The Chicago Traveler

• The 11th Annual Chicago Art Open presents drawings, paintings, photographs, and more by nearly 300 artists at Merchandise Mart. (ends Oct 19)
• Several local spas are taking part in the Pretty in Pink Fundraiser and offering fixed-price ($31) massages, facials, and other beauty treatments. Every participating spa and salon has made a donation to Breast Cancer Network of Strength. Be sure to mention “Pretty in Pink” when booking your appointment. (ends Oct 31)
• Want to see something spooky? Take the Chicago Hauntings Ghost Tour, featuring Hull House, the sites of the St Valentine’s Day Massacre and Eastland Disaster, and …read more

Comments Off

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

Comments Off

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

2 Comments

I began shaving my head years ago, so I don’t have much to worry about when it comes to hair styling. However, if your bangs could use a boost, stop by the Taylor Reese Salon.
Originally located in Highland Park, the hair salon opened a spot in Chicago’s Gold Coast. The talented staff here specializes in blowouts, dry cuts, and color, and many of them are from recently closed Mon Ami Coiffeur on Oak Street.
There are seven color and six styling stations available in the 1300-square-foot (121 m2) space with modern and minimalist décor. Likewise, your hair can be arranged just …read more

1 Comment

• Save up to 80% on high-end jeans at The Warehouse Sale, located on the second floor of Navy Pier. At least 20 denim designer labels are available for men and women. Come early and RSVP at http://www.thewarehousesale.com/. (Apr 18-19)
• Spring brings new fashions and accessories to Ultimate Girls’ Night Out. Hosted by Sheque, the ladies-only event at Le Passage & The Drawing Room includes three hours of beauty services, chocolate, Barefoot wine, Rain vodka martinis, and champagne. Beauty services include manicures, massages, makeovers, and eyebrow waxing. Half of all proceeds benefit the International Center of Deafness and the Arts. …read more

Comments Off

Sharing is caring. But sometimes, you need a little Me Time. Or a lot of Me Time. Either way, Beth Bialko at Pelle Sana Salon has got what you—and only YOU—need.
Bialko is a licensed Esthetic instructor and worked as an educator with the International Dermal Institute and Dermalogica, Inc., so she knows her stuff. And she’ll get to know you too via questions about your health, stress levels, current skin products, and more. You’ll then receive a personalized session with all the right cleansers, masks, and creams that will treat all your problem areas. Afterward, Beth will give you instructions …read more

Comments Off

Ahhh, the spa. A massage can be so rejuvenating after an afternoon of schlepping heavy groceries around. But who can afford groceries and a massage?
Now you may not have to sacrifice your bathroom tissue for some deep tissue. SpaForever in Bucktown offers heavenly treatments for down-to-earth prices. Relax in the minimalist lounge before heading to a serene and stylish private room with customized music that fits your mood. You can even bring your own tunes and listen through individual iPod speakers.
Your massage, facial, and/or treatment is designed specifically for your needs, utilizing high-quality, hypo-allergenic products. Several of the services—including …read more

Comments Off

• The Annoyance pays homage to Harrison Ford via Bear Force One. After a series of assassinations, the Secretary of Agriculture becomes the first gay “bear” President of the United States. Now, the terrorists are after him, his partner “cub,” and his new staff! (Fridays, ends Apr 11)
• The 2008 Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in the nation and showcases domestic and imported cars, trucks, and SUVs. Of course, there are also plenty of interesting experimental and concept vehicles to see, too. (Feb 8-17)
• If you’re going to spend a lot of money on a date, maybe …read more

1 Comment

iPod, iPhone, iTunes, iMac, iLife, iWork… iShave?
Your boyfriend’s a great guy, isn’t he? He’d probably give you the shirt off his back. But if that back of his is a little too hairy for your tastes, you might consider buying him an iShave for his next holiday present.
In May, Gre’Jon, LLC of Huntley, Illinois (a little over an hour west of Chicago) launched an extendable ergonomic shaver that can reach all parts of the back with very little effort. Contrary to what they may have you believe, many men are quite conscious of their own appearance and body, and they …read more

Comments Off

Have you ever been out a little too late? Maybe partied a little too hard? That next morning can be awfully rough.
Spas all over the city are now offering some post-reveling recuperation like Luxe in Roscoe Village. The head-to-toe revamp at this full-service beauty spot is simply called the “hangover facial.” The relaxing session here starts with a foot soak next to a cozy fireplace. Then, the skin care specialist begins a manual, lymphatic drainage technique to help release toxins. Cold stone therapy is then applied to increase blood circulation. And to top it all off, reflexology is also offered …read more

2 Comments