Can an Algorithm Generate the Perfect Gift?

A new website founded by two sisters (one is a Chicago-based Kellogg grad) may be able to turn husbands into heroes this gift-giving season. Heirlumé is an e-commerce site that generates fine jewelry gift recommendations based on personal style and lifestyle preferences.

How it works: The gifter first answers a handful of questions about the giftee. Next, an algorithm narrows the options down to nine present-worthy baubles selected just for her (or him). The gifter can even poll the giftee’s friends and family, asking them to vote for their favorites, and further eliminating any guesswork.

My results led me to this awesomely edgy rose gold snake ring with ruby eyes ($880). So I’d say the technology is on-point. Read more »
 

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Inside Shop 857
Shop 857 is one of 20 Lincoln Park stores offering special deals this Thursday night. Photo: Courtesy of Shop 857

The Best of the Rest

The first Thursday of the month, the 20 stores that comprise the Lincoln Park Merchant’s Association keep their doors open until 9 p.m. (two additional hours) and offer up extra incentives to shop. Here's what some of the shops have planned for November 7:

  • Contemporary women's boutique Shop 857 (857 W. Armitage Ave., 773-525-1180, shop857.com) marks new fall styles down 15 percent.
  • At women’s clothing spot Piper Boutique (2136 N. Halsted St., 773-697-8365, piperboutique.com), your first item is 10 percent off, second is 20 percent off, and third is—wait for it—30 percent off.
  • Purchase any jacket at Barbour (2042 N Halsted St., 773-360-7894, barbour.com) and you'll be entered to win a second one.
  • Fair trade home goods store Ten Thousand Villages (804 W. Armitage Ave., 773-327-6453, tenthousandvillages.com) offers 20 percent off any single item in the store.

The annual Jayson Home Warehouse Sale (701 N. Albany Ave., 773-248-8180) runs Friday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Furniture, lighting, rugs, holiday décor, and more are marked 50 to 90 percent off.

During November, three of the five collections in the showroom of Chicago-based designer SWABY (2459 W. Augusta Blvd., 773-276-7645) are 50 percent off. Book an appointment to shop the edgy women’s duds.

On Friday, Luxaby Baby & Child (59 E. Oak St., 312-280-7905, luxabybaby.com) hosts a trunk show with Little Gloriana, a specialty clothing line that makes matching getups for girls and their dolls. Check it out from from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Select fall items at Cynthia Rowley (1653 N. Damen Ave., 773-276-9209, cynthiarowley.com) have just been marked down by up to 30 percent. Peruse the sale online or at the Bucktown store.