This Week’s Top Story
Designer Rebecca Minkoff (rebeccaminkoff.com) comes to Nordstrom (55 E. Grand Ave., shop.nordstrom.com) on Friday to showcase her new fall collection. Detailed with studded leather, suede, floral embroidery, and tassels, the line was inspired by the traveling artists and bohemians known as gypsetters. “I wanted [this collection] to reflect the liberating energy of travel, and the thrill of passing through undiscovered places,” Minkoff says.
During her appearance, Minkoff will mingle with shoppers and dish out styling advice for her bags, shoes, clothing, and jewelry. The tip she finds herself most frequently offering, she says, is to prioritize comfortable shoes. “It makes me crazy when I see women barely able to walk in high heels, or constantly adjusting their straps,” she says. “Make sure that what you’re wearing fits you well, and that you feel at ease in it. Otherwise, it won’t work!” She also encourages her customers to make her bags their own, and has made everything from patches to pom-poms and letter stickers to help women customize their accessories.
When she’s not talking ill-placed straps, Minkoff will follow a when-in-Rome type approach to exploring the city. “There’s no way I can miss out on deep-dish pizza,” she says. “And I love getting a drink at the Pump Room at the Public Hotel. There’s something really cool and old-Chicago about it.”
Later this fall, Minkoff will be able to visit her own boutique when she comes to town: the Rebecca Minkoff store opens soon at 106 East Oak Street. “Look out for some amazing in-store technology,” she teases. “We think everyone is really going to love it.” Her Nordstrom appearance starts at 5 p.m. this Friday.
Top Sale This Week
Marlowe (800 N. Michigan Ave., marlowe.com), which specializes in Italian cashmere, is hosting its end-of-summer sale. Items are now up to 60 percent off, and staffers predict that sale will run through the end of the month.
Pop-Ups
Kovet Boutique (1036 Willow Rd., Ste. E, shopkovet.com) hosts a pop-up event for Evi Simjan (evisimjan.com) today from 4 to 7 p.m. Based in Chicago, the luxury brand has leather shoes with athletic-style cushioning to provide extra comfort.
Everlane (everlane.com), the online retailer, is hosting a pop-up shop at Heritage Bicycles (2529 N. Lincoln Ave.) through August 21. The shop will let shoppers test out Everlane’s new Modern Commuter Backpack.
Designer Samantha Sleeper (samantha-sleeper.com) will showcase her new bridesmaid line, Swan Bridesmaid, at a pop-up open August 24 to 27. The event will be held at the new event space The Lakewood (1758 W. Lake St., thelakewoodchicago.com).
Closing
Mint Julep (3432 N. Southport Ave.) will close at the end of the year. The women’s boutique was open for 15 years, and sells casual styles from labels like Michael Stars and Naked Zebra.
Retail News of the Week
- As more consumers shop online, Macy’s plans to close some 100 stores. Read more.
- Neapolitan Collection owner Kelly Golden shares her best fashion advice. Read more.
- The Service Club of Chicago offered a preview of fall fashion at its Day on the Terrace event at the Peninsula Chicago. Read more.