Akira Hyde Park Grand Opening 2/3 hosted by @NikkiandTheCity

With numerous Chicago locations already under their belt, fashion retailer Akira is making it's way South with the newest addition coming to Hyde Park. The Grand Opening will take place Sunday, 2/3 from 4-6p and be hosted by Chicago blogger Nikki and the City.

The launch time is cutting it close to the Superbowl Kick off, but if you're in the area I'd suggest stopping by to get a peek at the location and snag 20% off all purchases! Can't beat that deal.

Will you be there?

@LEVIS Curve ID Jeans to the Rescue

Shopping for jeans is always a pain in the ass. I'm short (5'2"), curvy (size 10/12), and seem to be on a never ending quest to find a flattering pair of jeans. Not just flattering, but quality jeans that don't break the bank or bust it all the way open lol.

This past weekend I was walking around the city enjoying a beautiful Fall day, you know... taking my usual cuffing activities outdoors when the boo and I decided to check out the Levi's store. I had heard consistently positive reviews on the quality of their denim and the Curve ID line.

Glancing down at my Forever21 Skinny Jeans I was just a tad bit embarrassed. It was clear the $10.80 jeans had long overstayed their welcome. They were stretched out in the knees (strange) and looking faded. Yes, the jeans had been a decent purchase. I mean, being able to wear such cheap jeans for nearly a year is pretty awesome, but I came to the realization that I can't have fashion struggles this close to 30.

I entered the Levi's store on Michigan Ave. with an open mind and patience... I knew it would take a little time to get measured, try different fits, and see what worked the best for my body. After 90 mins and a ton of help from sales associate Juliet, I emerged from the store with 2 pairs in hand and a big smile.

Levi's Demi Curve Skinny Jeans 

I measured on the cusp of 2 curves: Demi and Bold. I tried both styles on and ended up picking the Demi curve as it fit a tad bit more comfortable on my hips/waist. I opted for 2 pairs of Demi Curve Modern Rise Skinny leg jeans in dark denim. I also loved the 30" inseam option - - perfect for shorter ladies.

The jeans retail for $78 (not much more than the $69.50 I would pay at The Gap), but Levi's had a great 30% off sale going on... might still have it... so I walked out of there with 2 exquisitely fitting jeans for just over $100. If you're still searching for a nice pair of jeans I suggest going in a store and getting fitted. You'll be happy.

Retail Therapy...

I think every woman would argue that retail therapy is a valid form of therapy, often being the cure-all for a boring, stressful, or emotional day. Even if you're having a great day, retail therapy can infuse additional endorphins into your life and jazz up your day even more!

Ever since Forever21 creepy crawled its way into my life, I've been surrounded by $20 clothes and more yellow bags than I'd like to admit. I decided to head over to Nordstrom during my lunch on Friday for a change of scenery and to eye some quality shoes. Wow... I've been missing SO much. Although Nordstrom Rack is a favorite of mine for discounted shoes, Nordstrom is still leading the pack in quality, higher end shoes. I was in shoe heaven for 60 mins.

I spied racks and rows of boots, heels, flats... anything and everything to put a smile on my face. I even spotted some uber cute bracelets that were screaming out to be thrown in my bag - - but at $78 a pop I'll probably leave those at the store lol.



Slightly obsessed with these bracelets - - but they're $78 each :( Womp!


On a shallow note, it felt awesome to be surrounded by nice, non-twenty dollar items for a change lol. Don't get me wrong, I'm not going to stop shopping at Forever21 just yet, but I'm 27 so I should own clothes that cost more than $20 and are better quality.

Macy's "Shop for a Cause" 2011

Macy's is having a great deal going on today and tomorrow...

If you donate $5 to their "Shop for a Cause" charity event (benefitting March of Dimes), you'll receive a card allowing you to receive 25% off all purchases today and tomorrow!!!

I just saved a bunch of money on bras (which they're having a great sale @ the State/Lake location), so I urge everyone to get in the giving spirit and instantly reap the rewards.

Grand Opening: Forever21 @ Columbiana Centre

Forever21 will finally be opening their doors tomorrow - Saturday, May 21st @ 10AM!!!

The store is the first for the midlands (located at the Columbiana Centre) and will feature the WNOK street team, in-store DJ from 10a-6p, along with 10% off all purchases over $40 for the entire day. They'll also be giving the first 200 people in line gift cards valued up to $210 - - and we all know you can buy a new wardrobe with $210 at their store.

I've been desperately yearning to get my Forever21 fix since moving to SC and am hoping I can make it out for this grand opening. Now, if they could just add an H&M and Nordstrom Rack I'd be in heaven lol.

Will you make it out for this event?

Dear Santa...

Thanksgiving is in 3 weeks and with that will come black Friday. This year I'm excited about giving gifts just as much as receiving them... and I thought it a great idea to compile my list of "must have" items.

1. Leading the way is the new MacBook. I am a sucker for the white color and after a trip to Best Buy I was able to play with all of the cool functions. I like my HP but have grown tired of the constant spyware, spam and system meltdowns. I'm happy to be making the switch from a pc to a Mac!!!

2. Dvds!! The winter makes me a homebody and I plan on overdosing on my favorite series: The Tudors, Gossip Girl, and Sex and The City.




3. MICHAEL by Michael Kors Round Goldtone Watch - This watch is the most cost effective way to satisfy my yearning for a rolex. It's a great quality timepiece that won't break the bank but still provide the sleek, classic look that I love.

4. Parisienne by YSL is the newest perfume to tickle my nose with delight. I'm in love with the hints of blackberry, damask rose and sandalwood. Sensual and flirty, this is sure to be my fragrance of choice for 2010.

