One of my most memorable moments was in high school when I was visiting my grandparents. My grandparents haven’t thrown anything away since 1965 – including frozen food, canned food and probably beer, and of course, clothing. On this specific day my cousin and I were poking around in their basement – home of hidden treasures – and happened to find garbage bags full of clothing that had belonged to my uncle before, during and after his miliary career. In those bags I was able to restock my wardrobe with old school Levi jeans and fantastic ringer tees – which paired perfectly with my oversized flannel shirts and chuck taylor tennis shoes. Arguably not the most flattering look for girls of the ’90s, but stylish nonetheless.

Since that time, I have rocked bright orange bell bottoms worn by my mother and brooches that belonged to my grandmother. I have learned that vintage, when done properly, can be a unique (and sometimes cost effective) way of expressing yourself. Which is why You Just Shop is dedicating the month of June to some of Chicago’s best vintage stores concluding with a tour (including discounts!) showcasing these nostalgic gems. The shops featured carry everything from 80’s neon to suits that Jackie Onassis would have coveted.  Scared to wear vintage clothing?  Then settle for fantastic accessories. We will have a stylist on the tour helping you with the best way to modernize vintage pieces making this tour a perfect for vintage rookies or mavens.

Check back often to read about these shops that specialize in different time periods, and their owner’s vision.  Hope to see you on June 26th!

Join us on November 4th, with local designers Crescendo Apparel, Kate Boggiano and Juliet Jewelry at Sutton Place Hotel for shopping, wine and treats!

Register at:  Eventbrite

Learn more about the designers:

• www.crescendoapparel.com
• www.kateboggiano.com
• www.julietjewelry.com

Who doesn’t love fashion and most of all who doesn’t love the fashion sported by the celebs on Gossip Girls!

On Monday, September 14,  You Just Shop and writer extraordinaire Jen Luby will host an exciting launch party for the new site, You Know You Love Fashion–A witty Gossip Girl fashion blog.

This is more than just a party!  This event will feature a fashion show, yummy appetizers and drinks plus we’ll watch the premiere of Gossip Girl.

If you’re a fan of Gossip Girl, join in on the fun and fashion!

Who: Fashion and Gossip Girl fans
What: Launch Party for You Know You Love Fashion
Where: Red Canary 695 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, IL
When: September 14, 2009 @ 7:30; $15 advance, $20 at door
Why: Fun, Fashion and Gossip Girl!

We had a wonderful time at some of the best dessert shops and boutiques in Chicago.  The ladies sampled tasty treats from Sarah’s Pastries and champagne truffles from Tseucher’s of Switzerland.  We even had “happy hour” at More Cupcakes!  Their tasty drink inspired cupcakes had us all crazing for more. 

Let’s not forget the shopping!  Luca Luca was our first stop with their beautifully crafted Italian collection.  Then off to Aritzia, where the ladies received expert style advice and last but certainly not least was Chicago-based Akira.  The red carpet was rolled out and the ladies received great swag bags, wine and more sweet treats.

What a great way to start off the weekend or any day of the week!

Savy shopper looks great in Orlando's design

The ladies had an opportunity to meet 1:1 with Orlando for style advice and try on his stylish collection of dresses.  Everyone had a great time and it was hard to leave empty handed!  I know I didn’t (smile)!

Stay tuned for more exciting excursions and events featuring Chicago designers and studios!

We’ll taste delectable desserts at Sarah’s Pastries and Candies,  nibble on tasty truffles from Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland and indulge interesting flavors such as the BLT cupcake at More Cupcakes. 

In between our chocolate comma, we’ll stop by Luca Luca for the latest in high Italian fashion then onward to Water Tower to shop at the hip new boutique Aritzia.  We’ll end the tour with swag bags, champagne and style advice from one of our favorite Chicago-based boutiques, Akira.

So come join the fun and kick off the weekend the right way with sweets, treats and shopping!

We’ll sip tasty wines, savor delectable chocolates from Katherine Anne Confections and shop Orlando’s fabulous dress collection.  This event is not be be missed!

What: Wine & Design
Where: Orlando Espinoza Studio @ 1922 S Halsted, Chicago, Il
Why: Who needs a reason to eat truffles and shop?

Please RSVP at info@youjustshop.com or 312-523-9500

Deliciously Vintage boutique (1720 S. Halsted, Chicago) will host a vintage shopping event June 27-28, 2009  from 1-8.

Deliciously Vintage, Tembis Boutique and Tres Belle, three of Chicago’s best vintage boutiques have joined to bring you “V”.   A Vintage fashion and style shopping event.

These 3 boutiques have combined their collection for an exclusive and fun shopping event for the true vintage fans!

Deliciously Vintage
1747 S. Halsted St.
Chicago, Il 60608
www.dvchicago.com
Cocktails & Hors D’oeuvres
Gift Raffle
$10 Donation Suggested (A portionof proceeds to benefit local charities)

This is a must for all who love vintage!

Guests had the opportunity to taste delectable chocolates from Hershey’s, Sara’s Pastries & Candies and Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland.  While at Hershey’s, we got a behind the scenes at how all those delectable chocolates are made.

To burn off some of those calories and exercise our wallets, we hit a few boutiques along the way.  We were warmly greeted and given great fashion insights from the women at Max Studio (900 N. Michigan Ave.).  We then headed north to Oak Street and stopped by Luca Luca, where we were in fashion heaven with the beautiful colors and fabrics of Spring.

We also uncovered some new Chicago designers along our route. Leslie Pozen of Ellu handbags (www.ellubags.com) showed off her fabulous collection of custom handbags while we nibbled on champagne truffles!  New jewlery designer Tara Woodward displayed her beautiful rings, necklaces and bracelets.

I have to admit that I didn’t leave hungry OR empty handed!

You Just Shop & Chicago Chocolate Tours have more excursions planned so come hungry AND ready to shop!