New upscale children's boutique features handmade items
It's tough to keep the Hannah Montana and High School Musical handmade purses on the shelves at a new boutique at Deer Park Town Center.
The bags by Pauz Notebagz, selling for $41, are just one of the hot, trendy items found at the new Lyon's Den upscale children's boutique.
The hip shop features designer clothing lines, including Junkfood and Paul Frank, as well as Petunia Picklebottom diaper bags. Clothing ranges from infant to size 14 for girls and up to size 8 for boys.
Husband-and-wife team Heather and Joe Daniels of Kildeer own the shop, located near the Century Theaters at the outdoor mall.
A musical, "rock your baby" theme at the store is taken in part from Joe's background as former drummer for Local H, an area band that originated in Zion.
Handmade baby wipe cases by Angie and baby toys are other hot items at the store, which the owners named after their son, Lyon.
The boutique also carries the popular Peanutshell baby slings, selling for $51, Blow Up Rody jumping toy, Babylegs leg warmers.
Sterling silver necklaces with a place for a photograph is a custom item that is also selling well, Heather said.
Tell me a story: Mrs. Claus is hosting a story time with children at Stratford Square in Bloomingdale.
Children will be entertained with a different story for each 30-minute session.
The sessions run at 10 a.m. Wednesday and Dec. 12 and 19.
Children can come in their pajamas at 7 p.m. Friday and Dec. 14. Participants younger than 10 will receive a holiday gift from Santa.
An older crowd: A new American Eagle Outfitters concept store recently debuted at Westfield Old Orchard in Skokie.
Martin + Osa features sportswear designed for the 25- to 40-year-old shopper. Jeans and every-day clothing is the thrust.
The store's name comes from Martin and Osa Johnson, a globe-trotting husband-and-wife team from Kansas who explored Africa and the South Pacific Islands, documenting their trip with photos.
Fun for all: Young shoppers are really enjoying the free horse-drawn carriage rides at Geneva Commons.
The rides run from 1 to 5 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 16. The carriage seats 8 to 10 shoppers and runs continuously around the center.
Another opening: Steve & Barry's, the casual apparel retailer known for its low prices, recently opened in Schaumburg.
The store, at 1045 E. Golf Road in Woodfield Commons, offers an array of jeans, T-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, sweaters, footwear and more.
Staying true to its heritage, the company continues to offer licensed apparel from hundreds of colleges and universities.
A store is also scheduled to open this week in Highland Park at 115 Skokie Valley Road. Steve & Barry's already operate in Mount Prospect, Lombard, Bloomingdale, West Dundee and Aurora.
Big names: BCBG Maxazria and Body Central, both women's retail stores, opened at Gurnee Mills in November.
A catch: Reel Crab, a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant, recently opened at Oakbrook Center.
The eatery features an mix of fresh fish, Alaskan king crab, Maine lobster and dry-aged prime steaks.
Mychael Bonner, executive chef of Reel Club, worked for Maggianos in the past.
Dinner prices at the contemporary upscale casual restaurant range from $11 to $40.