Fall Out Fashion
Clandestine Industries (952 W. Newport Ave.; 773-857-3525, clandestineindustries.com) may not be a household name yet, but its chief designer certainly is: Wilmette-born Pete Wentz, the bassist for a little band called Fall Out Boy. The line just opened its first stand-alone store in the space formerly occupied by the Lakeview Manufacturing Co., a boutique that sold the clothing-and-accessories line. Stephen Westman, who ran the former store as an offshoot of his bar, Lakeview Broadcasting Company, now owns and operates Clandestine Industries. “When I opened the Lakeview Broadcasting Company, I partnered with Clandestine and used their clothing for our uniform,” Westman says. “The opening of the Lakeview Manufacturing Co. was merely a response to the overwhelming interest people had in our uniforms.” After few months selling selected Clandestine pieces, Westman was approached by the brand about converting his store into a dedicated space for the line. You’ll find graphic tees ($30), hoodies, and accessories, many of which riff on the company’s bat logo, as well as toys from Toy Tokyo and Kid Robot. Wentz’s designs are made in runs of 250, with some created exclusively for the retail store. “Once they’re gone, they’re gone,” Westman says. Most items are now $25 to $50, although Westman says the brand will branch out and add more sophisticated styles in 2008, including those created in partnership with Nordstrom. The brand is also has its distribution center and headquarters in Chicago. “Most celebrities leave Chicago and you never hear from them again,” Westman says. “That’s not the case with [Wentz].” Westman is awaiting city approval to add a full-service salon to the space, but for now, just stop in to play Pac-Man. Store hours are Friday 4 to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

Top Sales This Week
Shop for a cause at The Spirit of Women event at Embrace (29 E. First St., Hinsdale; 630-325-1996). The private shopping event runs Nov. 9th from 6 to 10 p.m., featuring goods from women-run companies including jewelry, makeup, and clothing. Tickets, which include appetizers and wine, are $75 in advance or $90 at the door. Proceeds benefit Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation. The products will also be available on Nov. 10th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Keep up the altruistic shopping at the Holiday Faire at St. Chrysostom’s Day School (1424 N. Dearborn Pkwy.; 312-642-3422), with luxury retail products such as Lalo handbags, Nally jewelry, and M&B Vintage’s charm bracelets. (Feel free to bring the kiddies for face painting, storytelling, and a magic show.) Admission is $10 and proceeds benefit the school.

