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Shopping & Style

Artist Nick Cave’s Favorite Things

Posted Nov. 1, 2012, at 2:13 p.m. | By Heiji Choy Black

Artist Nick Cave’s Favorite Things

Nick Cave

Next month, the artist Nick Cave, who has earned global recognition over the past two decades for his Soundsuits—kaleidoscopic, kinetic costumes-slash-sculptures—unveils a bas-relief wall installation commissioned by the U.S. Embassy in Dakar, Senegal. Cave collaborated with Senegalese citizens to build the work, which is a mashup of fabricated and found materials. “There’s this unconditional approach [there] that I’m attracted to,” he says. “Things are put together by coincidence, and yet they become an extraordinary collection.”

You could say the same about the widely encompassing assortment of art, internationally sourced artifacts, and antiques in the expansive South Loop loft—in a former tire factory—where Cave, 53, makes his home with a roommate. The objects are visually diverse, but everything, down to the handblown glass cups, was chosen for its ability to inspire. “It’s [about] creating a space that brings me closer to truth and creativity,” says the artist. “It’s important for me to wake up to what my beliefs are.” To see ten of the things that most inspire him, see below.

 

10 Things He Loves

HANDCRAFTED CROSS

HANDCRAFTED CROSS
“After my brother passed, I went to clean his apartment. Under his bed, I found a black cross he had made. I created an artwork that supports it.”

 

 

WEDDING RING BY TERRY WARE

WEDDING RING BY TERRY WARE (Prices for similar styles by request, terryware.net)
“I had this ring designed for me. On the inside, it reads: ‘Married to Art.’ I am, first and foremost.”

 

 

RAD HOURANI BOOTS

RAD HOURANI BOOTS ($1,125 for similar style, radhourani.com)
“These boots are timeless. With them, I have a leaner silhouette.”

 

 

PAINTING BY JOHN KIRBY and MIDCENTURY PUCCI SUIT

PAINTING BY JOHN KIRBY
“I needed this painting. It’s the stillness that got me. I know what it’s like to be still and quiet.”

AND

MIDCENTURY PUCCI SUIT
“The fit is unbelievable. Back then, patterns were all made by hand. Now they’re done by machine.”

 

 

AFRICAN BEADED CHAIRS

AFRICAN BEADED CHAIRS
“I am only interested in the authentic.”

 

 

MIXED-MEDIA ARTWORK BY MICHAEL SCOGGINS

MIXED-MEDIA ARTWORK BY MICHAEL SCOGGINS (Prices for similar pieces by request, freightandvolume.com)
“I read this every night. What it says about our times—that this is the age of endearment, the age of selflessness, and so on—is what I believe.”

 

 

MOROCCAN PORCUPINE QUILL VESTMENT

MOROCCAN PORCUPINE QUILL VESTMENT (Prices for similar pieces by request, douglasdawson.com)
“It served a purpose within a community. I have to achieve the same level of truth in my work.”

 

 

CERAMIC DOG COLLECTION

CERAMIC DOG COLLECTION
“Of course the dogs aren’t real, but for some reason I feel like I’m rescuing them.”

 

 

ANTIQUE QUILT

ANTIQUE QUILT
“The makers left some of the paper patterns, which are love letters.”

 

Photography: Anna Knott

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These Are the Best Store Openings and Shopping Deals in June

Posted Friday at 2:28 p.m. | By Lynn Okura Bey

These Are the Best Store Openings and Shopping Deals in June

Splendid’s Magnolia tank

Photo: Courtesy of Splendid

Splendid’s Magnolia tank ($84)

BEST IN FEST From May 31 to June 2, Wicker Park becomes a 10-block shopping strip for the Do-Division Street Fest & Sidewalk Sale (do-divisionstreetfest.com). Your $5 donation will support three local elementary schools. On June 8 and 9, an estimated 30,000 art lovers will descend on the 64th annual Old Town Art Fair (oldtowntriangle.com) to shop for paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and other crafty finds. A $7 donation is requested.