5. Gadgets to help me step up my blog are on the short lists for 2010. A camcorder, audio recorder and more professional camera (nicer canon or nikon) are sure to aid me in creating better content for my blog... which I'd love to do more with in the coming year.

Throw in a few magazine subscriptions (Allure, Elle, etc) and I'm good to go for this holiday season. What does everyone have on their wish list?

Shop & Share

If you shop at any Jewel-Osco store in Illinois, Indiana, or Wisconsin on May 25th, May 26th or May 27th, 5% of your total purchase (excluding tax) will be donated to ARFhouse Chicago, a no-kill animal shelter. Just hand the signed slip to your cashier and help ARFhouse Chicago raise money to help homeless pets.



Founded in 2006, ARFhouse Chicago is a no-kill animal shelter. The organization is 100% volunteer run and affiliated with ARFhouse in Sherman, Texas - the 3rd largest no-kill sanctuary in the United States. While monetary donations are always appreciated (ARFhouse is a 501(c)(3) status organization and all donations are tax deductible) you can always help in other ways - - adoption, donating supplies, volunteering your time as a dog walker, or even sponsoring a pet.

If you're planning on doing some grocery shopping please go on the days listed and help out this cause that's very near and dear to my heart! It's a great way to support a charity and not have to go out of your way - - simply print out a form and take it with you... and please feel free to pass this along to everyone you know!

If you'd like more information on ARFhouse Chicago click here.

For a copy of the flyer click here.

Here are a few of the wonderful dogs your donations will be helping out:

Peanut

Nadia

Dollie

Caspar

Brittany

Akira - New Location

After work I headed North to Water Tower Place in hopes of "window shopping" and maybe picking up something cute for this weekend. To my surprise I was delighted to see a new addition to the 4th floor - Akira! The store just opened on Monday so the merchandise is fresh and not picked over. The sales staff is extremely friendly and ready and willing to assist in any way possible. With the help of Matt I was able to leave with 2 cute skirts and 1 dress, only 1 of which appears on the website so I feel like I walked away with at least 2 jewel pieces I doubt anyone else will have. I love Water Tower Place not only for their 2 story Forever21, but Sephora, Victoria's Secret and Aldo/Aldo Accessories - - Now I have another store to tickle my fancy whenever I'm there. Here are few photos from the new location:

Akira Downtown - Women's Clothing

Water Tower Place - 4th floor

845 N. Michigan Ave.

312.951.5508

shop.akirachicago.com

Akira Chicago - "Couture for the Poor"

On Saturday, March 21st I attended GenArt's Shop Chicago held in the Great Hall at Union Station. The event had a good turnout and featured numerous designers showcasing the best in clothing and accessories - - Among my favorites was Akira, a Chicago boutique.

While all of the Akira sales associates were helpful, Robbie (from the State St. store) took the enabler role to a whole new level with her constant "are you sure you don't want to just try it on" and "what about these". She really was a great sales person because I didn't walk out of there empty handed (nor did the 2 friends I went with). Thanks, Robbie, for doing some minor damage to my credit card.

The one thing that did take me by surprise was the fitting room which was literally a 15x15 blocked off section. Trying on clothes was similar to being backstage at a runway show in NYC. I walked back there not knowing what to expect only to be met with boobs, thongs, and more flesh than I'd usually like to see. At the end of the day, we were all women so it's not as if someone had something I didn't have myself, well except for smaller boobs. lol... speaking of which, I didn't realize how huge my boobs were until I was back there comparing myself to others. Wow... My cups really do runneth over.

(The Icing on the Cake....)

As part of my Akira purchase I was given a 15% industry discount card that, get this, NEVER EXPIRES! Oh me, oh my! This was like music to my ears. Anyone that has been to Akira knows that 15% off can go a long way and the selection they have is amazing. I can't wait to start using it asap.

Gen Art - Shop Chicago 3/21

Gen Art's annual Shop Chicago is an event that I've always wanted to attend. This year they will be hosting the event at Union Station's Great Hall on Saturday, March 21st from 1p-6p. While the admission is complimentary (it does require an RSVP by Thursday 3/19 at 4p. Click here to RSVP) VIP tickets are available for $40 (non-members) and $30 (members). The VIP ticket price includes entry to the VIP lounge, special VIP preview from 1p-2p, gift bag valued at over $200, and complimentary cocktails, wine and chipotle snacks.

Gen Art and Degree Fine Fragrance Collection invite you to the shopping event of the season! Taking place in Union Station's magnificent Great Hall, Shop Chicago will showcase designers' spring collections at discounted prices of up to 70% off retail in womenswear, menswear, and accessories, as well as designer collections from Gen Art Chicago's Fresh Faces in Fashion runway show. Attendees can purchase the latest trends and enjoy pampering in the Shop Chicago Beauty Lounge.

I'm not one to ever need an excuse to shop and plan on attending this weekend. If anyone else is interested in going let me know. I'm going to pass on the VIP tickets since I've never been before, but we could possible make it a day of shopping and grab some drinks afterwards... and everyone knows that once the drinks start flowing it turns into a night full of good times.

I <3 Shoes

Unlike shopping for a bra or a pair of jeans (which can be daunting tasks) shoes always fit...there's no struggling to find your size, squeeze into them or feeling let down that they "make you look fat". Stilettos are my shoe of choice and I don't mind suffering for fashion. I've been coming across some cute shoes today and wanted to share...and might I add that I'm not one of those super secretive girls that when you ask where I got something from - lie, say it was a gift, or "I don't remember". I love getting a good deal and believe in sharing the wealth.