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/

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!