5 Winter Looks Perchance Boutique Loves Right Now!

Located in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood is Mary Liz Lehman’s dreamt-up creation and fashionista haven. Perchance Boutique has created a name for itself in the Chicagoland area as an upscale, trendy retailer that offers the best customer service, personal styling, and ultimately matchless shopping experience. The setup of Perchance is themed to look like a modern living room space with a brown, green and white color scheme, armchairs scattered through the store, and unique chandeliers, all helping to keep a light and bright atmosphere. Perchance sells everything from apparel, outerwear, handbags and accessories. With great quality merchandise, just a few of the designers featured are: Alice + Olivia, Generra, Loeffler Randall, and Tucker.

We caught up with them to check out five winter looks they love right now!

Look # 1: “Ladies in Leather”

Wearable Trends: ladylike, leather details, over-the-knee boots

Mackage Leigh Tie-Waist Wool Trench Coat. The Leigh wool trench is the definition of city chic style. It is perfectly tailored for a true ladylike look with the coolness of a supple leather tie-belt and oversized knit collar also echoed at the sleeve. Loeffler Randall Riley Zip Over-the-knee boots. Loeffler Randall upped the ante with the Riley zip back boot for fall/winter 2010! Classic almond toe shape, 1 1/4" leather covered wedge heel, and back zip closure. Extra long shaft and split v top for wearing over the knee or folded down (it’s an entirely new boot under the knee). True luxury and elegance. $825

Look #2: “Work to Weekend”

Wearable Trends: snakeskin print in tights, leather equestrian-style detailing, feminine booties

Black Cynthia Steffe sophisticated jersey dress. High neckline, gathered tie at the waist to achieve a wrap dress look. Accented with leather patches at the shoulders and elbows.

Black suede “Sophie” Booties with signature triangle heel from Loeffler Randall. Gathers at ankle for an easy on-and-off. Covered 3” suede heel and leather sole. $595

Python Tights in Ecrue from Wolford $48


Look #3: “Navy AND Black”

Wearable Trends: Navy, sexy legwear

Ruffle Front Strapless in Midnight by Shoshanna $385 OR Navy Dress, Maiden Double Layer Tank dress by Alice + Olivia $275, Wolford “Rose” Tights in black $55

Look #4: Military Chic

Wearable Trends: Military

We love this look because the jacket is made of sweater fleece yet looks so chic and put together and can be worn with jeans, corduroys or trousers. Gryphon Shrunken Peacoat in Grey $390, AG Corduroy Pants Angel bootcut in dark grey $159, Majestic White Scoop Tee $110

Look #5: “Winter White Warmth”

Wearable Trends: Leather details, wide leg pant

Mackage 'Macy' coat features a novelty button front closure, sheepskin cuffs, leather tie belt at waist and fur trimming at collar and cuff, $890. Black wide leg pants are Alice & Olivia, Eric Aspen Twill pant for $275.

So the next time you are in Chicago, check out Perchance Boutique located at 3512 N. Southport Ave., or shop online at www.perchanceboutique.com!

The 900 Shops Let's You Shop Tax Free!

For more info, visit www.shop900.com/taxfree

Sale at Jimmy Choo!

Attention ladies! Jimmy Choo is having a major sale at their Chicago location (63 E. Oak St.) - 65% off current sale merchandise from Wednesday, July 29- Sunday, August 2nd! All sales are final. Not in Chicago? Visit www.jimmychoo.com to take in the sales! We love the pop of color on this Lexy shoe (in magenta) that is retailing now for $347.50 from a whopping $695.

West Loop Sidewalk Sale This Weekend!

This weekend head out and support Chicago stores and designers by shopping! You'll be rewarded with deep discounts, and you could even pick up a new pet (the following stores will have animals available for adoption through PAWS)!

Stores include: Koros Art & Style (1039 W. Lake), Pivot (1101 W. Fulton Market), Tribeca (1035 W. Madison), 2 Sisters Boutique (1167 W. Madison), Smitten (1041 W. Madison), Erin Galagher Jewelry (1017 W. Lake), Bess & Loie (1015 W. Lake), Fig Tree (1037 W. Madison), The Oprah Store (37 N. Carpenter)!

Cure Your Recession Depression at Shecky's Girls Night Out!

sponsored event:

Shecky's Girls Night Out!

UPCOMING EVENT ALERT

Cure Your Recession Depression at Shecky's Girls Night Out!

Economy got you down? Grab your BFF's and de-stress at Shecky's Girls Night Out – the only event where you can sip complimentary cocktails all night long, grab chic fashions at amazing prices, sample new products and score up to $100 in free swag inside Shecky's Famous Goodie Bag – all under one roof!

