With years of retail experience under their belts and a passion for vintage seen in their collection of rotary phones and typewriters, Ellen and Carlos have created a huge haven for the accessories enthusiast.  If vintage is your thing or if you’re looking for a unique piece to make an outfit pop you will absolutely find it here. When asked about her favorite item in her closet, Ellen confessed that it was a vintage Japanese silk jacket bought at a show that she initially wanted to display at the shop but decided to display it in her own closet instead.

Everyone who steps down into Vintage Underground is greeted with a sign that exclaims, “Come Down, It’s Fun!” The owners want to ensure that everyone who enters their vintage retreat has a unique and wonderful experience. You can sign up for their email list to receive emails about any of the fun events that have coming up including discounts, or wine and cheese parties. Of course, if you grab a ticket for You Just Shop’s upcoming vintage tour you can experience this firsthand with a 15% discount the day of the tour!

“We’ll always have Paris.”  Possibly one of the most romantic movies of our time, Casablanca captures the timeless romance Paris is known for throughout the world.  Therefore,  it is only fitting that the store with the Midwest’s largest selection of wedding accessories and bridal shoes would have French-inspired flare.  The Left Bank, Chicago’s own Parisian inspired paradise is owned and operated by Susan Jablonski, who has grown the business tremendously.

Sign up for our Webster Wedding Walk to receive a 10% discount at the Left Bank and other participating boutiques!

Susan understand how important it is for brides to feel especially striking on their big day, which is why she has scoured Europe looking for the perfect pieces.  Whether you are looking for vintage inspired bling for your ’something old’ or a tiara for your inner-princess, the Left Bank carries the most exquisite accessories around.  Many of them are by carefully selected local artisans or Susan’s travels to Paris.

Due to Susan’s keen eye for detail and knack for helping brides, she is also a registered event and wedding planner.  She loves working with clients and listening to their unique love stories and building an event that perfectly suits them.  For tricks of the trade and tips for weddings, you can visit the Left Bank blog or to shop online, or contact the ladies of Left Bank, check out their website.

Erin Gallagher is the perfect place for men struggling to create an original piece for their special someone, gals in the know who want to showcase their personal style with a one-of-a-kind gem, and of course, brides who want to create the perfect look for their bridal party.  With accessories ranging from $50 to $1000, Erin Gallagher accommodates a great look for any check book.  The entire EG Team is so very helpful they are great reminders as to why it is great to shop local and support local artists.

Erin Gallagher is also available for jewelry parties!  Host one at home, at the office, or bring 10 girlfriends to her store after hours to create your own masterpiece from their over 25 styles and hundreds of gems.  Or if you’re active in a charity, host a Robin Hood event where a portion of the proceeds goes towards that charity.

Erin was inspired to create beautiful things at a young age by her mother, an interior designer.  Together they started designing jewelry and within a year had pieces at Bloomingdales and were celebrating a wonderful, dynamic partnership.  Erin then tragically lost her mother to cancer but was motivated to continue designing by the memory of her mother and the values instilled by her.

Just recently Erin moved her first retail location from the West Loop to Lincoln Park where she and her team are anxiously awaiting their grand opening on Webster Street – scheduled for April 1^st!

Celebrate your unique femininity in Erin’s fun, fabulous space that does her family proud.

Erin Gallager

1013 W. Webster

866-582-6709

www.egjewelry.com and http://eringallagher.wordpress.com/

Grab your girlfriends for a create-your-own lingerie party with EvLove Intimates! Everything from luxury panties, camis and lounge-wear can be customized to fit your personal style.

Owner, Jenny Dombrowski, will take you through her extensive line of sensual lingeire then you can let your inner designer shine through.  There are thousands of options to choose from so there is something for everyone.  Nothing in the line is over $100 so you won’t break the bank either!

If you’re looking for an exciting and new way to celebrate your bachelorette party, or a girls night out, book your party with EvLove Intimates now.

For more information click on the video link: EvLove Intimates

Sheila Kelly was inspired to create S Factor after learning sensual dancing for a film she produced and starred in called The Blue Iguana.  She realized that by teaching the art of pole dancing and sensual movement she could help women feel more confident about their bodies and also improve their physical fitness.  Every month this year, S factor will have Level One classes for women to discover their sexy, inner power.  Their most popular class is the 8-week Original Series of dance classes – sign up now and you’ll be ready to hit the dance floor for all of your summer weddings!

Heather Grajdura is the studio manager at the Chicago location in the West Loop.  When not helping the women of Chicago become more sexy and toned she can be found picking out fresh produce at her favorite local, sustainable market Green Grocer, or strutting her stuff in 8-inch black stilettos – hopefully not while wearing the stilettos!

Check out their website today to sign up for an intro class, and check out their weekly “what’s hot” item.  Use the code “justsexy” now through April 31st, 2010 for 50% off your Intro, plus a side-tie g-string embossed with our signature “S”!  S Factor is located at 1400 W. Hubbard or you can check out the schedule at www.sfactor.com or (312)  492-7596.

Our first shopping showcase is G Boutique. G Boutique is a locally owned shop offering all things pleasureful. It opened because owners, Cheryl and Kari, felt like there were no places in the city where women could go to seek out advice, apparel, or accessories related to their sexuality. The store was founded as a space for women to feel comfortable searching for ways to satisfy themselves and their partners in a happy, safe sex life. Anything from demure lace nighties to sexy satin teddies can be found in this one-of-a-kind Chicago boutique. Or if you’re looking to add a little spice to your experience this year, they also carry a wide range of toys such as the We-Vibe, The Magic Banana and The Pleasure Commander. Looking for something new and different for your girlfriends do? Check out their class schedule and see if any of the offerings are right for you. This year G Boutique will be expanding their class offerings to include Latin Dancing, DIY sex toys, make your own pasties and more. Stop in now or anytime in February, mention You Just Shop, and save 10% on any lingerie purchase. Stay tuned to hear more about our next business that will help you love your body and have fun doing so!

G Boutique is located at 2131 N. Damen Ave in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood.  They can be reached at 773.235. 1234 or visit their website at www.boutiqueg.com to learn more about them!

• 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.

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!