This Week’s Top Story
Reformation (thereformation.com), a techy fast-fashion chain for women, opens its first Chicago store on Thursday. At the 56 East Walton Street boutique, customers will be able browse different styles using touch-screen monitors. Once you’ve picked out what you want to try on, the clothes are placed in a “magic” fitting room equipped with a phone charger, speakers, and adjustable lights.
Based in Los Angeles, the label creates vintage-inspired women’s fashion using eco-friendly and deadstock fabrics. The store itself will also don eco-friendly flourishes like vintage furniture and reusable totes.
Top Sale This Week
Wicker Park Bucktown’s End of Summer Sale takes place on Saturday and Sunday. During the event, dozens of neighborhood shops will offer discounts on everything from clothing to beauty products and home goods. At Penelope’s (1913 W. Division St., shoppenelopes.com), for example, spring and summer styles will be marked down by at least 50 percent. Head over here for more details on the event, including a map of participating retailers.
Health & Beauty
It’s that time of year again — or is it just our complexion that needs some penance for all those beach days? The Gold Coast’s holistic skincare spa Elina Organics (100 E. Walton St., elinaorganics.com), comes to the rescue with the Crushed Amber Rejuvenating Facial ($150), which benefits sun-damaged skin. The 75-minute treatment includes a crushed amber scrub that penetrates deeply with ultrasound technology. That’s followed by a reflexology massage done over warm herbal compresses, a firming mask, and cold laser treatments. Results include brighter and firmer-feeling skin.
The Frye Company (1007 N. Rush St., thefryecompany.com) is offering select goods for up to 50 percent off. Before the season ends, pick up a pair of woven slides (reduced from $178 to $89) or lightweight wedge sandals (reduced from $288 to $169).
Launches
Now available at Ikram (15 E. Huron St., ikram.com), the debut collection from designer Judy Zhang is inspired by the sea. The Fall/Winter 2019 line is marked with patent leather and sheer silk meant to conjure a glossy sea surface; rhinestone beading is inspired by the texture of coral, and ruffles evoke waves. Ikram is the exclusive Illinois retailer for the collection, and carries a larger selection than any other store.
Retail News of the Week
- An indie bookstore is coming to the West Loop. Read more.
- Cannabis companies are eyeing retail spots on Michigan Avenue. Read more.
- Chicago-born Maisie Schloss is the first designer to win support from Kanye West’s incubator program. Read more.