Bye-Bye, Betsey

We remember the first time we walked into a Betsey Johnson (betseyjohnson.com) boutique. The shocks of hot pink, the rose-covered wallpaper, and the mannequins dressed in tiers of tulle: It was a slice of girly-girl heaven. That flower-filled era comes to an end this summer, as Betsey Johnson stores across the country shutter following the company’s recent bankruptcy filing. “There were a lot of tears,” says Kristin Schroeder, who manages Betsey Johnson’s Water Tower Place location (835 N. Michigan Ave., 312-280-6964). The closing dates for both Chicago-area shops—the brand has a second in Northbrook Court (2171 Northbrook Ct., Northbrook; 847-205-9025)—have not been announced, but managers tell us to expect them soon. Clothing shipments are scheduled to arrive this week, making Schroeder confident the stores will remain open through the end of the month. But after June? “We know nothing,” she says. Before it’s time to say goodbye, all evening dresses are 70 percent off, pieces from previous seasons (as far back as seven collections ago) are 40 percent off, and all remaining inventory is marked down by 50 percent.

 

Top Sales This Week

Go on a fashion bender with back-to-back rooftop parties: Start at Market (1113 W. Randolph St., 312-929-4787) on Wednesday, June 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. to preview tailored suits and other summer styles for men from Sebastien Grey Clothiers (sebastiengrey.com). Then at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 28, head to the top of The Wit hotel (201 N. State St., 312-467-0200) for the first ROOF Runway show—this one featuring the local designer Anna Hovet (annahovet.com).

It only happens twice a year: Jayson Home (1885 N. Clybourn Ave., 773-248-8180, jaysonhome.com) kicks off its Floor Model & More Sale this Friday, June 29. Furniture, lighting, and other home accessories are marked down by as much as 50 percent through Monday, July 30.

 

The Best of the Rest

  • Create a custom pair of Havaianas flip-flops at a pop-up shop at North Avenue Beach (1600 N. Lakeshore Dr.) that opens Wednesday, June 27 with a party from 6 to 8 p.m. The shop is open 12 to 7 p.m. every Wednesday through Sunday until Labor Day (Monday, September 3).
  • Through Wednesday, June 27, all summer goods are 20 to 50 percent off at the sister boutiques Cityblue Apparel & Denim (1444 N. Wells St., 312-664-2222, shopcityblue.com) and CB (662 N. Western Ave., Lake Forest; 847-283-8888).
  • Shop the closets of the Chicago fashion bloggers Hel Del Chic, Curly in the City, Corals + Cognacs, and Bows & Sequins Wednesday, June 27 from 6 to 9 p.m. at J Bar (610 N. Rush St., 312-337-1000). Poshmark, an iPhone app that lets users upload pictures of clothes they want to sell on consignment, sponsors the event. Be sure to bring your own iPhone—the party is in real life, but the shopping is completely virtual. Reservations are required; e-mail rsvp@poshmark.com to save a space.

     

  • Michelle Tan (1872 N. Damen Ave., 773-252-1888, michelletan.com) celebrates the sixth year of business for her Bucktown boutique, where she stocks her own accessories alongside pieces by other local designers including Randall Hill, Agga B., and KANE Jewelry. Stop in Friday, June 29 from 5 to 8 p.m. to help Tan toast the occasion with cocktails and sparkling wine.
  • Summer brides searching for finishing touches should head to Bella Bleu Couture Bridal & Specialty Accessories (143 N. Northwest Hwy., Park Ridge; 847-696-7152, bellableubridal.com) Friday, June 29 through Sunday, July 1 for a Haute Bride (hautebride.com) trunk show. The boutique offers 15 percent off all orders, plus a complimentary gift bag for the first 20 people to RSVP to RSVP@bellableubridal.com.