The Best of the Rest

  • Chasalla (160 E. Oak St.; 312-640-1940), one of the few independent retailers to remain on Oak Street, hosts its Evening of Iconic Style, with Champagne and an informal fashion show featuring designs from D&G by Dolce and Gabbana, Just Cavalli by Roberto Cavalli, Versace Jeans Couture, and Diesel, among others. The event is Nov. 8th from 7 to 9 p.m. RSVP to rsvp@zapwater.com.
  • Buy a winter coat valued at $300 or more at Florodora (330 S. Dearborn St.; 312-212-8860) and receive 20 percent off the rest of your purchases for the day through Nov. 15th.
  • Nordstrom (55 E. Grand Ave., 312-464-1515; Oakbrook Center, 630-571-2121; Old Orchard Center, 847-677-2121; Woodfield Mall, 847-605-2121) holds its half-yearly sale from November 7th through 18th, with discounts up to 50 percent off women and children’s clothing, shoes, and accessories.
  • Curvy ladies, check out the women’s bazaar at Vive La Femme (2048 N. Damen Ave.; 773-772-7429) on Nov. 8th from 6 to 8 p.m., featuring a trunk show with local designer Tinnile White, who creates high-end plus-size clothing, as well as purses, totes, and line of vegan bath and body works from other designers.
  • Zella Brown (1444 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 773-276-1746) celebrates its first anniversary on Nov. 10 from 4 to 7 p.m. with live music, cocktails, and discounts.
  • Macy’s (111 N. State St.; 312-781-1000) unveils its holiday windows on November 10th, this year inspired by the Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker. The Great Tree, decorated by Martha Stewart, will be lit in the afternoon. Windows remain on view until January 6th.
  • See local designer Nora Fleming’s interchangeable dinnerware, platters, and aprons at a trunk show on Nov. 8th from 2 to 5 p.m. at C’est Moi (2129 N. Damen Ave.; 773-269-2116). Preview the designs at norafleming.com.
  • Eve Alfillé Gallery & Studio (623 Grove St., Evanston; 847-869-7920) celebrates its 20th anniversary with an open house on Nov. 10th from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. with drinks, appetizers, and the unveiling of Alfillé’s new nature-inspired design series, “Umbel & Corymb.” Or stop in for happy hour every night from Nov. 12th through 17th with drinks and appetizers on Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to close and Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m.
  • Through Nov. 9th, take 20 percent off all dresses at Jade (1557 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 773-342-5233) including designs from Ella Moss, Sweet Tater, and T-Bags.
  • Stop into Art Effect (934 W. Armitage Ave.; 773-929-3600) on Nov. 10th and a portion of the sales from the day will be donated to Save Darfur, Keep A Child Alive, and the One campaign. Special fundraising items will also be for sale.
  • Fly Bird (719 Lake St., Oak Park; 708-383-3330) hosts its 4th annual Holiday Hootenanny on Nov. 8th from 6 to 9 p.m. with free food, beverages, and raffle prizes.
  • RSVP to 800-329-8667 by Nov. 6th to attend the Fashionista Shopping Party at Macy’s Water Tower (835 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-335-7700), in the recently remodeled Impulse department on the third floor on Nov. 7th from 5 to 8 p.m., with a fashion show, music, appetizers, and 20 percent off purchases.
  • Receive 10 percent off between 10 and 11 a.m. at City Soles (2001 W. North Ave.; 773-489-2001) through Nov. 15th.
  • Plein Aire (2036 W. Division St.; 773-227-3772) offers 15 percent off regularly priced merchandise from a rotating series of designers on every weekend in November.
  • Stop by the newly expanded Adesso (600 Central Ave., Highland Park; 847-433-8525) to see holiday table settings created by seven local designers and to enter a raffle.
  • Saffron (2064 N. Damen Ave.; 773-486-7753) offers a one-day selection of three Chicago designers on Nov. 10th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Shop for Elizabeth Oboler’s jewelry; Eva May’s tees, scarves, and hats; and Neesh clothing. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Jane Goodall Institute.
  • How Lake View Looks 3, a runway show featuring Central Lake View Merchants like Hubba Hubba, Evil Kitty, and Exhibit, is Nov. 11th from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Cubby Bear (1059 W. Addison St.; brownpapertickets.com). Tickets are $10.
  • Stop by any area JC Penney location on Nov. 10th from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the Trade In, Trade Up event. Bring in an old pair of pants and receive a new Haggar pant for $19.99. Donations will be given to The Salvation Army.
  • Spex (522 Dempster St., Evanston; 847-864-5200) hosts a trunk show of the Japanese eyewear brand Kamuro on Nov. 6th from 4 to 7:30 p.m. The collection will be available through Nov. 10th.
  • Leave the kids at home for the Mom’s Night Out at Stellar 26 (4164 N. Lincoln Ave.; 773-388-2626) featuring wine, treats, a raffle, and Karen Weiss trunk show of fall/winter clothes and belts on Nov. 7th from 7 to 10 p.m.
  • The Handmade Market returns to the Empty Bottle (1035 N. Western Ave.; 773-276-3600) on Nov. 10th from noon to 4:30 p.m. with local designer created jewelry, clothing, handbags and greeting cards. Free admission.
  • Visit four area salons for the 5th annual Spa Day on Nov. 8th, where 20 percent of proceeds from selected services will be donated to Aid for AIDS. Visit spaday.org for a list of salons.
  • Keno Optical (158 McHenry Rd., Buffalo Grove; 847-325-4440) teams up with Merle Norman Cosmetics for a winter makeover event on Nov. 7th from 1 to 7 p.m. Receive free gifts with purchase, free makeovers, and browse the 2008 collection of Parisian eyewear line Beausoleil.
  • The Chicago chapter of the Association of Image Consultants International teams up with the The Chopping Block (Merchandise Mart, Ste. 107) for Holiday Entertaining 101, with tips, cooking demonstrations, and appetizers on Nov. 11th from 4 to 6 p.m. Cost is $50; email anna@personalimagesinc.com for reservations.
  • Bring in your pooch for pet portrait day at Red Dog House (2031 N. Damen Ave; 773-227-7341) on Nov. 7th from 4 to 8 p.m. Photographer Rhonda Holcomb offers 25-minute sessions; the $70 sitting fee includes two 5 x 7–inch portraits. Call to book a sitting.

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