The racks and shelves (just north of Purgatory Pizza) are full of retro clothes, shoes, jeans, pea coats, accessories, and more. While most of the customers found perusing here don’t look like they even remember the ‘80s, they appreciate the quirky store for its old trading cards (“Saved by the Bell”?!), button-pins, and hundreds of iron-on T-shirt decals.

And just in case you don’t find a design you like, or you have one of your very own you want on a shirt, you can have it custom-made for you! To match, the store also has some great graffiti-art baseball caps and an extensive collection of old-school Vans and Converse.

So even if I don’t “get it,” you can probably get it at Strange Cargo.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) lobstar28

Strange Cargo: 3448 N Clark St; 773-327-8090
Mon – Fri: 11:30 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Sat: 11:00 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Sun: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Street parking difficult
Public trans: Bus # 8, 22, 152
http://www.strangecargo.com/

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

If you’re a man looking for the best of the best, make a stop at Nieman Marcus. Here you can find shirts by Stefano Ricci that go far beyond your average dress shirt. Hand-stitched by nuns in Italy, this excellent piece of tailoring will run you about $650.

And if you’re looking good, you probably want to smell good too. Clive Christian’s X Pure is a spicy, woody fragrance that comes in a 1-ounce, handmade crystal bottle with 24-karat gold-plated sterling silver collar. It sells for $850, and that’s without the optional brilliant-cut diamond.

At home, you’re not going to impress your, um, evening guests with bedsheets you’ve had since college. Frette Boutique on Oak Street features a historic line of Italian bedding which have been found on the Titanic and the Orient Express. Frette sheets have even been found in the Vatican! So if they’re good enough for His Holiness, they’ll be great for your slightly more sinful activities. A bed set (top sheet, bottom sheet, two pillowcases) can go for as much as $2400, and that doesn’t even include the pure cashmere blanket ($5800) or the silk light quilt ($4200)! Of course, special sheets require special care. A 17-ounce bottle of scented ironing water runs for about $45.

When it finally comes time to sign the bill from all that shopping, you don’t want to use a boring pen from the office supplies store. Century Pens has pens that range from $25 to more than $10,000. And the fountain pen actually has Midwestern roots. Lewis Edson Waterman actually invented the capillary feed fountain pen at his brother’s work shop in Kankakee, about an hour south of Chicago.

It just goes to show, men are just as capable as women when it comes to living and shopping extravagantly.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) polomex (1, 2, 3)

Nieman Marcus: 737 N Michigan Ave; 312-642-5900; 800-642-4480
Mon – Fri: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sat: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sun: 12 noon – 6:00 p.m.
Parking pay lot
Public trans: Bus # 3, X4, 10, 26, 125, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 151 or Red Line train (Chicago)
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/

Frette: 41 E Oak St; 312-649-3744
Mon – Sat: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sun: 12 noon – 5:00 p.m.
Street parking difficult
Public trans: Bus # 36
http://www.frette.com/

Century Pens: 231 S LaSalle St; 312-251-1090
Mon – Fri: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Public trans: Bus # 1, 7, X28, 126, 134, 135, 136, 151, 156
Brown/Purple/Pink/Orange Line train (Quincy)
http://www.centurypenschicago.com/

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

At downtown’s Oak Street (near Le Colonial), you don’t have to look far to find high-end beauty treatments. One hot new trend for hair is long, luxurious locks. However, almost every time you see a celebrity with lusciously long hair, it’s being “assisted.” You can get the celeb treatment right here in Chicago, but it may cost you a penny or two. Salon Mor offers the full Great Lengths service for over $3,000. Actual human hair from Indonesia is attached to your own hair and is maintained by stylists for the five months you wear it.

Just a few doors down is another highly-ranked destination in the beauty business: the Marianne Strokirk Salon. Marianne has treated the likes of Maria Shriver, Diane Sawyer, and Hillary Clinton in her career and has appeared on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” As you can imagine, getting a seat in her chair doesn’t come cheap. All new clients pay over $350 for their consultation and quality cut.

After all that treatment to your hair, what about your beautiful face? The Four Seasons Spa is considered one of the most luxurious in the country by Forbes Magazine. Open to the public, you can get a facial that you can’t get anywhere else. The 80-minute “essence of rubies” treatment utilizes oil imported from Dubai infused with rubies. It also includes a three-layer mask and relaxing massage techniques. Pampering yourself with this lavish treatment will run you $225.

