I admit that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. One day is all about food, family and football and then the day right after is all about shopping! What better way to get over your food coma and burn off a few of those pumpkin pie calories than a little retail therapy. We have compiled a list of the best Black Friday deals and upcoming shopping events to make your holiday shopping fun and easy! So leave the skinny jeans at home, break out the stretchy leggings and hit the streets this Friday!

• Shopping for the man in your life has probably never been easy, but fortunately, Melissa Nelson (owner of M2 Boutique on Southport) recognized this and opened a new store, M4Men, on Southport to help you out. To celebrate Black Friday, Melissa will be opening M4Men and M2 1 hour early at 10 a.m. and offering a 20%discount on everything black. (M4Men – 3525 N. Southport Ave., 773.698-6407; M2 – 3527 N. Southport Ave., 773.248-9866)
• More of Westside gal? No need to fret, there are many stores in Bucktown and Wicker Park offering fabulous deals too! Start your morning at Pump shoes (1659 W. Division St., opens at 11) where you can save 20% off shoes and boots all weekend….and on Friday only, 40% off your second pair, 50% off your 3rd pair, ok, I think you got it!
• Strut in your new boots down to Le Dress (1741 W. Division St.) where you can save up to 40% starting at 10 a.m.
• Had enough yet? Yeah, didn’t think so. Mosey on up to Beta Boutique (2016 W. Concord St.) where they are celebrating Black Friday by giving you a 20% discount on all black dresses in the store.
• Last but definitely not least, head on down to the West Loop where Bess and Loie is hosting a final sale “Black Friday Flea” where all merchandise will be discounted 50%-90%. The store closes its doors that day at 7 PM.
• Just in case your shopping isn’t taken care of on Friday, there are plenty more shopping events coming up in Chicago. The first of which is Shop IN Chicago hosted by CeCe and Melinda of Raymi Productions. Check out designs and accessories by premier Chicago designers at the legendary Drake Hotel. (Wednesday, December 2nd 5 p.m – 9 p.m., 140 E. Walton Place.)
• December 3-6, The Merchandise Mart hosts the annual One-of-a-Kind show where over 500 designers and artists will set up shop for the weekend to help you find gifts for those people who already have anything.

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Posted under Gems of the Month

Jan Bacigalupo's Fabulous Designs

Earlier this week I had an opportunity to do a few of my favorite things.  Spend time with friends, sip wine and shop the wonderful designs of Jan Bacigalupo of Voyageur Trade Goods.

Jan’s designs were on display at a private jewelry showing and I have to admit that I didn’t leave empty handed!  Jan’s unique mix of metals and hard-to-find gem stones are truly amazing.  Her designs can be worn with a pair of jeans or dressed up for a night out on the town.

Jan’s pieces can be purchased at several local boutiques or through private showings.  If you have a chance to purchase her designs, either for yourself or as  a holiday gift, you can’t go wrong.

Happy Shopping!

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Posted under Gems of the Month