Welcome to fall in Chicago. The air holds a brisk chill and the trees are aglow with shades of yellow, orange and red. Signaling an adieu to summer and a hesitant hello to yet another winter, this change in season isn’t just a transition in weather. It’s a transition in wardrobe. As fashion’s favorite time of year, local designers and boutiques give shoppers an abundance of breathtaking clothing and accessories for Fall/Winter 2010. With both must-have trends and classic garments that cater to Midwestern style sensibilities, the city’s shopping scene offers rich variety and irresistible flair.

Set in the oasis-like Park at Lakeshore East, surrounded with high-rise condominiums, Millennium Park and Michigan Avenue, we at Style Admirer captured a piece of Chicago’s fall. These five looks, set against an expansive canvas, display the season’s hottest trends and incorporate pieces that can be treasured for seasons to come. With a focus on rich textures, tailored shapes, opulent embellishments and luxe fabrics–all by Chicago designers and boutiques–we pay homage to autumn.

First image: Velvet dress by C/FAN ($380; Cerato Boutique; 3451 N Southport Avenue), Allison Schiller ring ($449; Krista K; 3458 N Southport Avenue), Osanna Visconti double spiral cuff ($320; Sarca; 710 N Wabash Avenue), Hue lace tights ($18; Lori’s Shoes; 824 W Armitage Avenue) and Charles by Charles David “Nightlife” lace booties ($114; Lori’s Shoes). Above image: Agga B dress with gold beaded sleeves ($550), Melinda Maria “Baby Jane” earrings ($575; Sarca) and Hue tights ($18; Lori’s Shoes)

Agga B vintage fur vest ($760) and linen blouse with Swarovski crystals ($160), high-waisted jeans (the stylist’s own)

Smythe blazer ($595; Fix Boutique; 1101 W Fulton Market), Twelfth St by Cynthia Vincent patterned tank ($256; Fix Boutique), Rag & Bone wool mini skirt ($230; Fix Boutique), leg warmers (stylist’s own) and Sam Edelman black lace-up boot ($212; Lori’s Shoes)

Leather coat with fur lining by C/FAN ($1,118; Sofia Vintage; 72 E Oat Street), Allison Schiller stone ring ($398; Krista K), The Branch oversized silver cage ring ($160; Sarca); Maui silver antique heart necklace ($570; Sarca), Helmut Lang stretch leather leggings ($690; Krista K) and Josie satin tank ($128; Krista K)

Creative director and writer: Meghan Turner
Photographer: Ace Ujimori
Stylist: Maia McGinley with Meghan Turner
Model: Shanna Vincent
Hair and makeup: Emily Cumings
Special thanks to Kaitlyn Groth

Pretty in Pilsen (2150 S Canalport Avenue)
On Friday, stop by Pretty in Pilsen from 5:30pm to 8pm to get an early start on your holiday shopping! Shop local designers like Kate Boggiano, Audey, Cole Haddon, Anna Hovet, and much more.

Latin Fashion Week’s Structure at Circuit Night Club (3641 N Halsted Street)
The big party for LFW 2010 will kickoff at 6pm on Friday with a cocktail reception. The fashion show will begin at 8pm and will promote fashion for men and women from international and local designers. A portion of proceeds will go to The Center on Halsted.

Elizabeth & James Trunk Show at Krista K Boutique (3458 N Southport Avenue)
Krista K will host an Elizabeth & James Trunk on Friday during store hours. Shop the fabulous jewelry collection, and enjoy special discounts during the event.

A Passport to Design Fashion Ball at Mercedes-Benz of Chicago (1520 W North Avenue)
Latin Fashion Week 2010’s big fashion ball will begin Saturday at 6pm with an awards reception. The main event will start at 8pm in the form of a fashion show and dancing begins at 10pm. Some of Chicago’s most influential fashion personalities will attend so get your tickets now!

