Viva Italia

The renowned Milan-based apparel brand Moncler (33 E. Oak St.; 312-361-8573, moncler.com/eng) recently opened a standalone shop in the Gold Coast, bringing its latest selection of fashion-forward jackets, bags, hats, and shoes just in time for winter lows. The brand, which debuted its first nylon and feather quilted jacket in 1954, has been at high-end department stores for years, but the new Chicago boutique also brings locals a few of the guest-designer “capsule” collections. “As I wanted to return to the archives, I was looking for designers able to revive Moncler roots, but in a contemporary way,” says Remo Ruffini, who took over as president and creative director in 2003. The fall 2010 collection is based on Moncler jackets from the 1950s and 1960s. Other favorites include the classic men’s and women’s slick down jackets in muted tones ($995), a chic down cape ($1,620), and fur earmuffs ($120).
-Rebecca Little

 

Top Sales This Week

Save up to 50 percent on new and vintage furniture, home accessories, holiday merchandise, and lighting during the Jayson Home & Garden (1885 North Clybourn Ave.; 773-248-8180, jaysonhomeandgarden.com) semi-annual Floor Model & More sale.

Take 50 percent off jewelry, scarves, accessories, home goods, and fall apparel at Urban Style Emporium (200 E. Delaware Pl.; 312-335-1353, urbanstyleemporium.com) through Friday, December 24th.

 

The Best of the Rest

  • Florodora Shoes (348 S. Dearborn St.; 312-212-8860) takes 20 percent off all shoes and boots.
  • Enjoy 20 percent off all $150 Hot Mama sterling silver pieces at Kickin’ (2142 W. Roscoe St.; 773-281-6577, kickinmaternity.com) through Friday, December 24th.
  • Cerato Boutique (3451 N. Southport Ave.; 773-248-8604, ceratoboutique.com) offers 20 percent off all apparel through Friday, December 24th.
  • Chicago Premium Outlets (1650 Premium Outlets Blvd., Aurora; 630-585-2200, premiumoutlets.com/Chicago) kicks off its after-holiday sale on Sunday, December 26th with extra discounts at select stores, such as 20 percent off all purchases at Dooney & Bourke and 25 percent off any $100 purchase at Le Creuset. The promotion runs through Sunday, January 2nd.
  • Make any $45 jewelry purchase at Mali Jewelry (204 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-263-0326, malijewelry.com) and receive a free red coral necklace through Friday, December 24th. The boutique also offers 50 percent off all purchases; enter “50” at online checkout to receive discount.
  • Find refreshments, complimentary gift wrapping and more during the Men’s Night Out at Knickers of Glen Ellyn (492 Main St., Glen Ellyn; 630-469-BRAS) on Tuesday, December 21st from 6 to 8 p.m.
  • Riley (1659 N. Damen Ave.; 773-489-0101, shopriley.com) offers up to 75 percent off during its winter sale.