2011 Gift Guide: Holiday Tips From Jewelry Designer Erin Gordon

/ December 7, 2011 10:43 am

Local jewelry designer Erin Gordon creates some of the chicest bracelets around (perfect for a friend who's been extra good this year). The superstylish Chicagoan let us in on her holiday tips and picks.

PopSugar Chicago: What's the one piece of clothing that's a must-have for the holiday season?
Erin Gordon: Definitely a fur jacket. Living in Chicago, furs are a must in my wardrobe. It’s hard to look stylish and keep warm, but in a fur, you can definitely pull it off.

PSC: Any Chicago must-dos for the season?
EG: Chicago has so many amazing things to offer, and I will be the first to admit that I don't take advantage of them enough. This holiday season, I’m definitely going to make time for some ice skating at the rink in Millennium Park.

PSC: Favorite stops for holiday shopping?
EG: Roslyn and The Edit in Bucktown.

PSC: Go-to gift this year?
EG: By Erin Gordon bracelets, of course.

PSC: Any tips for surviving the season?
EG: Have fun and enjoy! The holiday season is about enjoying time spent shopping for friends and family as well as cherishing the moments spent with them. We all tend to forget what’s really important in life, so letting go, relaxing, and enjoying time with the people most important to you is the survival tip I like to give.

PSC: What's on your wish list?
EG: A few pieces by Alexis Bittar: the Sprig bracelet, the Alexandria gold-encased bracelet, and the Dune Dust Drop earrings (shown above); Loeffler Randall's Matilde boots in black and dark brown; some cozy sweaters (because you can never have too many living in Chicago); an H Hermès bracelet to add to my collection; a vintage clutch; and I’ve had my eye on a Mongolian fur cropped jacket.

Source: Alexis Bittar

2011 Gift Guide: Holiday Tips From Roslyn's Rosie Clayton

/ November 30, 2011 3:00 pm

Rosie Clayton is one of Chicago's chicest shopkeeps, stocking an insanely chic collection of clothing and accessories at her Bucktown shop, Roslyn (2035 N. Damen Ave., 773-489-1311). The recently wed trendsetter let us in on her holiday picks and tips.

PopSugar Chicago: What's the one piece of clothing that's a must-have for the holiday season?
Rosie Clayton: A warm sweater is a must for Chicago winters; we've carried Demylee cashmere at Roslyn for the past five years because they are the best quality and weight, and women love her classic silhouettes with a modern twist. I also love a cocktail dress with subtle sparkle or metallic details — the Alice + Olivia dresses we have in the store are perfect for any holiday party. I have one in nude with silver beading that I can't wait to wear!

PSC: Any Chicago must-dos for the season?
RC: The Green City Market moves to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in the Winter and is a great place to find fresh produce and products while supporting local farmers.

PSC: Favorite stops for holiday shopping?
RC: Virtu is my go-to shop for holiday cards and gorgeous wrapping paper since the way you present a gift is just as important as what's inside. I'm a fan of Scout for home decor gifts (I am obsessed with their lighting fixtures) and Post 27 for vintage accessories. For the men in my life, I'll be going to Vintage Smith, a pop-up shop in Bucktown that features vintage military jackets, leather satchels, and work boots.

PSC: Go-to gift this year?
RC: Elise Bergman's hemp and organic cotton circle scarf, Erin Gordon gemstone bracelets, homemade rosemary mint or honey almond soap, and a cookbook. Mad Hungry: Feeding Men and Boys ($14.92 on Amazon) is a favorite.

PSC: Any tips for surviving the season?
RC: The holidays can get so hectic; be sure to stop, relax, and take it all in . . . preferably with a cocktail in hand and good company by your side.

PSC: What's on your wish list?
RC: Where do I begin? I covet the pyrite chunk and vintage brass necklace by Mineralogy; vintage china (I adore the look of mismatched sets that can be used every day), and I'd love an old men's watch with a brown leather strap from Division Street Watch Co.

Source: Alice + Olivia, Mad Hungry, and Mineralogy

2011 Gift Guide: Holiday Tips From the Paper Dolls

/ November 30, 2011 10:53 am

Our latest holiday guide comes from sisters Stacy Swett and Kelly Swett Riordan (shown right), the owners of one of my favorite paper and gift shops, Paper Doll (2027 N. Division St., 773-227-6950).

PopSugar Chicago: What's the one piece of clothing that's a must-have for the holiday season?
Stacy: A faux-fur bonnet-style hat. They make you happy, look adorable, and keep you warm.
Kelly: A warm, cozy scarf. Good for both inside and outside.

PopSugar Chicago: Any Chicago must-dos for the season?
Stacy:
Every year it is our tradition to go to the Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza together. We love all the German goodies.

PopSugar Chicago: Favorite stops for holiday shopping?
Kelly:
We try to shop locally and at our own store. We love Rotofugi, Hazel, and Jonathan Adler. Since we work so much during the holiday season, we end up doing some online shopping, too. We love Fab.com, Modcloth.com, and Anthropologie.com.

PopSugar Chicago: Go-to gift this year?
Stacy: Artist-designed calendars by Snow & Graham, Rifle, Jonathan Adler, The Found, and Night Owl from our store.

PopSugar Chicago: Any tips for surviving the season?
Stacy: Lots of wine. And watching the movie Elf.
Kelly: Relaxing in front of the Christmas tree — of course, that involves setting it up first.

Pop 5: Best Gift Shops For Your Holiday List

/ November 29, 2011 9:00 am

The votes are in for Chicago's best gift shops! While department stores, malls, and shop-filled streets are all great for getting gifts en masse, sometimes all you need is a single shop. Paper and gift shops Greer and Paper Doll, the classically cool Merz Apothecary, modern general store Space 519, and Lincoln Square's quirky cute Enjoy, An Urban General Store were in the running. Keep clicking to see who you voted into the top spot!

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Eater's Regret: Your Fitness Pick For Burning Off Tom Turkey

/ November 29, 2011 8:45 am

Even before poking down the last forkful of sweet potatoes and stuffing, you were probably already thinking about the caloric expenditure you'd have to endure afterward. According to our most recent poll, you chose Shred415 (2156 N. Clybourn Ave., 773-360-8228) as your place to repent. The interval-style workout from Hollywood burns cals faster than your traditional sweat session. The Shred415 workout involves alternating cardio on Woodway treadmills (opt to walk, jog, or run) with weight training throughout the course of 60 minutes. While each class is a full-body workout, there are certain classes that focus more on those trouble spots we fret over: legs, tummy, arms, and back — pretty much anything that would affect the way you look in that little black dress, or bathing suit come Summer!

Drop-in classes are $24 each, but the more you sweat, the more you save! Discounted packages range from three to 20 classes, or there's an unlimited monthly option for $175-$205. Refer three peeps and you'll receive $24 toward your next class.