Posts Tagged ‘The Left Bank’

Chicago Bridal Hotspots

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

If your summer was anything like mine, wedding season took its toll. Friends and family tied the knot, basking in the “happiest day of their life.” In all the merriment, my attention always focuses on the sartorial centerpiece: the wedding gown. So, I’ve taken it upon myself to search for some of the best bridal shops in Chicago. After all, with the exception of the bride and groom themselves, isn’t the dress the crown jewel of the festivities? Oh, I DO believe so!

VWIDON

Carla Hwang and Kenneth Park, the husband and wife team behind VWIDON (360 W Superior Street, 1st Floor; 312-654-9078), have been dressing Chicago brides for 10 years. The gown label and River North boutique designs a 40-piece collection annually but offers a selection of about 80 dresses total. VWIDON’s 3,200-square-foot showroom is filled with one-of-a-kind wedding gowns rooted in detail and comfort. You’ll shop VWIDON originals—from minimalist to elaborate—with prices ranging from $2,500 to $3,900.

Belle Vie Bridal Couture

Belle Vie Bridal Couture (34 E Oak Street; 312-751-2222) prides itself on treating each bride as a personal guest. Each client is paired with her own personal stylist to help select the perfect gown. Amidst the chic French ambiance, peruse dresses by Anne Barge, Christian Lacroix, Reem Acra and more that start at $2,800 and go up to $20,000. During the first appointment, scan lookbooks for styles that grab you, and then the stylist will give you some dresses that best flatter your figure. According to Belle Vie Bridal Couture, the process of finding, receiving and altering a gown takes about a year. So, brides-to-be should start looking ASAP.

Ultimate Bride

The Gold Coast’s Ultimate Bride (106 E Oak Street; 312-337-6300) set out to compile the world’s best designer gowns under one roof. The high fashion labels include Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Monique Lhuillier and Angel Sanchez. By offering a multitude of designers through its inventory and trunk shows, the boutique gives brides their choice of the amazing gowns. Ultimate Bride offers other services as well, including helping with final dress arrangement for the big day, to ensure the bride’s needs are taken care of.

House of Brides Couture

With multiple locations in the Chicagoland area, this bridal hotspot is convenient for brides in the city and the suburbs. At House of Brides (730 N Franklin Street, Suite 300; 312-475-0500), expect to find a vast selection of gowns including couture designs and plus sizes. You can also find various accessories, from bras and shapers to shoes and headwear. House of Brides’ e-boutique also gives busy brides the option to shop on the net. Even with online orders, this shop ensures all bridal purchases will arrive on time.

The Left Bank

Once you’ve found the perfect gown, you’ll need the perfect accessories. The Left Bank (1155 W Webster Avenue; 773-929-7422) has everything for just that. With shoes, veils, bridal jewelry and brooches, the Lincoln Park boutique completes the bridal ensemble—it’s the icing on the cake. Appointments aren’t necessary, as it promotes casual browsing. Also keep an eye out for designer-attended trunk shows at this French inspired shop.

By Danielle Parker

Image courtesy of VWIDON and Belle Vie Bridal Couture, respectively

Tags: Angel Sanchez, Anne Barge, Belle Vie Bridal Couture, Carla Hwang, Carolina Herrera, Christian Lacroix, House of Brides Couture, Kenneth Park, Monique Lhuillier, Oscar de la Renta, Reem Acra, The Left Bank, Ultimate Bride, VWIDON
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Chicago Fashion Events and Sales

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

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

Tags: Anthropologie, Avant Bride NYC, Beta Boutique, Block 37, Chicago Shopping, Eclectica, Eco Fashion, Ellen Hunter, Eskell, Florodora, Habit, Isabella Fine Lingerie, Krista K, Le Dress, Lucky magazine, Maria Pinto, Penelope's, She Boutique, The Left Bank, Veruca Salt
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