Tania Spinelli Trunk Show and Personal Appearance at Sarca (710 N Wabash Street)
Meet iconic shoe designer Tania Spinelli at Sarca on Saturday (10am to 6pm) or Sunday (12 to 5pm). Preview the Fall 2010 Collection while enjoying a complimentary fit consultation. Space is limited, so RSVP to rsvp@shopsarca.com.

Nine West Fashion Presentation at Nordstrom (55 E Grand Avenue, at Michigan Avenue)
On Friday from 12 to 2pm, Nine West Creative Director Fred Allard and Gossip Girl Stylist Eric Daman will co-host a fashion presentation highlighting the Nine West products exclusive to Nordstrom. The fashion presentation will focus on trends, the diversity of the products, and transitioning the designs from day to night. Both Fred and Eric will participate in a Q&A with the customers.

Zac Posen for Target
This Sunday, the highly anticipated Zac Posen for Target collection hits stores. The wait is finally over!

Veruca Salt Cocktail Party (520 N Kingsbury Avenue)
Starting this Friday from 5 to 7pm, Veruca Salt in River North will host a cocktail party every Friday night this spring and summer. Drinks and snacks will be provided, along with 15% off any regularly priced merchandise.

“Dangerous Curves Ahead” Charity Fashion Show at Zhou B. Art Center (1029 W 35^th Street)
On Saturday, join Project Runway’s Ra’Mon Lawrence and other Chicago designers at this charity fashion show. Walk the purple carpet and shop more than 25 vendors. Tickets are still available for purchase.

Jodi Arnold Sample Sale Hosted by Beta Boutique (1725 N Damen Avenue)
On Saturday (10am to 6pm) and Sunday (12 to 5pm), the Jodi Arnold Spring 2010 Sample Sale, hosted by Beta Boutique, will offer more than 700 pieces for up to 80% off. Receive a $50 gift certificate with every purchase while supplies last.

Spring Fever Trunk Show at Michelle Tan (1872 N Damen Avenue)
On Saturday from 11am to 6pm, Michelle Tan hosts a Spring Fever Trunk Show, which will feature jewelry from Treasure Gypsy and fugudesigns. Complimentary wine will be provided.

MMX: The Common Era (659 W Diversey Avenue)
On Sunday beginning at 6:30pm, beam into the future as Akira, Steve Madden & Belvedere Vodka presents the most enterprising and anticipated fashion presentation of the year. Admission is free, but space is limited. RSVP to events@shopakira.com or call 312.324.0348.

Sway Jewelry Trunk Show at Krista K (3458 N Southport Avenue)
View the entire Sway Collection on Friday (10am to 7pm) or Saturday (10am to 6pm). Meet designer Vicki Stauber, and enjoy 20% off the purchase of any two or more pieces.

More Chicago fashion events

Image courtesy of Tania Spinelli

This Saturday and Sunday, Beta Boutique will present the Jodi Arnold Spring 2010 sample sale. The weekend-only pop-up shop will offer up to 80% off retail prices in the heart of Bucktown, across the street from Marc by Marc Jacobs. Jodi Arnold, whom you may remember from MINT and her recent collection for The Limited, is a New York-based designer known for her ability to create fresh, fashion-forward clothes without pretension. Her spring collection, titled “Mash-Up,” is no different. Constructed from quality fabrics like silk crepe and satin georgette, the line offers a variety of sensible prints, clean cuts, and summer-ready hues. Stripes, abstract florals (inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe), realistic florals, and neutrals are the mainstays. Created for the “multi-layered” woman, it’s moderately priced ($100-$500) and blends seamlessly with any wardrobe. This is one sample sale not to be missed.

The Jodi Arnold sample sale is located at 1725 N Damen Avenue. Doors are open Saturday from 10am to 6pm and on Sunday from 12pm to 5pm.

By Maia McGinley

Images courtesy of Jodi Arnold

EVENTS

Designer Spring Trunk Show at Macy’s on State Street (111 N State Street)
Today from from 10am-6pm, Macy’s continues to support Chicago designers with the Grand Designer Spring 2010 Trunk Shows.

The sass & bide Event at Sarca (710 N Wabash Street)
On Saturday from 12-6pm, Sarca presents The sass & bide Event, a trunk show featuring “Tomorrow The Great.” Preview the Fall 2010 collection and experience the Spring 2010 collection. RSVP to rsvp@shopsarca.com.

Liberty of London for Target Launches
The beloved British label lands in Target stores this weekend. The cheery collection includes clothing and home goods.

SALES

Beta Boutique’s Store Closing Sale (2016 W Concord Place)
Beta Boutique is closing its Bucktown storefront. Through Sunday, take advantage of huge discounts on top of their low prices on designer clothing and accessories.

