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!

“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/

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.

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!

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!