NEW IN TOWN Cosmetics and skin-care boutique Cos Bar plans a June 1 opening in downtown Highland Park (442 Central Ave.), with a roster of high-end brands including Laura Mercier, La Mer, and Natura Bissé. On June 14, L.A.-based Splendid opens its first Illinois store at Westfield Old Orchard in Skokie. Along with supersoft tees and dresses, the new shop will carry women’s footwear and swimwear and kids’ clothes.

ETHICAL ATTIRE Shop sustainable styles from local labels such as Lara Miller and Silkutopia in the eco-fashion pavilion at the Whole Life Expo (1551 Thoreau Dr. N., Schaumburg), a celebration of all things holistic, held May 31 to June 2. Tickets ($20 daily, $50 for a weekend pass) can be purchased at wholelifeexpo.com.

FASHION SHOW On June 12, the rooftop at Castaways, North Avenue Beach’s ship-shaped bar, transforms into a runway for Come Sail Away, a showcase of sundresses and swimwear from half a dozen designers, including avant-garde styles by Ramsey J. Prince. The fashion show includes cocktails, live music, and fireworks. Purchase tickets at comesailaway.eventbrite.com.

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Don’t Let Your Wrists Go Naked

Posted Today at 4:30 p.m. | By Carly Boers

Don't Let Your Wrists Go Naked

Chicago-based bracelet e-tailer BusyWrist has a motto—”the busier the better." I can get behind that motto. And, thanks to this company, I can wear it on my sleeve.

The idea is to go gangbusters mixing, matching, and stacking bracelets. The site is packed with wrist candy made of semi-precious stones, leather, and all sorts of prettiness, but it’s the pre-selected “stacks” that won me over.

There are those of us who wonder: “Does this clash in the effortlessly stylish way, or the trainwreck way?” Don't worry. The three-packs (which look awesome together but are far from matchy-matchy) are the way to go.   

Because who has time to stew over bracelet coordination?

$50 at busywrist.com

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Randolph Street Market Begins Its Summer Season This Weekend

Posted Today at 3:30 p.m. | By Lynn Okura Bey

Randolph Street Market Begins Its Summer Season This Weekend

Photo: randolph street market

Opening Day

Randolph Street Market (1340 W. Washington St., 312-666-1200, randolphstreetmarket.com), the indoor/outdoor antiques bazaar sprawled across eight acres in the West Loop, kicks off its summer season this weekend (running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday). The opener takes everything there is to love about summer and rolls into one space: outdoor shopping, a beer garden, vintage carnival games and concessions, cooling stations and cabanas, fashion shows, and artisan food vendors.

Expect rows of booths packed with Parisian antiques from The Savoy Flea (thesavoyflea.com), vintage accessories from Richard’s Fabulous Finds (richardsfabulousfinds.com), wearables from indie designers like Shop NOV (shopnov.com), vintage Schwinn bikes from Mike's Classic Bikes (mikesclassicbikes.com), and stellar people watching.

Tickets are available online for $8 and at the door for $10. The first ten people in line Saturday score free admission and a chair massage to prep their bodies for a day of vintage picking.

 

Top Sales This Week

It’s a bit off the beaten path, but well worth the trek: West Town’s Annie O (324 N. Leavitt St., Suite 200, 312-421-8676, annieo.net) holds its spring sample sale on Wednesday from noon to 7 p.m. The sale is cash-only and features items from brands such as Tulle, Kensie, and Lucca Couture priced at least 20 percent off wholesale. Plus, there’s always a $10-or-less section.

The Clever Alice (17 E. Pearson St., cleveralice.com) pop-up returns to the Gold Coast for a summer sample sale from May 22 through June 2. Shop three floors of discounted garb from designers like Faubourg du Temple, 81 Poppies, and Tote—for up to 75 percent off retail. Doors are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. (closed Memorial Day).

