisters as well as Shealeigh will also join Radio Disney AM 1300 Road Crew as they greet fans from the Radio Disney float.
Kicking off the family fun that day will be a special appearance by Jake from Disney Junior’s #1 series “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” and a performance by the series’ pirate rockers, The Never Land Pirate Band. Jake will also ride on a pirate ship-themed Disney Junior float during the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival procession.
At 5:30 p.m., the lighting procession begins with more than a million lights will being illuminated. The procession features 30 floats, balloons, marching bands and other performers. At 6:55 p.m., watch a fireworks display over the Chicago River.
But really, the festival doesn’t end that night. The lights will still be lit through the holiday season, giving Magnificent Mile visitors a spectacular view as they shop.
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® is presented by BMO Harris Bank and is broadcast nationally on the ABC network.
Tags: Chicago Festival, Chicago Fireworks, Chicago holiday event, chicago parade, Chicago Shopping, Family Fun, holiday fun, Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, Michigan Ave, mickey mouse
‘Great Tree’ Lighting at Macy’s on State
Posted on October 28th, 2011 by Mike Chamernik
You would have to go back to the very early 1900s to find the last time people had to celebrate Christmas without Macy’s Great Tree.
Fortunately, that’s not the case today. On Saturday, November 5, come to the Walnut Room at Macy’s on State Street and see the Lighting of the Great Tree, hosted by Giuliana and Bill Rancic of the Style Network. The 45-foot tree will be lit at 1 p.m. The dining hall has had this tradition for 104 years, and last year they innovated the tree with LED lights to create a snowfall effect.
The theme for this year’s Great Tree is “Macy’s Star-Studded Believe Tree.” 14 seven-foot trees will circle the base of Macy’s Great Tree, each featuring ornaments inspired by Macy’s celebrity designers, like Donald Trump, Jessica Simpson, Martha Stewart, Rachel Roy, Tommy Hilfiger and more. Each ornament retails for $10, with 10% of the purchase price benefiting the Make-A-Wish® Foundation.
The historic Great Tree features more than 2,000 ornaments and 15,000 sparkling LED lights, which include 250 strands of running LED lights that are interwoven throughout the tree.
Past celebrities that have helped in lighting Macy’s Great Tree include Mayor Daley, Martha Stewart, Billy Crystal, Bill Cosby, Vera Wang and Tommy Hilfiger.
Today’s Great Tree is more energy efficient and consumes 1/3 of the power of previous trees.
Lighting of the Great Treet at Macy’s
The event includes a short performance by the Chicago Mass Choir, and guests can meet Giuliana and Bill in the Hotel Collection Department on the 6th floor after the lighting. If you make a purchase of $150 or more in Hotel Collection that day, you receive a free copy of the Rancics’ book, I Do, Now What?: Secrets, Stories and Advice from a Madly-in-Love Couple, and you will have the opportunity for their autographs.
Additional Holiday Events
Macy’s doesn’t stop with the Great Tree to celebrate the holidays. The store has a “Performance of A Christmas Story, The Musical”, scheduled for November 19, at 1 p.m., at the store. This will be a chance for guests to visit with cast members of the play, who will be performing at the Chicago Theatre from December 14-30. Also, visitors can enjoy face painting, balloon twisting and holiday crafts.
Tags: Bill Rancic, Chicago Events, Chicago Holidays, Chicago Shopping, Giulana Ranci, Great Tree, Macy's Chicago, Macy's on State Street, Style Network, Walnut Room
Theirry Rabotin Presents Fall Collection at Hanig’s
Posted on October 10th, 2011 by Amber Holst
Artful simplicity . Unique aesthetic. Softness. Lightness.
These are the signature characteristics of women’s footwear designer Thierry Rabotin’s creations.
And Chicago’s own Hanig’s Footwear, a 60+ year staple in Chicago with several area locations, is welcoming designer Thierry Rabotin himself for two very special trunk shows this weekend.
Theirry Rabotin at Hanig’s Footwear
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14, Rabotin will be available to explain the unique style and comfort featured in his fall collection at Hanig’s Footwear’s Plaza del Lago store at 1515 Sheridan Rd. in Wilmette.
Thierry Rabotin and Melissa Kenady will then take the trunk show to Hanig’s landmark John Hancock Center location at 875 N. Michigan Ave. on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
So come on out to one of the spectacular events and up the ante with your own personal style.
Why Theirry Rabotin?