Date: Wed.-Fri., Mar. 18th-20th, 2009
Time: 5pm-10pm
Place: The Great Hall at Chicago Union Station 210 S. Canal St. (entrance on Jackson Blvd.)

General Admission Tickets: Free for Shecky's Insiders
(Insiders are subscribers to Shecky's)
Famous Goodie Bag Tickets: $25 in advance

For more info, click here!

Gamma Player Introduces...

Gamma Player introduces the Firma All-Day Shirt! Visit them at 2035 W. Division in Chicago or online at www.gammaplayer.com

Local Boutique Owner Collaborates with "What Not to Wear" Host

Local fashion boutique owner, Janice Moskoff, is collaborating with "What Not to Wear" host Stacy London on the "Find the Look, Keep the Look" program that is striving to educate consumers on the proper ways of cleaning your clothes to help them keep looking like new.

Sponsored by Woolite, the Find the Look, Keep the Look Program will be making its' debut in New York on March 10, 2009. Moskoff and London will be there to help kick off the launch of this Program. During this economic roller coaster we are going through, this program is aiming to help that fashionista stay up to date by not burning a hole in her pocket. One of the easiest and most cost efficient way in achieving this is to properly clean your clothes to keep them in mint condition. Too many people aren't taking the time to carefully read the care label on garments. "Find the Look, Keep the Look" is going to help consumers keep their styles looking fresh and in good condition in order to save a penny or two.

RUNWAY TO RETAIL: Tell us about "Find the Look, Keep the Look"!
JANICE MOSKOFF: It is an innovative program designed to help the savviest of shoppers stretch their fashion dollar further. It assists the fashion-conscious find the right styles with its comprehensive online look book which features 10 fashion boutique owners from around the country. And within the look book it provides invaluable fabric-care tips that help today's budget-pressed shoppers preserve and gently launder their most-beloved pieces from high-end designer denim to paper-thin cotton tissue-tees. Women spend a lot of time finding the look; Woolite helps them keep it. For more information about the program, visit: www.findthelookkeepthelook.com.

RTR: What was it like being chosen as the only Chicago boutique?
JM: It was an honor. I join an elite team of 10 boutique owners around the country that have been designated Woolite's Style Stars. It is an opportunity of a lifetime - especially as the Woolite and Beta Boutique message of stretching a shopper's fashion dollar further is so perfectly aligned. Beta Boutique shoppers love a good deal. They especially love high-fashion at an affordable price. And although many of my shoppers are already die-hard Woolite fans, by participating in this campaign I will be able to remind the rest of them that there is a high-quality alternative in caring for their most prized fashion finds.

RTR: What is the biggest tip you can give to women while dressing in a recession? JM: The three c's - 1) clean your closet, 2) chuck the items you don't wear and 3) carefully shop for well-priced investment pieces such as coats, dresses, cashmere sweaters that indulge the shopping bug while standing the test of time.
-Katie Davidson

Quickie Facebook Interview with Koros! Big Time Sale...

Koros, our go-to shop for everything chic, is having a major sale - get 40/50/and even 60% off now through January on amazing finds like Sportmax, Transit, Anik Batik, J4 Denim, Hoss, Gary Graham and more!

We caught up with store owner Kristen Fredricksen-Skordilis via Facebook this morning to hear more about their steal deals!

Factio Magazine at 9:31am January 7

Hey Koros! What are some of the biggest sales you have going on this week?

Kristen Fredricksen-Skordilis at 9:32am January 7

Our Sportmax Coat, Grey Metallic with a fur collar! You actually used it in the photo shoot with Jack Perno for your fall issue! It was originally $1,992. It's now 50% off. The cream gilet from Antik Batik, which you also used in the shoot was originally $628, it's 50% off. I have cashmere sweater dresses that were $782 and they are 50% off too.

Cream gilet from Antik Batik, Was $628, Now 50% Off at Koros!

Sportmax Coat, Grey Metallic Coat, Was $1,992, Now 50% Off at Koros!

Factio Magazine at 9:33am January 7

What should every woman have in her wardrobe?

Kristen Fredricksen-Skordilis at 9:34am January 7

A pair of Camilla Skovgaard shoes. Wherever I go I'm stopped in my tracks over her heels. She is amazing and a designer to watch!

Factio Magazine at 9:35am January 7

What are your biggest fashion tips?

Kristen Fredricksen-Skordilis at 9:36am January 7

Hire a stylist for an afternoon! They will maximize your wardrobe. That's the biggest secret at Koros. My initial consult is $225 and it includes a closet lift!

