The jewelry designer Sarah Radford of Chic Gems (312-602-2561; chicgemsetc.com) has long supported various charities, including the cancer support agency Imerman Angels and the charity Aid for AIDS. This month, Radford partners with Angela Rose of PAVE, a national non-profit organization founded in 2001 to raise money for victims of domestic abuse. Shop at Chic Gems virtual trunk show online and enter the discount code “pave” through the end of the month to save 10 percent on any jewelry purchase; 20 percent of proceeds will...
]]>Ever wonder how the green ethos can blend with urban chic? Then check out the new Bucktown gallery and shop 360SEE (1924 N. Damen Ave.; 773-698-6340, 360seegallery.com), a new minimalist space that features one-of-a-kind sculptures and furniture that uses reclaimed materials, such as a coffee table made from the hood of a 1972 Chevy truck. In all, the store showcases the work of 20 artists...
]]>At the end of November, Sonia Barrett, a Wicker Park resident and photographer, launched her handmade jewelry line Damen + Division on the Web at damen-division.com. Barrett’s collection features quirky items such as necklaces made of twisted silk and crimson twine ($125), bejeweled drop earrings (from $40), a skull charm bracelet dotted with gems ($125), and a gold braided headband ($25, now...
]]>Jewelry is a personal business, and the new luxury Oakbrook boutique A. Marek Fine Jewelry (3021 Butterfield Rd., Ste. 108, Oakbrook; 630-954-2662, amarekfinejewelry.com) caters to just that notion. Opened in September, the store greets customers with bejeweled chandeliers, hand-painted wallpaper, and wrought iron gates, but the real star is its inventory of gorgeous jewels. Director Romana Malinowski says, “You’ll find things you never knew existed.” She may be talking about the titanium morning glory brooch encrusted...
]]>Founded in 2007 by the husband-and-wife team Mandy and Tal Moise, the Chicago-born clothing brand vfish is known for comfortable styles that are reasonably priced. Recently, the couple opened their Lincoln Park flagship store (2937 N. Clark St.; 312-423-7839), also serves as their atelier and showroom. We love the preppy-chic Tara Jacket ($120) as well as the sleek Ava...
]]>The Chicago handbag designer Christopher Augmon launched his eponymous handbag line this fall, and his sophisticated designs are now available online at augmon.com. Augmon’s rich leathers lend themselves to his simple and sophisticated shapes; check out the red patent leather London clutch ($460) and his exotic Boa-embossed purse ($985). African, Asian, and Indian influences are subtly...
]]>The new design collective No Coast (1500 W. 17th St.; 312-636-0971, no-coast.org) features both local and international artists in a retail space that brings together one-of-a-kind creations, most selling for less than $50. The store’s inventory is curated on a rotating basis by six to eight members of the collective, who also work full-time from the in-house studios. The space also includes a small performance area frequented by visiting lecturers and musicians. Among the goods, you’ll find...
]]>Two of the city’s salvage experts— Architectural Artifacts and Urban Remains—have joined in a newly opened retail venture, Mongo Home (1753 N. Damen Ave.; 773-486-6200) in Bucktown. The resulting home décor boutique takes goods from the two parent stores and shines them up for consumers who may not want to refinish antiques themselves. “We have free rein with their items,” says Marisa Swystun, a design consultant who works at the shop. Unlike many of the items at the parent stores that are untouched treasures, the...
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