This Week’s Top Story

Women’s designer Rebecca Taylor will appear at Neiman Marcus (737 N. Michigan Ave., neimanmarcus.com) this evening to meet with shoppers and show off her spring collection. “I’ll be showing our spring collection, which was inspired by London’s formal association of artists and intellectuals known as the Bloomsbury set,” Taylor says. “The mood is optimistic.” Pieces include an ecru bias fringed dress ($550), a long-sleeve dress with a tapestry-garden print ($395), and patched, cropped jackets ($495).

This marks the second time in six months that the designer has visited Chicago, and she’s getting to know the city. “I love exploring the Art Institute, and I also really enjoy walking around Lake Michigan and taking in the city skyline views,” Taylor says. During this visit, she’s hoping to catch a glimpse of the green Chicago River—and return to Ikram for some shopping of her own. But, Taylor’s first order of business is to stop by Neiman Marcus. The event begins at 6 p.m., and will be held on the retailer’s third floor. Call 312-694-4072 to RSVP.

Top Sales This Week

Sir & Madame (5225 S. Harper Ct., sirandmadame.com), the hipster-approved boutique for men and women, is hosting its spring cleaning sale. Items storewide are 50 percent to 75 percent off, and merchandise is also available online. Pieces include a black parka lined in fox fur (reduced to $900 from $1,800), a Brooklyn Circus varsity jacket (reduced to $375 from $525), and an indigo-dyed utility shirt (reduced to $75 from $150).

Scoop NYC (1009 N. Rush St., scoopnyc.com) is still hosting its Warehouse Sale, and everything on the first floor is an additional 60 percent off the lowest sale price. The sale offers selections from Scoop’s New York warehouse, so the Chicago boutique has a temporarily expanded selection of designers. Discounted items include dresses from Zac Posen and Alaia. The sale wraps on Sunday.

Ted Baker (1009 N. Rush St., tedbaker.com) has discounted select items by 30 percent. The sale selection is small, but pieces include a black-lace dress, floral-print dresses, and jackets for men.

Menswear store Ike Behar (67 E. Oak St., ikebehar.com) is hosting its end-of-season sale. Select items are 50 percent to 70 percent off, and all sales are final.

Penguin (901 N. Rush St., originalpenguin.com) is offering 30 percent off select styles through March 23.

Opening

The RealReal (therealreal.com), which sells luxury consignment, will open a brick-and-mortar store at 980 North Michigan Avenue on Monday. Designed by Courtney Applebaum, who’s also worked on stores for The Row, the space is staffed with gemologists who offer free appraisals of fine jewelry and watches. And note: the staff uniform here is pretty spiffy. Gemologists will wear custom quilted lab coats and Manolo Blahnik shoes. The store will be open by appointment only.

Trunk Shows

Gabriella and Tere Artigas, the sisters behind handmade jewelry line Gabriella Artigas, will appear at Space519 (900 N. Michigan Ave., space519.com) on Friday evening. The sisters will showcase fine, semiprecious, and exclusive pieces; there will also be sips and light bites. The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m.

Lincoln Park’s Paris-inspired bridal shop, The Left Bank Jewelry & Bridal Finery (1155 W. Webster Ave., leftbankbridal.com) is hosting a trunk show for San Gabriel wedding accessories through Sunday. Brides-to-be can shop Swarovski crystal jewelry, sashes, handmade veils, and headpieces. Walk-ins are welcome, but staffers recommend making an appointment in advance.

Market

Randolph Street Market will host its “Spring Fling” (1340 W. Washington St., randolphstreetmarket.com) on Saturday and Sunday. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, the event will showcase 100 vendors selling vintage, antique, and indie-designer goods. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door—or free, for anyone wearing a bonnet.

Retail News of the Week

  • Fashion trends for fall include leopard print, velvet, and ballerina-inspired styles. Read more.
  • Target’s new Hyde Park store will cater to college students. Read more.
  • ChicagoInno looks into the state of innovation in Chicago’s fashion industry. Read more.