Click Here to sign up for Factio Magazine's Facebook group!

Koros
1039 W Lake St.
Chicago
312.738.0155
www.korosartandstyle.com

Event Alert: 900 North Celebrates the Big 20!

What: This fall Chicago retail icon The 900 Shops celebrates its 20th Anniversary! Boasting luxury retailers from across the globe, The 900 Shops has become the preferred shopping destination for Chicagoans and visitors alike. On Saturday, October 18th, The 900 Shops is gearing up to host a one-day shopping extravaganza! The Anniversary Event will offer amazing in-store promotions, deejay entertainment, exciting raffle prizes, delectable food sampling from Frankie's Pizza, America's Dog, King Café Gourmet and Go, and more! On top of the in-store offers and more, The 900 Shops is pleased to offer a '900 Shops $20 Gift Card' with any purchases made on Saturday, October 18th totaling $100 or more. Customers can bring their receipts of $100 or more and redeem their gift card at the 6th Floor Concierge Desk. This offer is valid for the first 500 customers, one per customer only.

Where: The 900 Shops, 900 North Michigan Avenue

When: Saturday, October 18, 2008, 10 AM to 7 PM

What: The 900 Shops 20th Anniversary Event featuring in-store sales and promotions, food, entertainment and music!

Who: Open to the public

Click Here for all of the special promotions that will be happening!

Shop Girl: Meet Nicolette Prpa of SHE

Nicolette Prpa of SHE Boutique

Meet Nicolette Prpa, the owner behind the highly successful SHE Boutique. This busy owner runs two brick-and-mortar stores, one in Lincoln Park and the other in Highland Park, IL. She's just added e-commerce, so savvy fashionistas can shop from anywhere worldwide. We recently caught up with her to see what customers are buying now, what's in her closet and the future of SHE.

Runway To Retail: What are SHE customers buying right now?
Nicolette Prpa: There’s not one customer that comes into the store without picking up or glancing at a pair of Bloch London Flats while hearing our employees giddily rave about their comfort. Of course, the very moment the silky smooth lined sole meets their feet our customers are sold on these very special ballet shoes, which is why we try and get them in as many colors as we can to make sure our customers don’t go through a seasoned withdrawal from the most coveted shoes thus far. We’ve also seen Tart’s colorful sundresses flying off our racks as well as Mint’s Linen Wide Legged Pants both embody effortlessly chic style.

RTR: What are you buying for fall?
NP: My closet is about to be uplifted by my newly inspired ideas for fall attire brought on by lines like Jill Stuart with her new high-waisted skirts, oxford shirts by Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, booties by YSL and of course the one of a kind Sword jackets that have the ability to transform all my outfits through their finely handcrafted Italian leather. The Sword jackets could be the one piece that is simply thrown over any ensemble and always uplifts my mood by their luscious leather feel and smell.

RTR: Who is the perfect quintessential “SHE” customer?
NP: Ideally, our SHE customers are the ones that know what they are looking for, but just need a little help putting together the right outfit for the right occasion and are willing to try anything once!

RTR: What are the designers you always stock and why?
NP: Bloch London ballet flats are one of our top priorities when stocking the SHE closet for the very reason that these will inevitably fly off the shelves at the same rapid rate we order them. Also, for every season we stock up on Young Fabulous & Broke’s collection of low-key looks that are both fashionable yet made for extreme comfort. And of course, Mint by Jodi Arnold is a brand we have had from the very day of opening our store and is still an iconic name for her concise construction of the shape for every woman and her fine detailing that always leaves us in a lull over each piece we get in throughout the year.

RTR: What designers surprised you this fall season?
NP: We have been truly awe inspired by the latest designs by one of our newest labels, Society for Rational Dress. They have given us a reason to start off fall with a fresh new vibe; their pursuit in rational dressing has certainly caught our attention this season. With their vibrant dresses in deep teals and rustic browns as well as their racer back tanks with an edge through their bronzed chain straps, they are valiantly becoming essential pieces and great layering tools we will be able to use in the midst of our fall wardrobes.

RTR: What are your biggest tips for dressing?
NP: Don’t over expose yourself, being sexy to me is more rather than less and you have to love what you are wearing. You have to feel good because confidence is in the way you dress and will always translate how you look depending on how you feel in what you wear. Also, don’t be afraid to accessorize, the best essentials for transforming a look from day to night is through the use of belts and vests. These are key pieces that are either overlooked or underestimated for the power they have over any outfit.

RTR: What’s in your closet?
NP: Young Fabulous & Broke sweats in every color, a whole lot of shoes (Black Lucite Heels by Barbara Bui), our Team SHE white tank for everyday of the week, a sexy Zac Posen black dress, and array of sundresses by the designer Falls.