Now that you’ve gussied up your hair and face, you can’t go out wearing the same old dress now, can you? Fine fashion is a must. At the Plaza Escada on Michigan Avenue (across from the John Hancock Center), you’ll find some of the most extravagant (and expensive) looks around. While the store claims to have something for people of “all walks of life,” they also make it known that they only carry “the best of the best.” Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Catherine Zeta Jones, Bette Davis, and Katherine Heigl have all been known to wear Escada fashions on the red carpet. You too can look like a movie star in these gowns, which can cost as much as $12,000. Want something a bit more casual? Try the Escada Couture jeans hand-beaded with Swarovski crystals on for size. They retail for $10,000.

While you’re on the Magnificent Mile, make a stop at Saks Fifth Avenue (across from the Apple Store). You can find one of the hottest names in shoes here: Jimmy Choo. You can take home a pair of heeled snakeskin sandals for just $1,295. Or get yourself a purse that may be worth more than the money you’ll keep in it! You can currently pre-order a Bottega Veneta tote for over $5,000. Or book a personal shopper for the afternoon and have him/her browse through names like Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, and Prada for you.

And finally, everyone knows that there is only one place to go to complete the high-fashion look: Tiffany & Co., where it’s all about that little blue box. You can slip on a ring with round pink sapphires and round diamonds set in platinum for over $7,500. And you’ve heard of and may even own a pearl necklace, but what about a diamond necklace? A necklace of emerald-cut diamonds in platinum retails at $1.25 million.

Even if your budget doesn’t allow for such grand expenses, you can at least have fun doing some haute window shopping.

Photo credit: (c/o SXC) elvis santana, (c/o Flickr) six steps, cammom

Salon Mor: 49 E Oak St; 312-573-0626
Tues – Sat: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Parking pay lot
Public trans: Bus # 36
http://www.salonmor.com/

Marianne Strokirk Salon: 41 E Oak St; 312-640-0101
Tues, Fri: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Weds: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thurs: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sat: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Parking pay lot
Public trans: Bus # 36
http://www.mariannestrokirk.com/

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Spa: 120 E Delaware Pl; 312-280-8800
Daily: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Street parking difficult, valet available
Public trans: Bus # 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 151
http://www.fourseasons.com/chicagofs/spa.html

Plaza Escada: 840 N Michigan Ave; 312-915-0500
Mon – Sat: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sun: 12 noon – 5:00 p.m.
Parking pay lot
Public trans: Bus # 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 151 or Red Line train (Chicago)
http://www.escada.com/

Saks Fifth Avenue: 700 N Michigan Ave; 312-944-6500
Mon – Sat: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sun: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Parking pay lot
Public trans: Bus # 3, X4, 10, 26, 125, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 151 or Red Line train (Chicago)
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/

Tiffany & Co.: 730 N Michigan Ave; 312-944-7500
Mon – Weds, Fri – Sat: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thurs: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sun: 12 noon – 5:00 p.m.
Public trans: Bus # 3, X4, 10, 26, 125, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 151 or Red Line train (Chicago)
http://www.tiffany.com/

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

• The 24^th Annual Chicago Latino Film Festival features more than 100 short, animated, documentary, and feature films from the United States, Portugal, Mexico, Argentina, and Spain. Screenings take place in several venues across the city and explore politics, race, sex, and social issues. (Apr 4-16)

• Doug Benson, as seen on VH1’s Best Week Ever, will be appearing at Lakeshore Theater. (Apr 4-5)

• “Boys will be boys…” but not here! Circuit Night Club will be hosting The Chicago Boi and Gurl Toiz Drag King Show. (Apr 4)

• From 10 a.m. to 1p.m. on Saturday, Steven Rosengard of Project Runway will offer fashion tips while retailers show off their wedding-related products at Breakfast for the Bride at Erin Gallagher. Brides-to-be can enter to win a free wedding, while the first 50 attendees will receive gift bags. RSVP to breakfastforthebride@lizkorespr.com (Apr 5)

