Clean and Cozy

It’s rare for a bath and body store to so effectively blend the masculine and feminine, but the newly opened Wicker Park boutique Pour Vous (1750 W. Division St.; 773-698-6024), with its brown and blue décor, flat-screen television, and river rock fireplace, somehow manages it. Owner Tonja Legittino left a corporate job as an insurance broker to open her relaxation haven, stocked with soaps, lotions, bath bombs, robes, and pajamas. Soaps from Splash come in enormous slabs that she cuts down to individual bars. The brand’s light soufflé body lotion ($16.95), shower gels ($9.25), bath bombs ($2.95 to $6.95), bubble bath in grown-up scents such as lavender or “island fever,” and massage bars ($8.95) are reasonably priced because of the no-frills packaging. Or try the Oliba organic soaps ($6.25) and lotions ($6.95) in lovely scents such as papaya mango and ginger pear, or the powder soaks from Biggs and Featherbelle; Legittino discovered both lines at the Renegade Craft Fair last summer. Try the sugar and salt exfoliation scrubs in the large sink at the back of the store, or ask Legittino to make up a custom gift basket. Also find comfy, snuggly robes ($125), throws ($145), candles, kids’ clothes from Oprah favorite Kashwére, and pajamas from Bedhead ($133). Don’t be afraid to stop by with a boyfriend—he can plop down in the leather recliners and watch football while you shop.

Top Sales This Week

Janice Moskoff, the owner of permanent sample sale shop Beta Boutique (2016 W. Concord Pl.; 773-276-0905), has launched a new business of monthly sample sales, each focusing on different designers. The first Savvy Shopper Approved sample sale, featuring Chicago designers Lara Miller and Eskell, is Jan. 12th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Brickermade Studio (1109 W. Fulton Mkt.)

The Oak Street Council has teamed up for the annual Let It Snow Sale, with participating stores along Oak Street (between Michigan Avenue and Rush Street) offering discounts from 10 to 75 percent off throughout January. Participating stores include Barneys New York (25 E. Oak St.; 312-587-1700), Loro Piana (45 E. Oak St.; 312-664-6644), and Sugar Magnolia (34 E. Oak St.; 312-944-0885).

The Best of the Rest

  • Two years after its former home was displaced for CTA expansion, Belmont Army Surplus has re-opened in its new permanent, four-floor home at 855 West Belmont Avenue (773-549-1038).
  • Virtu (2034 N. Damen Ave.; 773-235-3790) celebrates its 7th anniversary with a storewide sale of 10 percent off everything in the store, including rarely discounted jewelry, and up to 40 percent off select holiday items. Sale lasts through January.
  • Eco boutique Pivot (1101 W. Fulton Mkt.; 312-243-4754) hosts a spring preview of Chicago designer Lara Miller’s spring 2008 collection, with pre-ordering available, on Jan. 12th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Raizy (1944 N. Damen Ave.; 773-227-2221) offers 40 to 60 percent off bras and panties as well as on selected bath and body products, candles, and cosmetics through Jan. 15th. Receive a complimentary Hanky Panky thong with purchases of $100 or more.
  • Winter and holiday merchandise is marked down 50 to 75 percent off at Gray (821 Chestnut Ct., Winnetka, 847-446-5650; 1361 N. Wells St., 312-573-0750), through January.
  • Robin Richman (2108 N. Damen Ave.; 773-278-6150) marks down all fall clothes, shoes, and accessories by 35 to 50 percent off through January.
  • Drop off gently used bridesmaid and prom dresses, formal purses, evening shoes, and unused makeup to She (1024 W. Armitage Ave.; 773-880-8061) on Jan. 9th and receive 15 percent off purchases. Items will be donated to the Glass Slipper Project, which gives gently used formalwear to Chicago-area high-school students.
  • Personal Vogue hosts a fashion show, featuring clothing from Neiman Marcus styled by Personal Vogue owner Linda Jordan. The event is Jan. 9th at Chaise Lounge (1840 W. North Ave.). Champagne and appetizers start at 6:30 p.m., with a fashion show at 7:45 p.m. A $20 minimum donation benefits the Service Club of Chicago.
  • Taking a cue from Vera Wang, wedding dress designer Monique Lhuillier has created a collection of fine china, tableware, stemware, and gift ware for Royal Doulton, available at Bloomingdale’s (600 N. Wabash Ave.; 312-324-7500).
  • The Handmade Market, a fair featuring local crafters who create jewelry, clothing, handbags, and greeting cards, returns to The Empty Bottle (1035 N. Western Ave.; 773-276-3600) on Jan. 12th from noon to 4:30 p.m.
  • Sacred Art (2040 W. Roscoe St.; 773-404-8790) has launched a frequent buyer program for 2008. For every $500 a customer spends, he or she will receive $100 toward the next purchase.
  • Does that pet need to de-stress? Red Dog House (2031 N. Damen Ave.; 773-227-7341) holds a Paws and Refresh event on Jan. 10th from 5 to 8 p.m., offering holistic healing for pets using alternative therapies such as acupressure and massage. All pets are welcome; sessions are 20 minutes—RSVP to the store for an appointment. A $10 suggested donation benefits The Anti-Cruelty Society.