RTR: What’s in your beauty bag?
NP: My own SHE Skin Dark Circle Eraser Cream, Dr. Bram’s daily UV protection bronzer, Lancome’s Vertuse mascara, Lorac on screen duo eyeliner, Smashbox o-block, Judy Malone’s Amber & Lavender scent, and Armani foundation #7.

RTR: Favorite Runway Accessory:
NP: Jill Stuart’s fall gladiator shoes.

RTR: How did you get started and what lies ahead in your future?
NP: I began SHE in May of 2007 in Lincoln Park and after a year I decided that I wanted to bring our diverse array of clothing to the suburb Highland Park outside of Chicago as well. Luckily, both have become very successful endeavors which has led me into recently launching a website paralleled to both stores carrying the same designers our customers love. Where I see this all taking me would be in many new directions. In September, I am launching my own skin care line called SHE SKIN and I hope to open our SHE store nationwide. I live by the mantra that the “Sky is the limit.” There are endless possibilities when hard work is put forth, so I see my future in that same light, limitless.

Check out ShopSheBoutique.com for store locations and to shop!

Tee's 86'd

Ryan Golden and MTV's Will Gilbert

Elite models wear tee-shirt line

For all of you that enjoy the nightlife, there is a range of tee-shirts that are right up your alley! Ryan Golden, co-owner of Plan B Bar + Kitchen in Wicker Park has partnered with well-known tee-shirt design group, Emperor's New Clothes (ENC) to create a collection of shirts that 'taps into the youth psyche and pokes fun at extreme nightlife culture'. The new line, Tee's 86'd, includes shirts with taglines such as "Bar Star"; "Last Night a DJ Shagged My Wife", "I Dress Down to Dress Up", "Ol' Dirty Hipster", "I'm That Model with the Bottle", "Bottle Service Ruined the Biz", and "Luxaholic". The collection will debut this fall in Akira stores citywide.
-Katherine Mingey

Shop Bucktown this Weekend: Summer SideWalk Sale

Saturday July 26 11am - 6pm
Sunday July 27 12pm - 5pm

Akira 1817 W North
An je nu 1747 W Division
Another level 1420 N Milwaukee
Asrai Garden 1935 W North
Bazar 2130 N Damen
Belmont Army 1318 N Milwaukee
Beta Boutique 2016 W Concord Place
Bonnie & Clyde’s 1751 W Division
Broken Cherry 1734 W North
Bucktown Jewelry 1946 N Leavitt
Clothes Minded 1735 N Damen
Continental Furniture 1425 N Miwaukee
Crossroads Trading Company 1519 N Milwaukee
d. marie handbags 1867 N Damen
Dynamic Studio 754 W Division
Eskell 1509 N Milwaukee
Eye Candy Optics 2121 W Division
Eye Want 1543 N Milwaukee
Findables 1643 N Milwaukee
g boutique 2131 N Damen
Grasshopper 510 1944 N Damen
Hejfina 1529 N Milwaukee
Helen Yi 1645 N Damen
Hunny She She Boutique 2027 N Damen
Jean Alan 2134 N Damen
John Fluevog 1541 N Milwaukee
Knitting Workshop 2115 N Damen
Larkspur 2123 N Damen
Lenscrafters Optique 1538 N Milwaukee
NEW’d 1917 W Division
Nina~ Well-Knit Shop 1655 W Division
Noire 57 Inc 1726 W Division
p. 45 1643 N Damen
Penelopes 1913 W Division
Porte Rouge 1911 W Division
Pour Vous Bath & Body 1750 W Division
Pyscho Baby 1630 N Damen
Radiance Fine Jewelry 2139 N Damen
Red Dog House 2031 N Damen
riley 1659 N Damen
Robin Richman 2108 N Damen
Running Away Multisport 1600 W North
Salon Blue 1931 W North
Scoop NYC 1702 N Milwaukee
shebang 1616 N Damen
Shorty’s 1240 N Milwuakee
Silver Room 1442 N Milwaukee
Stitch 1723 N Damen
Store B 1472 N Milwaukee
Strut Boutique 1744 W Division
Trim 1629 Milwaukee
Untitled 1941 W North
Urban Outfitters 1521 N Milwaukee
Veruca Salt 1921 N Damen
Via Firenzi 1821 W North
Virtu 2034 N Damen
vive la femme 2048 N Damen
Wow & Zen 1912 N Damen

Club Monaco's Party in Bucktown

Wednesday night, fashionistas were out celebrating the opening of the new Club Monaco in Bucktown at 1731 N. Damen Ave. The flagship store has combined the elements of a modern, minimalist loft with Parisian apartment details and offers the entire men’s, women’s and accessory collections. This will be the fourth shop they have opened in the Chicagoland area, carrying the usual black and white palette on top of soft Italian cashmere in the brand’s coats and sweaters, rich leather handbags, and beaded jewelry. We loved the collection from the Fleur de Lys line (and get this, it's only in a few flagship stores worldwide, and Chicago's Bucktown store is one of them)!
www.clubmonaco.com
-Katherine Mingey

The Fleur de Lys line (our fave - the middle necklace) available only in Bucktown in Chicago.

