New boutiques set to dress up the suburbs
Despite the troubled economy, a growing number of small, independently owned women's clothing boutiques are opening in the suburbs.
Two of the new kids on the block:
Prairie Smoke Clothing Company, a two-story women's clothing boutique at 309 Old McHenry Road in Long Grove, holds its grand opening this weekend, starting at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 10.
The boutique is owned by Long Grove residents Rachel Perkal and Tobin Fraley, who say their store caters to both professional women and active suburban moms with clothes that are fashionable yet unpretentious. An emphasis is put on clothes made from natural fabrics and by fair trade companies.
On Sept. 30, Lake in the Hills resident/designer Cindy Hock created a retail outlet for her successful online business, ShimmerbyCindy.com. The new Shimmer By Cindy Studio is at 303 S. Main St., Algonquin, above the Funky Things store.
Hock is best known for her jewelry designs and her "Shimmering Inspirations," line, from which she donates a portion of the proceeds to charity. Check out her new custom-made rhinestone shirts and hats. Her Web site has a 10 percent off coupon.
Headline fashion
The topics you read about can also be the topics you wear:
• Festa T-shirts' newest Cubs T-shirt reflects fans' unwavering optimism, "Believe in Happy Endings." ($15.99-$25.99 at shopfesta.com)
• Hidalgo sells enamel and gold rings boasting the name of the political parties and the presidential candidates.
The McCain ring is more expensive than the Obama ring (let the joke-writing begin). The McCain ring is $4,155 ($1,375 plus $2,780 for the diamond and gold guard rings). Obama's is $3,870 ($1,350 plus $2,520 for the diamond and gold guard rings). Available locally at Garfinkles Fine Jewelry in Highland Park and Sandburg Jewelers in Chicago.
Attention teachers:
Aerosoles shoe stores are currently offering a 15 percent discount to all teachers. All they have to do is show their National Education Association card at the Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, Yorktown Center in Lombard or Chicago Premium Outlet stores in Aurora.
Get pink hair!
All month, the Michael Thomas Salon and Day Spa, 346 W. Half Day Road, Buffalo Grove, will add a pink hair extension to your hair in exchange for a $10 donation. It's part of their Pink Hair for Hope fundraiser for breast cancer.
In other salon news, Salon 21, at 32 Danada Square West in Wheaton, will sponsor a free Fall Wig and Extension Show from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, which will include complimentary massages, hand treatments, prizes and more. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society.