Thierry Rabotin shoes differ from the others because they do not use a metal reinforcement or thermoplastic glue. This makes the shoe lighter. A lighter weight means easier walking and the promotion of the natural foot movement because all the components that usually make shoes rigid are not present.
Tags: Chicago Footwear, Chicago Shoes, Chicago Shopping, Fall Fashion, Hanig's Footwear, John Hancock Center, Theirry Rabotin
A|X Armani Exchange Opens in Water Tower Place
Posted on September 20th, 2011 by Cecilia Ehlenbach
Calling all fashionistas! A|X Armani Exchange officially opens its second Chicago store at Water Tower Place (835 N. Michigan Ave., Level 5) on September 22nd to great fanfare and festivities.
From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday evening, guests can check out the new store’s offerings while enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeurvres and the funky fresh mixes of DJ Bridget Marie.
Armani Exchange, generally considered the little sister of designer Giorgio Armani’s posh Michigan Avenue boutique, aims to be sleek and edgy with its casual and urban collection. Amongst the looks for fall playing in sequence on the store’s high definition image video wall, expect to see classic leather jackets and gloves as well as the more untraditional (a leather dress?), lots of red in blazers and pants, and wool overcoats and thick sweaters for those chilly autumnal days. Looking for something a little more toned down? The store has plenty of white and black, two colors that never go out of style.
And for those of you searching for a smaller statement piece, look no further than the beautiful collection of men’s and women’s accessories. The opening will provide the perfect opportunity to scout out future buys during the celebrity stylist trend presentation and bring something home night of (for every purchase, guests receive an exclusive gift bag!)
Tags: A|X Armani Exchange, Chicago Shopping, magnificent mile, Michigan Avenue, Shopping Event, Water Tower Place
Oak Street’s ‘Fashion’s Night Out’
Posted on September 6th, 2011 by Amber Holst
Chicago’s upscale shopping destination, Oak Street, will be celebrating Fashion’s Night Out on Thursday, September 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. with an evening of in-store celebrations, live music, tote bags for the first 500 guests, and an amazing raffle with prizes that include a $1,000 Moncler coat, a $500 Lester Lampert gift certificate, $250 gift certificates to Scoop NYC and Kate Spade, and many more.
Here are our picks for ten must-hit stops along the way. For additional information make sure to visit Fashion’s Night Out online.
1. Agent Provocateur (47 E. Oak): Agent Provocateur features live lingerie modeling in its window, champagne in-store and the launch of a new line.
2. Bonpoint (39 E. Oak): Bonpoint celebrates with champagne grown-ups, face-painting for children and macaroons for all!
3. Jack Spade (47 E. Oak): Jack Spade offers a 15% discount on all purchases that evening. With each purchase, customers will be entered into an in-store raffle.
4. Jimmy Choo (63 E. Oak): Jimmy Choo serves champagne and appetizers until 8 p.m.
5. Juicy Couture (101 E. Oak): Juicy Couture celebrates Viva la Juicy with fragrance sampling and offers 25% off all full-priced items.
6. Kate Spade (56 E. Oak): Kate Spade styles customers with limited-edition floral hairpieces in keeping with its theme for the evening: Understated is Overrated. Sips and snacks will be served.
7. Marianne Strokirk Salon (41 E. Oak): Marianne Strokirk offers complimentary hair style and color consultations.
8. Optica (129 E. Oak): Optica launches its exclusive collection of Maybach eyewear, available only at Optica’s Oak Street location.
9. Piazza Sempione (34 E. Oak): Piazza Sempione serves sparkling wine and raffles off a $500 Piazza Sempione gift certificate.
10. Sofia (72 E. Oak): Sofia serves champagne and offers styling tips from owner Ashley Zisook and the Sofia stylists, as well as discounts and giveaways.