Lauren Barton, Club Monaco's senior marketing global manager (pictured right), wore a floor length Club Monaco dress (Cotton Lisa Maxi Dress, $199) that had everyone clamoring for it - WWD's Beth Wilson and Skirt PR's Lauren Berg even picked up the frock. We think we should have too.

Take a look at our most fashionable friends from the party and find out what they loved from Club Monaco too.

Susan Maxwell, Interior Designer of Suz Maxwell is a major fashionista too. Wearing a 3.1 Phillip Lim dress and wide white belt, Mayle sweater, YSL shoes, a vintage Anne Klein clutch and a necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels, her closet is one we would want to raid.

"There was a heavy linen photographers vest that would be great for a layered fall look, paired with high-wasted dark trouser jeans, crisp white blouse and a colorful scarf."

Judy Yin has been at p.45 for about seven years now and her stunning wardrobe is definitely one to want to steal, for she sees most designer collections before anyone else! She was wearing Shane Gabier (a Chicago designer), a vintage Ferragamo wallet and Tracey Reese shoes.

"There were some nice dresses and summer skirts. I liked a large canvas tote that would work as a good weekend get-a-way bag. I had my eye on it since I'm going to Colorado next weekend!"

Our favorite architect from Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB) knows how to mix it up. He's wearing a scarf and shoes from Hugo Boss, shirt from H&M and pants from Zara, and a Banana snake skin belt, looking completely pulled together.

"Club Monaco has great basics and a nice slim fit. I liked the colorful ribbons belts last night. A splash of color around the waist is fun and looks flattering. It's a casual look that's cool but doesn't have that 'I'm trying too hard' look."

Akira Celebrates Six Years in Retail

Photos by Alyssa Blanchard

Akira celebrated six years in retail last week with Akira Carnivále. The event was at all retail stores on North Avenue and benefited Chicago Gateway Green. “I wanted to celebrate Akira's six successful years in the industry by collaborating with Chicago Gateway Green since it’s a local charity with the ultimate goal of beautifying this great city,” says Jon Cotay, co-owner of Akira. “This is something our company supports, and we love giving back to our community.” www.akirachicago.com

Celebrity Retail: Ringo Starr Shopping Chicago

Former Beatle Ringo Starr was spotted shopping the trendy shops of Oak Street yesterday with Barbara Bach. They made a stop at Chasalla (106 E. Oak) where Ringo picked up a star-embellished belt buckle and a D & G peace sign tee he bought for a friend. He also told the staff that he's into Replay jeans. "Ringo's famous style fits the aesthetic of Chasalla's rock n' roll vibe," said owner Marc Engel. Dressed in black leather pants and silver cross earrings, Ringo already looked like the perfect Chasalla customer.

Chasalla - where Ringo went through racks of D & G

Lux5 Luxury Lifestyle Tour 2008

Bright lights, big city, expensive cars, and edgy fashion all came together Saturday, June 28 at Chicago’s Navy Pier. Between the hours of 3 p.m. – 10 p.m. the public was welcomed to experience luxurious lifestyles. The evening showcased fashion, exotic automobiles, jewelry, goods and service booths. The event was dotted with live models strutting the party dressed in the different designers fashions. All the while, the “Fashion Zone” included a runway where guests had the opportunity to view four live fashion shows at different times throughout the evening. Mannequins displayed close to the runway successfully allowed designers to show-off their creations in between the shows.

However good the fashion, the auto-show triumphed as the event’s main attraction. Luxurious automobiles such as the $2 million Bugatti were on display. Transcontinental cars were highlighted from The Run to Find America’s Missing Children. The Fireball Run Transcontinental partnered with The Child Rescue Network, having each car sponsor a child in order to build missing child awareness. The ticket proceeds from the night benefited the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Chicago. More information about this event and future locations for the Lux5 Luxury Lifestyle Tour 2008 can be found at www.lux5events.com.

-Jackie Medler

Photos by Alyssa Blanchard