Smells like spring?
The end of February is a weird time for fashion in Chicago.
We're all sick of our winter clothes by now, but there's no sense in spending too much on new ones because you'll only get to wear them once or twice before packing them up for the season.
And it's too soon to buy spring clothes, because short sleeves and sandals will not do when there's still snow on the ground.
What's a Windy City shopper to do?
Buy cosmetics and fragrance.
What's new?
• Donna Karan Cashmere Mist ($70, for 1.7 oz bottle, at major department stores)
Words used to describe it: "a soft and sensual sheer floral."
Bonus: Numerous companion products, including Cashmere Mist Deodorant ($17.50)
• DKNY Karan Delicious Night ($52, 1.7 oz eau de parfum spray, at Bloomingdales)
Words used to describe it: "A thoroughly unique sensory nocturnal adventure just waiting to unfold."
Bonus: Has accompanying lip gloss ($16).
• Very Michael Kors ($65, 1.7 oz. bottle, major department stores)
Words used to describe it: "warm sensuality, like a touch of fur on bare skin."
Bonus: It can be added to your "Michael Kors fragrance wardrobe."
• Dreaming by Tommy Hilfiger ($45, 1.7 oz eau de parfum spray, at major department stores)
Words used to describe it: "a medley of sumptuous materials ready to take the senses on a dream-like escapade of adventure."
Bonus: It's nicely packaged, and the line includes a gold "perfume pendant."
• With Love, Michael Kors (package containing three 0.2 oz. rollerballs, $40, at major department stores)
Words used to describe it: "Balanced with spices, sensual woods and exotic incense."
Bonus: Get to apply perfume with rollerballs rather than a spray
• Victoria's Secret More Pink Please ($47, 2.5 oz. eau de parfum spray, at Victoria's Secret)
Words used to describe it: "deliciously fruity floral fragrance."
Bonus: Good gift for teenage girls.
Future stars?
You might not be familiar with their names now, but six local designers could be the next Vera Wang or Phillip Lim. They were selected this month as the first-ever "designers in residence" at the Chicago Fashion Incubator at Macy's on State Street. That means they'll be mentored and taught about the business from the industry's top experts.
The designers, with their lines in parentheses, are: Glenn Mallory (6ACE by Glenn Mallory); Kate Coxworth (Kate Boggiano); Agga Raya (AGGA B.); Lidia Wachowska (Evil Kitty); Yana German (YANA Collection); and Kristin Rosynek Hassan (organiK Revolution).