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Blowtique: VOGUE approved Chicago salon will blow you away!
Blowtique is Chicago’s PREMIER blow-out-only salon as featured in VOGUE's Best Dressed Issue!
Catering to the locks that make Chicago fabulous, Blowtique introduces patrons to the idea that a blow-out can be as convenient and as accessible as a polish change.
From "the Sunset" to "the 5th Avenue" (and every stylish street in between), Blowtique tames the manes of women everywhere. Blowtique allows every woman the opportunity to show off the locks they love. From blow-outs for downtown darlings, to "up-styles" for uptown A-listers, Blowtique is the secret behind that fabulous flip or that perfectly polished 'do.
Blowtique is conveniently open 7 days are week at the following times:
Sunday 10am - 6pm; Monday 9am - 6pm; Tuesday - Saturday 9am - 9pm. Click here for more information.
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Jayson Home and Garden: a gardener’s dream
Rarely do we ever see a beautiful garden anywhere in the city but in a park, if we’re lucky, or someone’s back yard. Not so in Lincoln Park’s Jayson Home and Garden. Unlike cookie-cutter gardening stores, like Home Depot, this gardening oasis is an absolute delight to all the senses, particularly in their outdoor garden store. Even though they’ve cut back recently in their floral selection, Jayson Home and Garden offers top-notch plants as well as decor for inside and outside the home. Don’t expect to find wilting perennials here; rather this gardening store draws patrons in with a plethora of blooming flowers, and keeps you there -- if only to browse -- with unique and beautiful pieces.
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String a Strand in the Southport Corridor
The Southport corridor isn’t just about clothing boutiques. String A Strand joined the neighborhood this Spring and offers a variety of beads, gems, and stones to make--as the store’s name implies--a strand of jewelry. The store first opened on Wells Street in Old Town, and the owners were approached about opening another store on Southport. They jumped at the chance, and now both locations offer individual beads as well as pre-grouped ones for those who want some help making their own. All of the beads come in all shape and sizes, as well as different colors at only 25 cents a piece. String a Strand also sells already-made jewelry.
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Glam up your home with Salvage One historical pieces
Step into Salvage One and step back into history. There’s four floors of treasure here, and this isn’t your grandmother’s yard sale by any means. All the salvaged antiques are organized in some sort of fashion, partially because this beautiful store also hosts weddings on two of its floors (or the garden, if Chicago weather is right). Like what you see dangling from the ceiling? Chances are, those chandeliers are for sale, too. After all, no space goes to waste in Salvage One, including in the garden, which is complete with bathtubs that function as plant holders.
The salvage shop is only open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
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Julia Allison Shops Sofia
An independent boutique nestled in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast, Sofia brings to you an eclectic, hand-picked collection of clothing, shoes and accessories. Dedicated to showcasing collections from emerging fresh talent as well as the best vintage pieces from established designers, Sofia has quickly become a true gem in Chicago’s fashion market. Named after the impeccable and unforgettable actress, Sophia Loren, Sofia embodies the universal style icon’s qualities – beauty, class and glamour. Sofia encourages their customers to “live lovely” by embracing the beauty of who they are and taking chances in both life and fashion.
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Time Treasures: Back to the Future
In a time when it's hip to be old school (what with the economy and all), it's better to preserve your classics and opt for long standing treasures in lieu of trends du jour. Alas, Chicagoans who do so invest in antiques or reupholster their current furniture when they want a new look.
Time Treasures may be a bit off the beaten path (at Irving and Austin) but it is the spot to get inspired by European antiques and amazing mirrors and accessories (many which end up in the hippest restaurants in the city). They specialize in pieces from the 1800s to 1940s and yet can reupholster any piece you currently own to a brand new look!
Half the fun of visiting this store is interacting with the colorful owners - Jacek Kafel Sr. who was a rock star in his hey day in hometown Krakow, Poland and Creative Director, Anna Phillips - his daughter is known for becoming instant friends with her customers for her charm can not be beat!
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Jonathan Adler Practically Shops for You
practically sing "Come In!" from the windows of the Jonathan Adler boutique on N. Wabash Street in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Inside it only gets brighter, happier and more inspiring to shop!
Hot items you'll find - and which you'll have a hard time parting with unless you buy one for yourself- include: the ever-famous Muse Votive candles available in two sizes (go on, get the bigger one for yourself), the funky Queen Anne mirror, and of course, the too-cool throw pillows featuring sayings, designs of all sorts, and engraved letters.
If you need something smaller, you'll find it here, too. The boutique makes shopping easy with incremented suggestions starting at $50 and under as well as suggestions for the host/hostess, Hanukkah and young ones.
Thinking you're in a pinch for shopping is no longer an excuse - thank you Jonathan.
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Love is in the Air at the Spa at Trump
by a personal "Spa Attache." For those overwhelmed by the indulgent choices on the menu of services (which even includes candlelight yoga classes), leave it to the Attache to help you decide. If it's skin care you crave, let the celeb fave Kate Sommerville Skin Care line and the estheticians soothe you. A favorite of Jessica Alba, Freida Pinto, Molly Sims and Debra Messing, a skin treatment with this stuff will leave you feeling like a celebrity yourself.
Those desiring a little romance get it- and then some- with the couples treatments. Couples can bathe side by side in a rich Andalusian milk bath as they do in Spain, lather up with gemstone infused oils and unwind with "diamond massage oils" or "sapphire gemstone oils" during their massage. To keep that warm feeling, a glass of Spanish wine is also included. If bubbly is more your fancy, The Spa at Trump also serves Champagne, music, and aphrodisiacs for those who wish for it, and aromatherapy and blanket wraps to truly escape from reality.
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Escape to the Italian Riviera at Fuga Salon & Spa
pa, which is the mastermind of Italiano Antonio Favaro when he arrived in the States just two years ago with one intention: provide the people of Chicago with a quick escape to Italy.
For starters take the complimentary espresso and panino coming straight from the spa's very own Italian espresso bar. From there look ond pick your pleasure. The Fuga signature facial with Mediterranean essential oils is a favorite or maybe the "Juliet" is more your thing with more powerful resources like retinol and enzymes. For men, try the Cassanova facial to clear your mind (and your pores).
Here the world is really your Italian oyster. Massages (everything from sports to lymphatic), cellulite treatments, body wraps, waxing and top-notch hair design services will leave everyone with a little bit of Sophia Loren in them. Mamma mia!