 

The Best of the Rest

  • Sheryl Lowe—a jewelry designer, Hollywood makeup artist, and the wife of actor Rob Lowe—appears in the designer jewelry department at Neiman Marcus (737 N. Michigan Ave., 312-642-5900, neimanmarcus.com) from 10 to 4 p.m. on Friday.
  • The suburbs are abuzz with art festivals this weekend. Shop various paintings, pottery, jewelry, and more at the Barrington Art Festival (Cook St. and Station St., amdurproductions.com), held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; the St. Charles Fine Art Show (Riverside Ave. between Route 64 and Illinois Ave., downtownstcharles.org), running Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Schaumburg’s Prairie Arts Festival (201 Schaumburg Ct., prairiecenter.org), held Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Nordstrom (nordstrom.com) begins its Half-Yearly Sale for women and kids on Wednesday. Shop the bargains online and in stores until June 2.

 

Relocations

After nine months on Ashland Avenue, West Town boutique Study Hall (2016 W. Chicago Ave., 312-733-4255, shopstudyhall.com) has moved to a larger space near the Chicago Avenue and Damen Avenue intersection. Check out the new digs at a grand opening party (complete with snacks and store discounts) on Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m.

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This Summer Clutch Will Last You Through Fall

Posted Yesterday at 3:15 p.m. | By Elizabeth Fenner

This Summer Clutch Will Last You Through Fall

While summer is the season of whites, white bags can be tricky—not only can they look a tad granny, but they get dirty in a twinkling.

No such problems with this Ferragamo stunner, which arrived at the Michigan Avenue store just a couple of weeks ago. (It's technically from the Fall 2013 collection.) The python exterior is black around the edges—where wear and dirt is most likely to show—with an irregular white blaze down the center. What's more, its leather-lined interior is roomy enough to hold your iPad (and other essentials).

A beautifully crafted Italian bag that you can carry from now through fall—without worrying about stains? Sign me up.

$1,950 at Salvatore Ferragamo, 444 N. Michigan Ave., 312-397-0464, or at ferragamo.com. (Note: This is Ferragamo's temporary location while it refurbishes its permanent digs at 645 N. Michigan. The move to the larger space is scheduled to happen in a few weeks.)

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Daisy Buchanan Would Love This Necklace

Posted Friday at 2:00 p.m. | By Heiji Choy Black

Daisy Buchanan Would Love This Necklace

With all the hoopla around The Great Gatsby lately, Art Deco jewelry is having its moment. The loose, glittering glamour of the ’20s is hard to resist, and this piece from Lanvin is one of the best of the bunch.  

The pompom has a satisfying shimmy that makes you want to break into the Charleston, and the design is minimal enough that it can be paired with pieces inspired by any era. 

$950 at Lanvin, 116 E Oak St., 312-765-7075

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Make Your Cheeks Look Like a Cherub

Posted Thursday at 1:30 p.m. | By Lynn Okura Bey

Make Your Cheeks Look Like a Cherub

I love the idea of a cheek stain, but it can be tricky to apply (“stain” being the operative word, here). And I like the velvety consistency of a cream blush, but it often lacks staying power.

Which is why when Josie Maran released a new Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelée, my eyes lit up.

The gelée combines the long-lasting pigment of a stain (up to 14 hours) with the softness of a cream for a luminous finish. Because it’s infused with coconut water and argan oil, it’s also incredibly hydrating. A splash of coconut water is just what these cheeks ordered.

$22 at sephora.com

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This American-Made Duffel Bag Is as Yellow as a Rubber Duck

Posted Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. | By Jessica Nikolich

This American-Made Duffel Bag Is as Yellow as a Rubber Duck

Thirty-year-old Eli Naeher founded Inland Clothing in Chicago last year with the idea of selling high-quality, classically-styled men's basics at a fair price—and all crafted in the U.S. The one-man operation has an online presence only, and ships all orders out of its Chicago warehouse, but Inland has shown up at pop-up markets like NorthernGRADE and this past Sunday's Dose.