Samantha Winter Sale (64 E Walton Street)
Through March 20, save 50% on winter fashions at Samantha. Designer pieces such as Splendid tees, Catherine Malandrino dresses, and Genetic Denim are included!

RE.STOCK Shop Pop-up (3221 N Broadway Street)
RE.STOCK Shop is at its new location this weekend. Stop by for up to 80% off designer labels.

More upcoming Chicago fashion events and sales

Image courtesy of sass & bide

Events

N PRPA Preview at SHE Boutique (483 Central Avenue in Highland Park)
Friday is the final day to preview and pre-order N PRPA by Samantha Sleeper, a collection designed exclusively for SHE Boutique.

Alice in Wonderland Fashion Show (839 W Fulton Market Street)
Saturday night, Glam Live and Mario Ink present this Alice-inspired fashion show at Lumen. The event will feature body paint by Mario Ink, extreme makeup by Airbrush Academy, costumes by Kidi, and a live photo shoot by Goykphoto.

Exclusive Bridal Event at 1154 LILL Studio (904 W Armitage Avenue)
On Saturday from 10am-3pm, 1154 LILL Studio will host their Exclusive Bridal Event. Join them for mimosas while ordering your custom or ready-made bridal and bridesmaid bags.

Makeover Madness at Veruca Salt (1921 N Damen Street)
On Saturday from 1-5pm, head to Veruca Salt for a complimentary makeover with makeup artist Irena Schoen, and enjoy 30% off any cosmetic purchase and 20% off clothing items.

Sephora Grand Opening (108 N State Street)
This Saturday, Block 37 expands its impressive shopping selection, as it welcomes the beauty mecca to State Street.

Jean Paul Gaultier for Target (various Chicago locations)
On Sunday, the infamous Parisian designer’s capsule collection lands in Target stores!

SALES

Eclectica’s Sale (1006 W Armitage Avenue)
Thru Sunday, Eclectica is offering new samples and fond favorites from $79 to $99.

Beta Boutique Closing Sale (2016 W Concord Place)
Thru March 14^th, get 40-90% off designer labels at Beta Boutique, including Marc by Marc Jacobs, BCBG, A. Cheng, Earnest, Ella Moss and more. Hurry in before the selection is gone!

Check out more March fashion events and sales here.

Image courtesy of Lumen

SALES

Habit: Best Sale Ever (1951 W Division Street)
Thru 1/31, stop by for 20% to 50% off select clothing, jewelry and accessories.

Eclectica 20% Off Sale (1006 W Armitage Avenue)
Thru the end of January, take 20% off new arrivals, custom orders, and already reduced prices.

Ragstock: 25% Off an Item (812 W Belmont Avenue; 1433 N Milwaukee Avenue)
Thru 1/31, take 25% off one regular-priced item with coupon to use in-store.

Free Tote Bag from A’GACI (107 S State Street)
On the corner of State and Congress, the A’GACI street team will hand out flyers to customers, inviting them to stop in the store to receive a complimentary tote bag (no purchase necessary)! The street team will be out from 1/27 thru 2/3.

Beta Boutique’s Semi-Annual Stacked Rack Sample Sale (233 W Huron Street)
For 2 days only, Beta Boutique will be filling a brand new off-site space with racks of the best designer stock at 40-90% off retail prices. Hours: 10am-6pm (1/30), 12-5pm (1/31).

Penelope’s Winter Sale (1913 W Division Street)
Penelope’s is currently having their winter sale! Stop by the store or log on to enjoy 20% to 60% off fall and winter clothing. They only do this twice a year, so now is the time!

Veruca Salt’s Sale (1921 N Damen Avenue; 520 N Kingsbury)
Thru the end of the month, save 50% off a first item, 60% off a second item, and 70% off a third item on all selected sale merchandise (in-store only)!

Maria Pinto 70% off Sale (135 N Jefferson Street)
70% off sale going on thru the end of the month (on select merchandise only; not applicable to other offers).

Ultimo Liquidation Sale (116 E Oak Street)
After 40 years in business, Ultimo is closing its doors. Thru 2/7, take an extra 50% off everything when you purchase online. Use coupon code: FINAL.

Fix Boutique: Shoe Drive & Sale (1101 W Fulton Market)
Fix will now carry men’s and women’s designer shoes! Thru 2/1, customers who donate a pair of gently used shoes to the store will receive 20% off any shoe purchase. The donated shoes will be given to Soles4Souls.

EVENTS

Eric Daman Book Signing at Swarovski (540 N Michigan Avenue)
This Saturday from 3-4:30pm, meet “Gossip Girl” stylist, Eric Daman, as he signs copies of his new book, You Know You Want It: Style-Inspiration-Confidence. Eric will also offer insider styling tips. The first 100 guests will receive a signed copy of the book.