Erin Gordon Holiday Trunk Show at Sarca (710 N Wabash Street)
On Saturday from 10am to 6pm, Leslie Prizant Goodman hosts an in-store shopping party presenting the Erin for Sarca jewelry collection. Meet jewelry designer Erin Gordon and receive a complimentary oxygen treatment. RSVP is required.

ShopSwagg at Excalibur (632 N Dearborn Street)
ShopSwagg is hosting a fashion & beauty shopping fundraiser on Saturday. There will be exclusive deals on clothing, beauty treatments and more.

Foursquare at Cynthia Rowley (810 W Armitage Avenue; 1653 N Damen Avenue)
Through this weekend, you can receive an exclusive Foursquare discount at all Cynthia Rowley store locations (Chicago, New York, Boston, and Charleston). Show your mobile device to a sales associate and receive 20% off full-price items and 10% off sale items.

Fashion Sense at Trattoria Roma Restaurant (1535 N Wells Street)
Latin Fashion Week will hold a 2-day pre-holiday shopping extravaganza on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 5pm in Old Town. It will feature an array of premier clothing, accessories, make-up and salon boutiques.

Brynn Capella Holiday Trunk Show at Cerato Boutique (3451 N Southport Avenue)
Stop by Cerato Boutique on Saturday (10am-6pm) or Sunday (11am-5pm) for the Brynn Capella Holiday Trunk Show, which will feature the Rockstar Collection. Guests can enjoy 10% off purchases of $200 or more.

Fashioning Desire at City Gallery (Water Tower, 806 N Michigan Avenue)
Now through the end of January 2011, stop by Fashioning Desire: Chicago Fashion Photographers. Chicago’s lively and diverse fashion photography scene will be on display, featuring the work of nine local photographers. 

Image courtesy of Pretty in Pilsen

Maximalism: Fashion Show at Happy Dog Gallery (1542 N Milwaukee Avenue, 2nd Floor)
On Friday beginning at 7pm, The Sometimes Store, The Gaudy God and Sisterman will host an all nude and black fashion show, Maximalism. The show will feature 24 vintage looks from the 80s and 90s.

Randolph St. Market Festival at Plumber’s Hall (1340 W Washington Street)
The Randolph St. Market Festival is back on Saturday (10am to 5pm) and Sunday (10am to 4pm). Enjoy an exciting array of vintage and modern decor, home furnishings, art, fashion and jewelry.

Chicago Summer Antiques Show and Sale at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (5555 N River Road – Rosemont)
This weekend, more than 60 exhibitors from 38 states and various countries worldwide come to Chicago for one of the Midwest’s largest antique events. The Chicago Summer Antiques Show & Sale goes from 12 to 7pm on Friday and Saturday and 12 to 5pm on Sunday. Tickets are $10.

SALES

Caroline DeVillo Couture Semi-Annual Sample Sale (1616 N Damen Avenue)
On Saturday from 10am to 3pm, Caroline DeVillo will hold a sample sale at her Bucktown/Wicker Park boutique. Bridal gowns will go for 30% to 70% off.

Dress Up Summer Blowout Sale (1937 N Damen Avenue)
Now through the end of August, Dress Up boutique invites you to shop their Summer Blowout Sale. Customers enjoy up to 90% off new and already-marked down styles.

Sarca Summer Sale (710 N Wabash Street)
Now through the end of August, stop by Sarca and take advantage of the exclusive summer sale. The Gold Coast boutique offers all summer merchandise at discounted prices starting at 50% off.

11 Years of LILL (904 W Armitage Avenue)
LILL celebrates 11 years of business through the month of August and is having a sale to celebrate. Take 11% off everything in-store, online and at LILL on Location handbag parties. Some restrictions apply.

Image courtesy of Caroline DeVillo

The Vintage Bazaar Pop-up Shop at the Congress Theater (2135 N Michigan Avenue)
The Vintage Bazaar, a flea market pop-up shop, will be at the Congress Theater on Sunday from 12-7pm. Shop a multitude of vendor, and enjoy free admission.