Naeher seeks out the best small-batch manufacturers across the country (New Jersey-based Individualized Shirts provides Inland's men's dress shirts, the only item they have made in-factory for 50 years) but keeps it local too (Chicago-made clothing from Domestic Workwear.)

"Well-made clothing shouldn't be a luxury," says Naeher. "It should be accessible to everyone."

Closet fixtures like bridle leather belts and twill work pants are easy on the eyes, but it's the no-frills pocket knife and rubber-duck-yellow duffel (pictured) that will stop you in your mouse clicks. The humble bag's durability will not let you down, and Inland's collection is sure to follow suit.

$70 at inlandclothing.com

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Is Your Shirt Too Sexy For Your Shorts?

Posted May 14, 2013, at 4:00 p.m. | By Carly Boers

Is Your Shirt Too Sexy For Your Shorts?

Short shorts can be the base of sexy getup or the culprit of a fashion no-no. I think the key to pulling off the bare-legged look (other than the obvious—toned gams) is what you've got going on above the shorts. Translation: When showing a lotta leg, it’s probably wise to show less arm, chest, and midriff.

That’s why this oversized top—made right here in the city by Edith Hart—will soon find its way into my closet. With a bit of understated detail (scooped neckline, dolman sleeves), it's the ideal mate to my new lacy mini-shorts. Now, to work on these pasty-white legs...   

$60 at Edith Hart, 1917 N. Damen Ave., 773-252-3350

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This Is the Big News in Chicago Shopping This Week

Posted May 14, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. | By Lynn Okura Bey

This Is the Big News in Chicago Shopping This Week

Photo: 3d printer experience

Hot Off the Press

Walk into the city’s new retail concept, The 3D Printer Experience (316 N. Clark St., 312-896-3399, the3dprinterexperience.com) and print—on the spot—a 3D version of anything you can dream up. “Welcome to the future,” co-founder Mike Moceri says.

Yes, the options are virtually limitless. You could design and print a piece of jewelry, an iPhone case, a working musical instrument, or the crowd favorite: a 3D replica of your own head. All it takes is about 30 minutes to take a 360-degree image of your noggin and print a scaled-down version that fits in the palm of your hand. The smallest size (approximately two inches tall) costs just $25. The technology can print objects in a variety of materials like metal, wood, nylon, or corn-based eco-plastic.

Moceri and co-founder Julie Friedman Steele wanted to create a playground allowing the general public to explore 3D printing, but the experience also serves a larger purpose. The store is quickly turning into a community center for artists, designers, and engineers who are excited about the possibilities. “We’re educating people on how to create businesses around 3D printing,” Moceri says.

Check it out for yourself (and scan your head while you’re at it) by visiting The 3D Printer Experience Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. or Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Top Sales This Week

To celebrate its new West Loop location, ULTA Beauty (16 S. Halsted St., 312-243-0411, ulta.com) is handing out freebies all weekend long. Each day from Friday to Sunday, the first 100 guests receive either a voucher for a free salon service or a gift certificate ranging from $5 to $100; the first 1,000 guests to sign up for the brand’s loyalty club receive a gift bag filled with four free products; and all weekend long, stylists from the salon will be available for complimentary makeovers and hair and skin care consultations. The shop will be open Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Brooklyn-based menswear line Mishka (mishkanyc.com) is holding a cash-only warehouse sale—slashing prices by as much as 75 percent—now through Sunday. Find the sale at 1448 North Milwaukee Avenue from noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

 