• La Madia is hosting a “Perfect Pizzas and Tuscan Red Wines” Class, where you can learn how to make margherita and taleggio pizza and get tips on wine pairings. (Apr 5)

• Christopher Knight and Adrianne Curry, the stars of VH1’s My Fair Brady, host Rednofive’s ten-year anniversary bash, featuring a “disco divas”-themed fashion show. (Apr 5)

• The all-female troupe Extra Rib presents Uterus or Against Us, a sketch comedy set at Donny’s Skybox Theatre. (Saturdays through May 10)

• The Run for the Cheetah is a 5K run/walk along Lake Michigan to protect endangered animals. (Apr 6)

• The Military Arts Institute offers Punk Rock Yoga, a yoga class for all levels featuring live musical accompaniment. (every Sunday)

Photo credit: Fernando Weberich, Wikipedia

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

When designer Nicole Rairigh gave birth to her first daughter Ashor, her line of mini-wear, a.k.a. Ashor’s Room, was also born. Rairigh had just graduated from fashion school at Columbia College and started making clothes for little Ashor. She began introducing the clothing to various boutiques, and now these locally-designed duds can be found in stores all across the country. All of the screens and patches are hand-sewn and hand-drawn by kids, artists, or Rairigh herself. These hip Bohemian threads, for ages 6 months to 12 years, are very practical and comfortable. The t-shirts are sewn inside-out so that no seams or itchy stitching will upset the little ones’ skin.

Once the kids are all geared up in their stylish threads, they’ll need the perfect shoes to match. Right along Halsted Street in Lincoln Park is Piggy Toes. Owner Jennifer Thomas opened this shoe boutique in 2002 after having a child and noticing that there weren’t many places to buy great shoes for kids. Piggy Toes specializes in European children’s footwear, and Thomas fills the shelves with the greatest and most fashionable of kids’ shoes. Twenty different lines can be found here from infant to junior sizes, including Roberto Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana, and Kenzo by Louis Vuitton. All of the shoes are slick, sassy, and top of the line.

Now kids don’t have to wait until they grow up to wear the great trends of today’s fashion.

For more information on where to find Ashor’s Room apparel, visit http://www.ashorsroom.com/

Piggy Toes: 2205 N Halsted St; 773-281-5583
Mon – Fri: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sat: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sun: 12 noon – 5:00 p.m.
Street parking difficult
Public trans: Bus # 8, 11, 73, 74
http://www.ptoes.com/

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

Owner Jessa Brinkmeyer proves that earth-smart doesn’t have to mean crunch, grungy, or hippie. Her eco-boutique (just north of Red Kiva) is filled with recycled furniture, bamboo flooring, fluorescent bulbs, and toxin-free paint. And the clothes themselves? They’re as “green” as the recycled-metal racks they’re hung on: organic cotton, bamboo, soy, hemp, recycled leather, silk, linen, etc. These are some of the sharpest and slickest earth-conscious apparel you’ve ever seen. Best of all, many of the fabrics here are antibacterial and are especially ideal for those with sensitive skin.

These eco-fashions will have your friends green with envy.

Photo credit: jaylopez

Pivot: 1101 W Fulton Market; 312-243-4754
Tues: 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Weds – Fri: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sat: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sun: 12 noon – 6:00 p.m.
Street parking
Public trans: Bus # X20
http://www.pivotboutique.com/

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

Owner Madame Pilar loves natural things and offers beautiful items for delightful prices. Check out her unique style, exemplified in her handcrafted hip sacks and stylish jewelry. Many of the trinkets incorporate semi-precious stones and encourage chakra healing and wellness. Pilar loves helping customers find what they need, both physically and spiritually. Folks can even come in and choose their own stone, which Pilar will use to make a unique piece of jewelry just for them. There are other miscellaneous things like oils and incense as well as vintage from just about every decade, but it’s the incredible accessories and clothing that keep many patrons coming back again and again.

Stop on by, and treat your soul to a little bling.