Share and Shop at The 900 Shops (900 N Michigan Avenue)
Join The 900 Shops this weekend for a shopping event to benefit Dress for Success Chicago, Share Your Soles and The Glass Slipper Project. Shoppers receive a 15% savings pass for each gently-worn donation.

Spring/Summer Bag Sale at Madison and Friends/The Denim Lounge (2004 W Roscoe Street)
On Friday from 10:30am to 6:30pm, Madison and Friends & The Denim Lounge are running an All-You-Can-Shop Clothing event. Purchase a bag for $225 and keep whatever you can fit in it. Seriously!

Metropark’s Fall Fashion Event 2010 (all Metropark locations)
On Friday from 5pm to close, all Metropark locations will offer a free gift bag with every purchase of more than $100. Additionally, customers can get up to $100 off their next purchase.

Dress Up Summer Blowout Sale (1937 N Damen Avenue)
Now through the end of August, Dress Up Boutique invites you to shop their Summer Blowout Sale. Enjoy up to 90% off new and already-marked-down styles.

11 Years of LILL (904 W Armitage Avenue)
LILL celebrates 11 years of business through the month of August and is having a sale to celebrate. Take 11% off everything in-store, online and at LILL on Location handbag parties. Some restrictions apply.

Image courtesy of The Vintage Bazaar

Boutique Super Sale (2215 N Halsted Street – the old Abercrombie space)
On Friday (1 to 5pm) and Saturday (10am to 3pm), four Chicago boutiques hold a super sale in one location. Belly Dance Maternity, Cerato Boutique, Perchance Boutique and Tangerine will offer heavily discounted merchandise.

11 Years of LILL (904 W Armitage Avenue)
LILL celebrates its 11 years of business through the end of August. Take 11% off everything in-store, online and at LILL on Location handbag parties. Some restrictions apply.

Gamma Player Tax Holiday Sale (2035 W Division Street)
Now through August 15, join Gamma Player for their 2010 Tax Holiday Sale. Enjoy special markdowns and reduced taxes on items under $100.

Sarca Summer Sale (710 N Wabash Street)
Now through the end of August, stop by Sarca and take advantage of the exclusive summer sale. The Gold Coast boutique offers all summer merchandise at discounted prices starting at 50% off.

Summer Blowout Sale at Dress Up Boutique (1937 N Damen Avenue)
Now through the end of August, Dress Up Boutique invites you to shop their Summer Blowout Sale and enjoy up to 90% off new and already marked down styles.

Sunday Brunch, Sunday Fix at Fix and the Publican (1101 and 837 W Fulton Market, respectively)
This is the last Sunday to celebrate summer and Sundays with this special discount opportunity. Make a Sunday purchase at Fix Boutique and receive 15% off Sunday brunch at the Publican; grab Sunday brunch at the Publican and get 15% off your Sunday purchase at Fix.

Image courtesy of Sarca

Blake Standard In-studio Sample Sale (4140 N Sheridan Road)
Blake Standard hosts its first in-studio sample sale from this Saturday through next Friday, August 6. A variety of tees and tops are only $10; dresses and hoodies for $20; and jackets, sweaters and zip-ups for just $30.

Habit Boutique Closing (1951 W Division Street)
Habit will close its doors for good this Saturday. Till then, take 15-50% off everything in the store.

Vintage Heaven Sale at Heaven Gallery (1550 N Milwaukee Avenue)
On Saturday and Sunday, stop by Heaven Gallery during Wicker Park Fest and shop some of the best local vintage sellers at one convenient location.

Isabella’s Mid-summer Sale at Isabella Fine Lingerie (840 W Armitage Avenue)
This weekend, Isabella Fine Lingerie is offering 20% off all bras and underwear in-store and online (enter code: JULY).

