This Week’s Top Story
High-end salon Michael & Michael (365 W. Chicago Ave., michaelandmichael.com) has completed a major expansion. The yearlong project combined two, century-old storefronts into one, doubling size of the original space. Helmed by Michael Jacobson and Michael Crowley, the 13-year-old salon specializes in hair design and color.
“We are a hair only salon, and will remain so,” Crowley says. “We will continue to grow as we have over the past 13 years—training one stylist and colorist at a time. We simply plan to add more artists to our team, thereby serving more clients.” The new salon has 28 chairs, up from 16 before the expansion. For spring hair trends, Crowley cites shattered bangs and 1940s-inspired styles with loose waves. He also says that clients are making less of an effort to cover up grays; instead they “bolster and enhance naturally gray hair.”
Top Sales This Week
Kate Spade (56 E. Oak St., katespade.com) is offering an additional 25 percent off sale merchandise through the weekend. The discounted items are from the winter collection and include dresses and purses.
Virtu (2035 N. Damen Ave., virtuchicago.com) hosts a heritage sale for fine jewelry designer Anne Sportun through April 3. Ranging from sparkling earrings to signature bands, items in the sale will be discounted by 30 percent to 40 percent.
Vintage store Dovetail (1452 W. Chicago Ave., dovetailchicago.com) is hosting a spring equinox sale through March 31. Vintage neckties, tops, bottoms, and dresses are 25 percent off; purses, belts, and shoes, and jewelry are 15 percent off; and locally made pieces are 10 percent off. To fit with the “spring cleaning” theme, customers who spend $75 or more will get a free bundle of sage.
Dr. Martens Chicago (1133 N. State St., drmartens.com) will celebrate the 40th anniversary of punk on Saturday. From 12 to 6 p.m. there will be live music (punk, of course, including Ted Leo) as well as mohawk styling and deals. Anyone sporting a Mohawk will get 25 percent off purchases.
Pop-Up
Planning a tropical getaway? Mott50, a Chicago-based brand that makes protective resort wear, will open a pop-up in Wilmette. Open from April 1 through the end of May at 1515 Sheridan Road, the shop will sell swimwear for women, kids, and babies, as well as hats and beach apparel. Mott50’s pieces are made without chemicals or treatments, and claim to block 98 percent of UVA and UVB rays.
Openings
The Black Tux, an online brand that offers tuxedo and suit rentals, will open its first brick-and-mortar showroom within The Tie Bar (918 W. Armitage Ave., thetiebar.com) on April 1. The showroom will feature suits, shirts, and shoes from the rental collection, and on-site fit specialists will assist customers.
Style Room 326 (1722 W. Belmont Ave.) will open on April 29. The wholesale and retail showroom—open to members only—will showcase women’s clothing, accessories, and shoes. According to DNA Info, merchandise will rotate weekly, and will include items designed by owner Theresa Washington. The space will also host makeup classes, pop-up shops, private parties, and fashion shows.
Trunk Show
Christian Siriano will host a trunk show at Evanston boutique Chalk (2611 Prairie Ave., chalkboutique.com) on April 6. The designer, best known for his fantastical dresses and gowns, will also take one-on-one styling appointments with clients who book in advance. Call 847-424-0011 to inquire.
Health & Beauty
Lumination Salon (3555 N. Lincoln Ave. Suite 2, luminationsalon.com) is now open in Lake View. In the single-station space, owner and stylist Adam Bogucki tends to one customer at a time. He also customizes the experience by playing the client’s choice of music and offering a beverage of choice. Bogucki uses products from lines such as Living Proof and Kevin Murphy, and services include haircuts, all-over color, balayage, and smoothing treatments.
Retail News of the Week
- The costume council of the Chicago History Museum will present designer Bob Mackie with the “Designer of Excellence” award. Read more.
- Skinny jeans are still the most popular style. Read more.
- Nike has launched a self-lacing sneaker. Read more.
- 900 Shops is casting for its new “I am Chicago” ad campaign. Read more.