Sales & Events

Listen up, Chicagoans–here’s your chance to shop for the holidays in the most unique way. The One of a Kind Show and Sale is coming to town starting tomorrow till the 6th. This special shopping event features hand-crafted creations from artists and artisans across the continent, including some of our local faves that we’ve featured on TDO before. Among the artists that will be there are Abbey Brown Soap Artisan, erin gallagher jewelry, and Objets d’Envy, which are all local to Chicago. I’m excited to be able to browse their latest creations, as well as the rest of the unique photography, art, furniture, and jewelry from all of the featured artisans.

Tickets to the One of a Kind Show and Sale are $12 for adults and $9 for seniors and students (bring your ID). Head on over to Merchandise Mart starting noon tomorrow, because 100% of Thursday’s ticket sales benefit the Children’s Memorial Hospital. Click here to purchase your ticket and have fun shopping!

A few weeks ago, I gave our Chicago readers the heads up that Erin Gallagher Jewelry was moving their retail location from the West Loop up to the Lincoln Park neighborhood (closer to me, yay!). Well, EG is now settled in their new location, and they’re celebrating with a great party. In honor of their grand opening, they’re giving away the gorgeous ruby ring pictured above, valued at $1500!

All you have to do is RSVP to rsvp@egjewelry.com and be ready to party at 7pm on Thursday, October 22nd. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and live beats by Sub Rocka at the new studio at 2034 N. Halsted, and you’ll be entered in a raffle to win the ring. Click to see the invite for more information, and good luck! (more…)

Adore Dior and want to donate to a great cause? Check out the second annual Dior Diva Auction–with proceeds going to Look Good…Feel Better, an organization dedicated to helping women with cancer deal with the appearance-related affects and changes from treatment. The organization is celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, and Dior wants your support in helping to make a contribution to this cause.

The auction begins today and ends on the 10th and features incredible prizes for you to bid on, including a trip to Paris as a day in the life of Miss Dior Cherie, a month-long marketing internship at Dior Beauty, and a trip to the Grammys with Dior makeover included. Sign up to be a Dior Diva at diordivavip.com and then check out the auction at diorauction.com!

As a former Seattlelite, I try to keep up with what’s new in the city even if my visits are few and far between.  As the cultural and business hub of the Pacific Northwest, Seattle has always held its own in the food, shopping, and art scenes.  But these days, the city seems to grow more cosmopolitan by the minute as a flurry of the world’s trendiest and most luxurious brands (Four Seasons, Neiman Marcus, David Barton Gym) all move in to call Seattle home.

In the past few years I’ve followed the city’s metamorphosis through its ever-changing skyline.  In 2006, it was dotted with dozens of cranes, poised to transform the downtown from business commuter hub into some of the most desirable residential real estate on the West coast. I am always wowed each time one of these projects complete- always a technologically advanced, masterfully designed building that adds a new sparkle to the city view.

Last week, TDO was invited to celebrate one of these developments- Fifteen Twenty One Second Ave- with a private gallery opening at the penthouse that brought together the social and influential set for an evening of art and architecture.  We sent a correspondent to scope out the scene and he reported back with what can only be described as genuine awe. The art collection, valued at more than a quarter of a million dollars, featured over 25 pieces from Seattle artist, Jean-Pierre Canlis, who is most well-known for his nature inspired large-scale glass installations. Canlis collaborated with Fifteen Twenty One to showcase what he calls “art in place.” Instead of presenting art against a stark museum wall, Canlis brings to life the true flavor of his work by placing it in one of its most natural settings. (more…)

You may or may not have heard by now  (WWD, Daily Candy, StyleCaster), but today The Fairest launched to great fanfare!  You know how beauty products NEVER go on sale?  Well, now that’s changing with The Fairest bringing you prestige and niche beauty products at up to 75% off.  Niceee.

I was also honored to be asked to join The Fairest’s all star team of bloggers, led by my friend, author, beauty entrepreneur, and famous blogger Nadine Jolie. My first post isn’t up yet (still working out the technical kinks from my end). but be sure to check back later this week as I reveal my first celebrity how-to…

Today’s sale had Stila lip pots for $8 and mascara for $4.25. ’Nuff said.

