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 then headed a few blocks East to Lissa on Maxwell, where owner Lissa Shilpley shared her experience owning one of the best boutiques in Chicago.  Another hidden gem that we uncovered is on CanalPort at the studio of Kate Boggiano.  Although not open to the public, Kate opened her studio and let us in on the creative process involved in crafting her custom shirts and dresses.

Last but certainly not least was Wolfbait & B-girls in Logan Square.  The ladies met with co-owner Shirley Kienitz and got the inside scoop on this boutique, which only features Chicago designers and artists.

The ladies ended the day with tasty treats from Swirlz cupcakes.  A perfect ending to a perfect day of learning, shopping and fun!

Check out the video link below of the Inside Design Studio Tour:

http://animoto.com/play/1u3xbz0MOTN0fwtQYvfsyA

“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.

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!

Here are a few things that we have in store for you:

• A new, more interactive website, featuring top Chicago designers and boutiques
• VIP Discounts to some of the best shopping in Chicago
• Shopping events and tours for the savvy fashionista
• Ability to join our exclusive Boutique of the Week club

We look forward to these exciting changes and we can’t wait for you to take the journey with us!

Hand over your list. Harris informs us that some people hate to shop. In those cases (and when time is just too tight), personal shoppers can be sanity savers. “Give them the list,” she says. “They take care of the rest.” In many large department stores (Nordstrom’s, Bloomingdales), personal shopping is free. Call customer service to inquire.

Prepare for emergencies. When you realize you forgot someone, it’s almost always too late to run out to the store. For just that occasion, keep fine chocolates and a few bottles of wine on hand. A stash of tissue and gift bags will seal the deal. Literally.

Squeeze some fun out of it. Use the annual shopping ritual as a device to enjoy quality time with friends. Have breakfast together, plotting out the stores you’ll each hit, then meet up for afternoon tea.

Start early. Notice that Harris said breakfast, not lunch. The time of day you shop can make all the difference. In the early a.m., salespeople are fresh and the crowds thin. Try after work, too, around 7 p.m.

Personalize the impersonal. Gift certificates? That’s so impersonal! Not if buy according to your friends’ personal interests. For the foodies in your life, Chicago Food Planet’s restaurant tours get rave reviews. So do those by the Chicago Architecture Foundation.

Shopping: The gift that keeps on giving. Harris doesn’t mention this, but we will: For the fashionista close to your heart, give a gift certificate for a You Just Shop group shopping tour. The best part: She’ll probably invite you first. (Just saying.)

Do it in your PJs. But think beyond Amazon.com, says Harris. Numerous Chicago boutiques have an online presence (Harris likes Lissa On Maxwell and Shebang), where you’ll find interesting items the likes of which Overstock.com has never seen.

Make life easier in 2010. It’s too late now (sorry), but you can make next December infinitely easier: Buy gifts throughout the year. There are some particularly good months to do this, says Harris. Around Valentine’s and Mother’s days, beauty products are deeply discounted. In one swoop, you can grab mom her bottle of Shalimar and your girlfriend a bottle of Chance.

As always, happy shopping!

• 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!