Lipstick Dinosaur Pop-up Accessories Shop at GAVIN Boutique (1939 Central Street – Evanston)
Lipstick Dinosaur continues its ongoing Pop-up Accessories Shop through the end of July at GAVIN in Evanston. Stop by to view the collection and take advantage of exclusive discounts.

Sarca Summer Sale (710 N Wabash Street)
Now through the end of August, stop by Sarca and take advantage of the exclusive summer sale. The Gold Coast boutique offers all summer merchandise at discounted prices starting at 40% off.

Summer Blowout Sale at Dress Up Boutique (1937 N Damen Avenue)
Now through the end of August, Dress Up Boutique invites you to shop their Summer Blowout Sale and enjoy up to 90% off new and already-marked down styles.

Sunday Brunch, Sunday Fix at Fix and the Publican (1101 and 837 W Fulton Market, respectively)
There are only two Sundays left to celebrate summer and Sundays with this special discount opportunity. Make a Sunday purchase at Fix Boutique and receive 15% off Sunday brunch at the Publican; grab Sunday brunch at the Publican and get 15% off your Sunday purchase at Fix.

Image courtesy of Blake Standard

Chicago jewelry line Damen + Division makes knock-out statement pieces rooted in artisanal glamour and vintage detail. We love these eye-catching “Suki” gold and turquoise drop earrings ($158; Sarca; 710 N Wabash Avenue).

GAVIN Boutique and Lipstick Dinosaur Party at Vertigo Sky Lounge (2 W Erie Street)
On Friday from 6 to 9pm, GAVIN Boutique and Lipstick Dinosaur invite guests to an evening of cocktails and fashion presentations. RSVP to events@zapwater.com.

SALES

Summer Sizzle Sidewalk Sale (Between Armitage & Division and Western & Ashland)
The Wicker Park and Bucktown Sidewalk Sale is back, offering shoppers major discounts on Saturday (11am to 6pm) and Sunday (12 to 5pm). See our Mil/North/Damen and Division maps for reference.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (Michigan Avenue, Old Orchard and Oakbrook Center locations)
Nordstrom’s famous Anniversary Sale is underway through August 2. Don’t miss this opportunity to save big on the latest fall merchandise.

Lipstick Dinosaur Pop-up Accessories Shop at GAVIN Boutique (1939 Central Street – Evanston)
Lipstick Dinosaur continues its ongoing Pop-up Accessories Shop through the end of July at GAVIN in Evanston. Stop by to view the collection and take advantage of exclusive discounts.

Kate Boggiano Warehouse Sale (2150 S Canalport, 3rd floor)
On Saturday beginning at 8am, Kate Boggiano is having an early bird sale at her studio. Take 60% off at 8am, 50% off at 10am, 40% off at 11am and 30% off at noon.

Best Habit Sale Ever at Habit (1951 W Division Street)
Now through the end of July, swing by Habit for their summer sale, which offers 15-50% off everything in the store.

Sarca Summer Sale (710 N Wabash Street)
Now through the end of August, stop by Sarca and take advantage of the exclusive summer sale. The Gold Coast boutique offers all summer merchandise at discounted prices starting at 40% off.

Sunday Brunch, Sunday Best at Fix and the Publican (1101 and 837 W Fulton Market, respectively)
Now through August 8th, celebrate summer and Sundays with this special discount opportunity. Make a Sunday purchase at Fix Boutique and receive 15% off Sunday brunch at the Publican; grab Sunday brunch at the Publican and get 15% off your Sunday purchase at Fix.

Photography by Ace Ujimori

SALES

Armitage/Halsted/Webster Sidewalk Sample Sale in Lincoln Park
Stop by the 14th Annual Sidewalk Sale in Lincoln Park on Saturday (10am to 5pm) and Sunday (11am to 5pm). Plenty of merchants will hold unbeatable summer sales. Be sure to print or pull up our Armitage + Halsted shopping map on your mobile device for reference!