Raffle prizes: Shoppers will receive one raffle ticket with every purchase at a participating Oak Street store. The drawing will be at 8 p.m. and shoppers must be present to win. Prizes include:
• $1,000 coat from Moncler
• $500 gift certificate to Lester Lampert
• Fragrance and skincare set from Bonpoint ($500 value)
• $250 gift card and a private shopping party for up to 20 friends from Kate Spade
• 10-pack of mind body classes and a 60-minute Fusion Massage from Exhale Chicago
• $250 gift certificate to Scoop NYC
• $100 gift certificate to The Denim Lounge
• $100 gift certificate to Sofia
• A gift certificate from Vince
• Hair cut and color service from Marianne Strokirk ($125 value)
• Dinner for two from Le Colonial
• Bottle of signature parfum from Agent Provocateur
• A signed and personalized copy of the cookbook Delicious from Sarah’s Pastries and Candies
Tags: Agent Provocateur, Bonpoint, Chicago Shopping, David Yurman, Exhale Spa, Fashion's Night Out, Jack Spade, Juicy Couture, Kate Spade, Le Colonial, Lester Lampert, Marianne Strokirk Salon, Oak Street, Optica, Piazza Sempione, Sarah's Pastries and Candies, Scoop NYC, Sofia Vintage, The Denim Lounge
AllSaints Pop-Up Shop at Wicker Park Festival
Posted on July 21st, 2011 by Rebecca Taras
Wicker Park Fest is this weekend (July 23 and 24) and as if two days filled with bands, booze, and food wasn’t enough, we just found out the amazing Brit import AllSaints will be featuring a mobile pop-up shop on site.
AllSaints recently opened its first Chicago store (see picture) on Michigan Avenue (700 N. Michigan Ave., 312-283-0400) and thanks to the impressive facade decked out with Turkish looms and vintage Singer sewing machines (signature AllSaints decor), you can’t miss it. The 11,0000-square-foot store carries fashion forward women’s, men’s, and children’s apparel, shoes, and accessories that won’t break the bank (but cost a bit more than neighbors like H&M.)
If you really want to stock your closet with AllSaints wares on a budget, don’t miss the pop-up shop this weekend, which will feature items from past seasons sold at up to half off. Of course, be sure to make time to grab a frosty beverage and listen to one of the great bands playing throughout the day and night. With August around the corner, festivals will soon be a Summer memory.
Tags: AllSaints Pop-Up Shop, Chicago AllSaints, Chicago Festivals, Chicago Shopping, Wicker Park Fest
Eye Spy: Oliver Peoples Opens in the Gold Coast
Posted on July 21st, 2011 by Rebecca Taras
Whether you’re looking to protect your peepers from the sun, or desperately need that second set of eyes, Oliver Peoples (941 Rush St., 312-266-9000) recently opened up shop in the heart of the Gold Coast right next to Hermès near the Oak and Rush intersection in the heart of the Gold Coast. The stylish eyewear has been seen on celebs like Katie Holmes, Kanye West, and Angelina Jolie, which is reason enough to check it out.
The new Chicago boutique boasts a large selection of hand-crafted optical frames and sunglasses from the three iconic brands that make up the Oliver Peoples portfolio: Oliver Peoples Eyewear, Paul Smith Spectacles, and Mosley Tribes. Not sure where to start? An onsite optician is on hand to provide consultations and assist with custom frame fittings and prescription services.
Nothing against t-shirts or key chains, but if you’re looking for an alternative (and more stylish) Chicago souvenir, then pick up a pair of the exclusive, limited-edition aviator sunglasses ($595) designed in honor of the grand opening and sold exclusively at the Chicago boutique. The Oliver Peoples “Heart” Chicago Benedict features a luxe 24k white gold, polarized glass lens with a custom breathe logo.
Tags: Chicago Glasses, Chicago Oliver Peoples, Chicago Shopping, Chicago Sunglasses, Gold Coast Shopping
C’mon, Get Healthy
Posted on July 18th, 2011 by Amber Holst
Marbles: The Brain Store opens on the fourth floor of Water Tower Place tomorrow, July 19, joining the likes of other family-focused retailers including American Girl Place and LEGO.
“The addition of Marbles gives Water Tower Place a stronghold on family shopping, dining and entertainment along the Magnificent Mile,” said Mitchell Feldman, senior general manager of Water Tower Place. “These retailers appreciate the tremendous foot traffic that our center attracts – both from local shoppers and out-of-town visitors – and the family-friendly atmosphere that our center provides.”
The new Marbles store at Water Tower Place is the company’s sixth in the greater Chicagoland area. Occupying 884-square-feet, the new location features a unique collection of more than 200 hand-picked, expert-tested products that offer fun ways to strengthen and entertain the brain.
Marbles’ approach is interactive, with trained brain coaches on site to help customers find the right products for them. For more information about Marbles: The Brain Store, visit www.marblesthebrainstore.com.
Tags: Chicago Shopping, Family Friendly, magnificent mile, Marbles: The Brain Store, Specialty Stores, Water Tower Place
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