The Chicago Traveler

We’ve all heard of the term “retail therapy,” shopping for the purpose of improving your mood. Often, shopping while you’re feeling down has less to do about what you’re buying but rather how those purchases make you feel.
Shopping for gifts at Virtu is an incredibly soothing experience. Soft music plays as you browse through fine-quality artisan wares. This charming gift shop (across the street from Red Dog House) carries “a curious collection of fine craft,” with everything from hand-carved spoons to ceramic tea sets. A wide variety of handmade jewelry is available from designers all over the country, and elegant …read more

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You’ve probably been making sacrifices with your budget in today’s economy, but many of us have a few indulgences we just can’t do without. There are many Chicago locales where you can find the hottest trends and must-haves in beauty and fashion that are on every well-pampered lady’s list.
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 …read more

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• RedEye columnist Mark Bazer hosts “The Interview Show” at Hideout, where a variety of guests (including musicians, comedians, authors, and more) share their thoughts. (Every first Friday)
• The indoor-outdoor 23rd annual Irish-American Heritage Festival features live Irish music on five stages, folk dancing, food, arts and crafts vendors, and a raffle for a trip to Ireland. (July 11-13)
• You can browse through wood carvings, paintings, and jewelry from Asia, Africa, and Europe at the Black Thai International Arts and Crafts Fest in the West Loop. (July 9-11, Aug 6-8, Sept 3-5)
• More than 200 painters, sculptors, photographers, street musicians, …read more

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• Meet other cyclists at the Daley Plaza for the Bike to Work Rally, which includes live music, free t-shirts, and raffle prizes. (June 13)
• Celebrate Puerto Rican culture at the Fiesta Puertorriquenas in Humboldt Park, featuring crafts, food, live music, and dancing. The festival’s high point is the Puerto Rican Day Parade on Saturday along Columbus Drive, from Balbo Drive to Monroe Street. (June 12-15)
• Festa Pasta Vino is an annual celebration of Italian food, family, and culture, featuring authentic cuisine from local restaurants, cooking demonstrations, parades, and live music. (June 12-15)
• Meet paranormal radio show host Edward Shanahan, …read more

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They say that “clothes make the man.” Perhaps the other half of that should be “but accessories make the woman.” After all, what good is a great outfit if you have nothing to complement it with? Luckily for you, Chicago-based designer Erin Gallagher has opened a shop of her very own.
Gallagher’s designs and creations have been featured in boutiques around the city for years, but now she has her very own store where you can check out her earrings, bracelets, rings, necklaces, and more. In the front section of the shop, you’ll find the designer’s collection of ready-made jewelry, including …read more

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The next few weeks are full of holidays: Passover, Earth Day, Arbor Day, May Day, Cinco de Mayo, Mothers’ Day… No Socks Day? Whatever you’re celebrating, commemorate it with a card from Anjénu.
Ingénue (an-zhuh-noo) refers to the role of a naïve, innocent girl in a dramatic production. Anjénu brings back the innocence of a handmade card with incredibly artistry. The store specializes in custom invitations and announcements, but you’ll also find an assortment of stationery, journals, and cards for every occasion. Hallmark may dominate the market, but Anjénu offers high quality with a personal touch. Jewelry from more than a …read more

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• Jerry Seinfeld will be performing his stand-up routine at The Chicago Theatre. (Apr 11-12)
• At the Ibeji African Market Days, you can browse through handmade baskets, handbags, silk scarves, silver jewelry, and more on the ground floor of the James R. Thompson State of Illinois Center. Profits benefit orphans and women with HIV/AIDS in Africa. (Apr 10-11, e-mail)
• Support mentoring programs for local high school students at Spring for the Students: The Minds Matter of Chicago Spring Fundraiser. The event includes an open bar, appetizers, and auctions. (Apr 11)
• Ever wonder what your pet is thinking? Bring your pet …read more

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In the Lakeview neighborhood (around the corner from North End), there’s a little boutique called Kreative Soul. If you’re looking for accessories that will complement both your body and your aura, this is the place to be.
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 …read more

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Some moms save everything. Book reports, baby teeth, art projects… but if your little Picasso’s creations are starting to wallpaper your refrigerator, it may be time to talk to Susan Fleming at Stitch (just south of Hot Chocolate).
Watercolors, crayons, pencil scribbles: Susan has seen it all. She’ll shrink it all down to a manageable size and even make a cute necklace or keychain out of it in two to four weeks. Now you can carry those unique works of art with you wherever you go. They’re set in sterling silver and coated with protective resin, so they’ll last long enough …read more

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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Whether you’re lovesick or sick of love, there’s something in town for you.
• Your date’s a little crabby, but you love him/her nonetheless. Why not go out for a little crabbiness you can both handle? Sam Houston’s Charhouse is offering four celebrated entrées, including a full serving of Alaskan king crab legs. Another option is the Mixed Grill with a 6-oz prime top sirloin, rotisserie chicken breast, and grilled shrimp scampi. (4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., menu prices) (map) (link)
• Oysters are widely known for their aphrodisiac qualities. Shaw’s Crab House has a …read more

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