Sarca Summer Sale at Sarca (710 N Wabash Street)
Now through the end of August, stop by Sarca and take advantage of the exclusive summer sale. The Gold Coast boutique offers all summer merchandise at discounted prices starting at 40% off.

Lipstick Dinosaur Pop-up Accessories Shop at GAVIN Boutique (1939 Central Street – Evanston)
Lipstick Dinosaur continues its ongoing Pop-up Accessories Shop through the end of July at GAVIN Boutique in Evanston. Stop by to view the collection and take advantage of exclusive discounts.

Best Habit Sale Ever at Habit (1951 W Division Street)
Now through the end of July, swing by Habit for their summer sale, which offers 15 to 50% off everything in the store.

Gem Summer Sale at Gem Jewelry Boutique (1710 N Damen Avenue)
Till Sunday, customers can take 10 to 40% off  Gem’s designer, estate and antique jewelry.

Indoor Sidewalk Sale at The Denim Lounge (43 E Oak Street)
Friday through Sunday, The Denim Lounge and Madison and Friends will hold an “Indoor Sidewalk Sale” at the Oak Street location. Most items will be 60 to 80% off. Enter discount code “sidewalk” online if you can’t make it in person.

Sunday Brunch, Sunday Best at Fix and the Publican (1101 and 837 W Fulton Market, respectively)
Now through August 8th, celebrate summer and Sundays with this special discount opportunity. Make a Sunday purchase at Fix Boutique and receive 15% off Sunday brunch at the Publican; grab Sunday brunch at the Publican and get 15% off your Sunday purchase at Fix.

Image courtesy of Armitage Halsted Webster Association

EVENTS

Damen + Division Trunk Show at SARCA (710 N Wabash Street)
On Saturday from 10am to 6pm, Sarca will host a Damen + Division Trunk Show featuring the latest collection. Meet designer Sonia Barrett and get a personal style consultation. RSVP to rsvp@shopsarca.com.

Lipstick Dinosaur Pop-Up Accessories Shop at GAVIN Boutique (1939 Central Street – Evanston)
GAVIN partners with Lipstick Dinosaur for a Pop-up Accessories Shop from this Saturday through the 31st. Lipstick Dinosaur will make a personal appearance on Saturday from 12 to 3pm.

Beyond the Garden Gate (Damen Avenue, between North and Armitage Avenues)
On Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 5pm, stroll through 11 participating stores on Damen Avenue for the Beyond the Garden Gate. Enjoy discounts on floral patterned items, plants, jewelry and more.

SALES

Queen of Hearts Sale at Lara Miller (931 W Cornelia Avenue)
Check out the famous Queen of Hearts Sale this Sunday from 12 to 6pm. Either pull a card, roll the dice, or pick your poison for a chance to win an additional discount. All merchandise will be between 30-80% off.

Sunday Brunch, Sunday Best at Fix Boutique and the Publican (1101 and 837 W Fulton Market, respectively)
Starting this Sunday through August 8th, celebrate summer and Sundays with this special discount opportunity. Make a Sunday purchase at Fix Boutique and receive 15% off Sunday brunch at the Publican; grab Sunday brunch at the Publican and get 15% off your Sunday purchase at Fix.

Elda de la Rosa Summer Sample Sale and Party (5555 N Sheridan Road)
On Friday and Saturday, save 25-75% off merchandise during the Elda de la Rosa Summer Sample Sale and Party. Meet Elda while enjoying complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. RSVP to eldadelarosa@rcn.com or call 773.769.3128.

City Soles’ Nickel Sale (2001 W North Avenue)
City Soles’ famous Nickel Sale returns on Friday. Buy one pair at regular price, get one pair for only 5 cents.

Hubba-Hubba Michael Stars Sale (3309 N Clark Street)
From Thursday through Sunday, Hubba-Hubba is offering a buy 2 get 1 free sale on all Michael Stars items.

Image courtesy of Fix Boutique