Yes! Such a thing really exists!  I checked it out on Thursday and it was legit.  Spotted goods that I had spent full price on and the selection was huge.  I scored a ring, a necklace and a bracelet for $700 total – that’s less than what I had spent on just one item before. Sample sales are known for marking prices down even further to clear out their inventory towards the end, so make sure to stop by this weekend!!

As we eagerly await the beginning of Fashion Week, press releases for Fashion’s Night Out, a global event to celebrate fashion and encourage shopping (my two favorite things!), have begun to roll in. Mark your calendars because September 10 in New York City is going to be a night for major bargains, exclusive giveaways, great performances, complimentary cocktails, and some serious star sightings. Shoppers, this night is all about you! Events are free and open to the public, so grab a few girlfriends and take to the streets to kick off yet another exciting week of fashion!

Here are just a few appearances you won’t want to miss. For a full list of all things Fashion’s Night out head to: http://fashionsnightout.com

(more…)

I’ve raved before about erin gallagher jewelry, a line of gorgeous accessories from Chicago-based designer Erin Gallagher. Her retail store location is moving from the West Loop to the Lincoln Park neighborhood, and to celebrate, there will be a moving sale this weekend from August 28th through the 30th. Select items will be 40-75% off! Not in Chicago? Don’t fret–the sale will be available online, as well.

I love the pretty Michele necklace, pictured left, which will be among the marked down jewelry this weekend. The Gabby, Lori, Jenna, and Theodora designs will be on sale too, so you’re bound to find the perfect bauble for you. Stop by 1017 W. Lake St. this weekend, or go to egjewelry.com and use the code: newhome2009 to take advantage of the sale prices! Erin’s new location will be at 2043 N. Halsted.

This weekend, Chicagoans will have the opportunity to see rare artwork by some of the greatest rockers of all time. The new theWit Hotel in Chicago will be hosting the Legends: The Artwork of Rock & Roll Loyalty exhibit in celebration of its opening weekend! The exhibit features the artwork of John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jerry Garcia, and Grace Slick, and you can see some thumbnails of their work above. I’m so excited to see the inspiring art of music’s great icons – clearly, their talent and creativity were not only limited to music. The exhibit is free and open to the public, with a suggested donation at the door to benefit Bright Pink, a non-profit organization that provides education and support to women who are at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to get a sneak peek at theWit Hotel before its grand opening on June 4. Located at 201 N. State St. in the Loop, the new property has 300 guestrooms, 2 restaurants, a rooftop lounge, a multimedia theatre, and full-service spa and health club. You’ll recognize it by the unique yellow glass bolt of lightening that runs down the length of the building. Go to thewithotel.com for more information, and be sure to stop by this weekend! The exhibit will be in the hotel’s Oscar Wilde Ballroom, open Friday, May 29 (5-9 pm), Saturday, May 30 (11 am-7 pm), and Sunday, May 31 (11 am-6 pm).

Ladies, listen up.  In exactly three days, Kerastase will send out e-vites to 150,000 of their clients from coast to coast letting them know that participating salons will do a free treatment and free blowout.  Then they will tell their clients to forward on the invite.  Which means, if you try to book your free appointment on May 15- well it might end up like that KFC/Oprah situation.

So you if you want a free Kerastase treament and blowout next Wednesday, May 20, you better pick up the phone right this minute and call your favorite Kerastase salon before the masses get wind of this amazing treat.

Kérastase will promote the program, called Our Treat, on their website, www.kerastase-usa.com where participating salons will be listed (in a few days). You’ll be able to make an appointment with the salon of your choice and on May 20, just bring the printed e-vites to local participating salons to receive your free treatment and blowout.

In addition, Mark Garrison Salon in NYC, Maxine Salon in Chicago and Joseph Cozza Salon in San Francisco will be offering VIP service, red carpet and all.

For now, call up your favorite Kerastase salon to see if they’re participating.  For a full list, check out Kerastase-USA.com.