The Best of the Rest

  • Furniture showroom Luminaire bids farewell to its pop-up store, LuminaireX (301 W. Superior Ave., 2nd floor, 312-664-9582, luminairex.com) with a night of fashion on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. featuring a runway show at 7 p.m. View runway presentations from Gallery Aesthete, Katrin Schnabl, and Robin Richman, and shop Luminaire showroom pieces marked up to 60 percent off. RSVP to info@galleryaesthete.com.
  • Shop vintage watches by iconic brands like Rolex, Omega, and TAG Heuer at Haberdash (611 N. State St., 312-624-8551, haberdashmen.com) this weekend. The menswear boutique hosts a vintage watch pop-up with Hodinkee (hodinkee.com) Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Glimpse the goods early at a private preview party held Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. (RSVP here).
  • neapolitan collection (neapolitanonline.com) previews fall fashion by Stella McCartney, Victoria Beckham, Alexander McQueen, and more at an “Evening of Hope” fashion show benefitting the Maryville Crisis Nursery. Festivities kick off Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Sunset Ridge Country Club (2100 Sunset Ridge Rd., Northfield). Call 847-294-1982 or visit maryvilleacademy.org to reserve your ticket ($125).
  • Try on (and purchase, perhaps?) a pair of handcrafted buffalo horn sunglass frames at the RIGARDS (rigards.com) trunk show at Robin Richman (2108 N. Damen Ave., 773-278-6150, robinrichman.com) on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. While you browse, you’ll be treated to cocktails, food-truck fare, and a 15 percent discount on glasses.
  • Old Town boutique cityblue apparel & denim hosts a Champagne Saturday shopping soiree at RM Champagne Salon (116 N. Green St., 312-243-1199, rmchampagnesalon.com) from 12 to 2 p.m. on Saturday. For $15, guests will be treated to cookies and two glasses of bubbly while they shop. All attendees will be entered to win a $50 gift certificate to RM Champagne Salon, one large box of gourmet macaroons, and a personal styling session at cityblue. RSVP at cityblueRSVP@bettiebombpr.com.
  • St. Louis native and Parsons School of Design graduate Emily Brady Koplar of WAI MING (waimingstudio.com) stops by Roslyn (2035 N. Damen Ave., 773-489-1311, roslynboutique.com) on Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. to showcase her full spring and summer 2013 collections. During the event, enjoy sparkling wine and a 10 percent discount on all WAI MING purchases.
  • Find unique wedding vendors capable of pulling off your dream theme—anything from a rock-n-roll bash to an eco-friendly soiree—at Wicker Park’s Wed Local Expo, held at the Double Door (1572 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-489-3160) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets ($10 in advance, $15 at the door) are available at wedlocalchicago.eventbrite.com.
  • Squasht Boutique (2556 W. Chicago Ave., 773-292-4123, squashtbyles.com) celebrates its third anniversary with giveaways, 20-percent discounts, booze-laced snowcones by Jo Snow, and other treats on May 29 from 6 to 9 p.m.
  • Who says you can’t be a professional pinner? Room & Board is running a “Room to Grow” contest on Pinterest. The winner will receive $7,500 worth of kid’s furnishings from Room & Board, $600 worth of painting services from YOLO Colorhouse, and a $1,500 gift basket from Annie’s Homegrown. Learn more at roomandboard.com/roomtogrow.
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About this blog
Style Sheet is Chicago magazine’s blog devoted to all things stylish. Every weekday our trusty columnists track down the best offerings in men’s and women’s apparel, beauty, and grooming so you can just sit back and click.

Elizabeth Fenner | The editor in chief of Chicago magazine, Fenner, in a former life, ran the fashion coverage at People magazine. Look for her Classics pick on Mondays. Twitter: @bethfenner

Carly Boers | An associate editor at Chicago magazine, Boers loves a bargain and is addicted to new jeans and cute accessories. Look for her $100-or-less Cheap & Chic pick on Tuesdays.

Bryan Smith | In addition to writing award-winning features for Chicago magazine, Smith also has a sartorial streak. Look for his Menswear pick on Wednesdays. Twitter: @bryrsmith

Lynn Okura Bey | A contributor to Chicago’s shopping coverage, Bey weeds through the gimmicks to find the best in beauty. Look for her Beauty pick on Thursdays. Twitter: @lynnokurabey

Heiji Choy Black | Always on the hunt for the new, the exceptional, and the avant garde, Black edits Chicago magazine’s fashion coverage. Look for her Fashion Forward pick on Fridays. Twitter: @heijiblack

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