Photo credit: Kreative Soul

Kreative Soul: 3744 N Broadway St; 773-975-8199
Winter Hours
Tues: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Weds: 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Thurs: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Fri: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sat: 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sun – Mon: appointment only
Street parking
Public trans: Bus # 8 (end of the line), 36, 151, 152
http://kreativesoulsbypilar.com/

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

• Shane Salois of Cream Wine Company and sommelier Rashed Islam lead a tasting of more than 12 champagnes with appetizer pairings at the Leap Year Champagne Seminar at Viet Bistro. (Feb 29)

• At the Leap Year Celebration at Zocalo, get a flan dessert for $2.29 (in honor of the day 2/29) plus half-price appetizers and live music in the bar. (Feb 29)

• The Leap Year Celebration at Café Penelope features buffalo frog legs, “frog’s leap” martinis, and $1.99 margaritas. (Feb 29)

• Habit, a collective only for emerging designers, is holding a Leap Day Sale with 30% off all winter merchandise. (Feb 29)

• Imperial Motors of Jaguar is holding a First Leap for Charity Gala, including wine, appetizers, live jazz, a silent auction, and a fashion show. (Feb 29)

• Enjoy appetizers, cocktails, dancing, and live music by Toast and Jam at Café Brauer as part of their Leap into Hot Winter Night. (Feb 29)

• For their Leap Year Celebration, Vong’s Thai Kitchen offers specially-priced ($29.08) four-course lunch and dinner menus. (Feb 29)

• Whoo Hoo! Free admission to the Museum of Science and Industry in honor of Leap Day.

Photo credit: nutmeg66, jeffbalke

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

Fortunately, there are plenty of artists out there whose functional and beautiful handmade products can be found at the Renegade Craft Fair. But if you happen to miss the two-day event, no worries. You can find all the screen-printed T-shirts, jewelry, poster prints, and more at Renegade Handmade.

Featuring the work of over 100 artists both local and international, this Wicker Park store (next door to the Milk & Honey Café) was created as an extension of the fair and carries a quirky collection of, well, everything. Purses, camera straps, poster prints, shadow puppets, stuffed animals, stationery…

It’s a handmade heaven.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) consumatron (1, 2), indiaromeo (1, 2)

Renegade Handmade: 1924 W Division St; 773-227-2707
Daily: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Street parking available
Public trans: Bus # 50, 70
http://www.renegadehandmade.com/

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

• Those handsome Chicago calendar firemen will be hitting the town again, this time at Crobar. They’ll be signing autographs, posing for pictures (slightly more clothed this time), and even giving out kisses from a kissing booth. Have a favorite month? Vote for the handsomest hero as the men compete for the title of “Chicago’s Hottest Fireman.” Actor Daniel Sunjata of the FX show “Rescue Me” hosts the party. (Jan 11)

• Chicago Afrobeat Project mixes traditional African beats with contemporary dance music, jazz, and funk. The group will be performing their vibrant music at the House of Blues. (Jan 11)

• Check out an exhibition of anti-car and pro-bicycle photography, sculpture, and paintings created by Chicago Critical Mass. This two-month celebration, entitled Autogeddon Revisited, features three art shows, an auto show protest, and a “punk-polka” concert. (runs through Feb 1)

• Every Friday and Saturday, the Music Box Theatre screens cult classics and film rarities as part of its Midnight Movies program. This weekend, moviegoers can enjoy Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters, based on the late-night TV animated comedy. On Saturday, Clive Barker himself will attend the screening of Hellraiser. (Jan 11-12)

• Veteran members of the Wallenda Family, Ringling Bros, and Cirque du Soleil return to Lookingglass Productions for Hephaestus: A Greek Mythology Circus Tale. This must-see circus event retells the legend of the Greek god of fire on the high wire. (runs through February 24)

• You’ve never seen the Art Institute like this. Take part in the ‘Art Attack’ Scavenger Hunt, and hunt in teams of two for treasures throughout the museum. No prior knowledge about the museum or its contents is necessary. Price, which includes museum admission, is $25.50 per person. (Jan 12, 19)

• At the Handmade Market, you can personally connect with the makers of jewelry, clothing, handbags, journals, greeting cards, and more. Held inside the Empty Bottle, the bar starts serving at 12 noon, so feel free to browse for crafty gifts and accessories with drinks in hand. (Jan 12)

• In 1923, George Bernard Shaw wrote a Nobel Prize-winning dramatization of the life and work of Saint Joan. Playing at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the production features acclaimed Canadian actors Tara Rosling and Ben Carlson. (runs through Jan 20)

Post from: The Chicago Traveler