Destination Capri: A Chicago Fashion Brunch at TOCCO (1266 N Milwaukee Avenue)
This Saturday from 11am to 4pm, Daniel Bruce & Jon Akira are inviting you to Chicago Fashion Brunch, which will exhibit clothing from Akira and tastes from the exotic coast of Italy. RSVP by calling Daniel at 917-583-1538 or emailing rsvp.fashionbrunch@gmail.com.

Get more info about these events.

*Take us shopping with you! Check out our Shopping District Maps on your iPhone!

FASHION EVENTS

Avant Bride NYC Trunk Show at The Left Bank (1155 W Webster Avenue)
Ellen Hunter, chief accessories designer of this Manhattan-based wedding line, will be making an exclusive Chicago appearance. Preview the collection on 1/22 (4-7pm), 1/23 (11am-5pm), and 1/24 (12pm-4pm).

Anthropologie Opens in Block 37 Today! (108 N State Street)

SALES

Isabella Fine Lingerie’s Sale (840 W Armitage Avenue)
Isabella Fine Lingerie is offering an additional 50% off selected sale merchandise until 1/22 (in-store only).

Florodora Scandal Sale (330 S Dearborn Street)
Thru 2/13, stop by Florodora to take advantage of their Scandal Sale! All clothing is 35-75% off! Designers include Lara Miller, Twinkle, Lia Molly, & many more.

Le Dress Sale (1741 W Division Street)
Le Dress is offering 40% off from 11am to 1pm, and the discount goes down from there, so stop by early and take advantage!

Eskell Sale (1509 N Milwaukee Avenue)
Eskell has teamed up with Lucky magazine to offer 40% off items bought online! Use code LUCKYWEEK2 thru 1/25.

Krista K: The Shop Around the Clock Sale (3458/3530 N Southport Avenue)
From 8am to 6pm, take major discounts on already reduced merchandise. Discount amounts change each hour.

Habit: Best Sale Ever (1951 W Division Street)
Join Habit for their best sale ever! Thru 1/31, stop by for 20% to 50% off select clothing, jewelry and accessories.

Beta Boutique: Pre-Stacked Rack Sale (2016 W Concord Place)
Thru 1/24, spend $100+ and receive 20% off your entire purchase, or spend $300+ and receive 30% off.

The Conscientious Luxe Winter Sample Sale at The Great Taste Cafe (355 E Grand Avenue – in the Holmes Center)
From 1pm to 5pm, stop by and take advantage of amazing sales from some of Chicago’s top eco-fashion and jewelry designers.

SHE Save Haiti Relief Fund at SHE Boutique (483 Central Avenue – Highland Park)
Help Haiti while you shop. SHE will donate 10% of the purchase price of non-sale items, and then match an additional 10%, totaling 20% of the purchase price. Use code SAVEHAITI.

Penelope’s Winter Sale (1913 W Division Street)
Penelope’s is currently having their winter sale! Stop by the store or log on to enjoy 20% to 60% off fall and winter clothing. They only do this twice a year!

Veruca Salt’s Sale (1921 N Damen Avenue; 520 N Kingsbury)
Veruca Salt has made their sale better! Now thru the end of the month, save 50% off a first item, 60% off a second item, and 70% off a third item on all selected sale merchandise (in-store only)!

Maria Pinto 70% off Sale (135 N Jefferson Street)
A 70% off sale is going on now thru the end of the month (on select merchandise only; not applicable to other offers).

Eclectica 20% Off Sale (1006 W Armitage Avenue)
Thru the end of January, Eclectica is having a big sale! Take 20% off new arrivals, custom orders, and already reduced prices.

More details

Image by Chelcie S Porter

Clockwise from upper left: Bomber jacket ($50; American Eagle Outfitters), ballet flats ($30; Gap), button-up top with ruffle detail (Beta Boutique; 2016 W Concord Place), wool coat by Don Luce ($140; Veruca Salt; 1921 North Damen Avenue), tulip skirt by Pink ($295; Bloomingdale’s), down vest ($79; Eddie Bauer), scarf with fringe detail ($35; Ann Taylor)

City life and rural life are like oil and water, but sometimes the two find common ground. Right now, it’s fashion. Well, parts of fashion, that is. Rugged plaids are making their way to the glamorous metropolis and bringing along their coziness and versatility. Here in Chicago, choosing between fashion and warmth can be a daily gamble, but this trend supplies style and comfort that easily adapts to any winter wardrobe. Here are some easy-to-wear plaid items, with style for the pickin’.

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of American Eagle Outfitters, Gap, Beta Boutique, Veruca Salt, Bloomingdale’s, Eddie Bauer and Ann Taylor