Shopping Chicago??

Water Tower Place 835 N. Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60611 Phone: (312) 440-3166   At the pinnacle of Chicago's famed Magnificent Mile, Water Tower Place is Chicago's premier shopping destination. Its stunning eight-level atrium features more than 100 of your favorite stores and restaurants plus a mix of distinctive specialty shops and boutiques. It offers a unique, high-energy urban shopping experience you simply won't find anywhere else in the city. In short, Water Tower Place is the place to shop. Water Tower Place offers eight levels of sophisticated shopping anchored by Macy's and the only downtown Lord & Taylor. Add 100 specialty stores to the mix – stores like Banana Republic, J.Jill, Eileen Fisher, Nine West Lifestyle, The Sharper Image, GAP, Jacadi, STUDIO Sterling Works and many others exclusive to Chicago, and you'll see why this urban mix makes for a very unique shopping experience. Dining options include California Pizza Kitchen, Mity Nice Grill, the "foodlife" unique food court, and more.
STATE STREET
State Street is Chicago's "main street," located in the very heart of the city. For 165 years, it's been the unparalleled retail and entertainment hub of the Midwest. The 1922 hit song "Chicago" gave the street its famous nickname: "That Great Street," where they do things they don't do on Broadway! Historic anchors Marshal Field's (now Macy's) and Carson Pirie Scott have been through the ups and downs of State Street. After a slump in the 1970's, State Street was closed to automobiles and the sidewalks were widened in an effort to revitalize the area. The plan was not successful, but now that State Street is again open to automobile traffic and has a multi-million dollar facelift, the businesses are again thriving. State Street is not only a shopping, dining and entertainment attraction, but also an historical walking tour. Points of interest include the Chicago Theater, Macy's at Randolph and State, the Reliance Building at 32 N. State, the Chicago Building at State and Madison, the Harold Washington Public Library at State and Congress, and more. Dining in the greater State Street area has as much history as its architecture with such favorites as the Walnut Room in Macy's, which was originally the first department store tea room; Berghoff Restaurant, a long-time popular German establishment; Trader Vic's in the Palmer House Hilton; and Billy Goat Tavern, known for its cheeseburgers.

Sir in Brooklyn

 About Sir

Sir designer Joanna Baum describes her pieces as “softly deconstructed classics” full of “old-school touches.” The label is inspired by vintage chic, Parisian sensibilities, and bias-cut elegance. “I like to think that I’m willing to work with clients and give them a level of attention that might be more traditionally associated with a tailor,” says Baum, an award-winning fashion graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) whose clothing appeared in the Mira Nair film The Namesake.

With Kirsten Dunst, Kate Hudson, Keira Knightley, Tracey Ullman, and Michelle Williams already counting themselves among Sir fans, historically, the label’s specialty is its bias-cut silk pieces offering great fits. Baum also hand-washes her silks—both chiffon and charmeuse—to give the pieces a “pretty, roughed-up look.”
Sir’s own boutiques carry Baum’s creations almost exclusively, serving as a tightly curated showcase for her always-evolving collection. “I also like to whip the sewing machine out in the shop, and let people watch if they are around as I stitch things into shape,” explains the designer, whose decade-long career in fashion includes stints at Tommy Hilfiger and Polo Jeans. “Mixing in one-of-a-kind reworked vintage pieces with my collection pieces helps gives the stores freshness.”
All of which begs the final question: Why the name Sir for women’s clothing? “In the same way that ‘sir’ addresses someone in a more formal, classic way, Sir the label dresses women in such a manner,” Baum says. “Plus,” she adds with a smile, “I just like the play on words.”

129 Bedford Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11211
718.384.0700
sirbrooklyn.com sirbrooklyn@gmail.com

Stores

{Sir Brooklyn} 129 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211 718.384.0700
Hours: Mon–Fri 1-8pm; Sat–Sun, 12-7pm
{Albertine} 13 Christopher Street, New York, NY 10014 212.924.8515
{Blue Tree} 1283 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10128 212.369.2583 bluetreeny.com
{Legacy} 109 Thompson Street, New York, NY 10012 212.966.4827
{Dish} 541 Hayes Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 415.252.5997
{Juniper} 3314 East Spring Street, Seattle, Washington 98122 206.838.7496 juniperinmadrona.com

Shopping Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe is a mecca for shoppers. Whether you are decorating your home in Southwest decor or are looking for that special piece of Indian jewelry, Santa Fe will have what you are looking for. We provide you with suggestions for a great Santa Fe shopping experience. Some of our selections are internationally known and others are will totally surprise you. Let's get ready to shop 'til we drop in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Native American Jewelry and Art

Ortega's on the Plaza

If you want to go to a place that has hand-selected the best jewelry from the best Native American artisans try Ortega's on the Plaza. Located right on the corner of W. San Francisco and Lincoln, Ortega's is a good place to go if you want to ensure that your purchase is authentic and that you have the choice of the most noteworthy and creative artisans. You'll find amazing jewelry, masks, pottery and rugs. Of course you will pay dearly for all this hand-selection of pieces, but if money is not an issue, I'd recommend heading for Ortega's.

Rainbow Man

Rainbow Man, on 107 E. Palace, has a unique collection of Edward S. Curtis photography. These historic prints are worth a stop. The shop has long been a trusted source for Native American and Hispanic art and gifts.

Andrea Fisher Fine Pottery

If you want to see beautifully displayed high end Pueblo pottery, head for the Fisher Gallery just off the Plaza at 100 San Francisco. Andrea Fisher's has fantastic examples of well-known potter's art and the staff are extremely knowledgeable.

Palace of the Governor's Portal

If Ortega's is a bit too pricy for your taste, head for the vendors under the shady portal at the Palace of the Governors on W. Palace Avenue, also on the Plaza. The vendors are screened, their jewelry and crafts are made by the artisans and the prices are considered average. The 900+ vendors represent forty-one tribes, pueblos, chapters and villages in New Mexico, the Navajo Nation, and parts of Arizona.

Art Galleries

Of course the first thing to know about art in Santa Fe is that Canyon Road and the Plaza area are the most frequented. You'll keep busy enjoying a wide variety of art in both areas of Santa Fe.

Ford Smith Gallery

If you want something bright and creative, head for the Ford Smith Gallery at 135 W Palace Ave # 101. Aside from the massive oils, there are reasonably priced Giclee' prints. The artist and his wife are often on-site and their openings draw an interesting crowd.

Delgado Street Galleries

Just off Canyon Road is Delgado Street, home to some very interesting galleries tucked away in vintage adobes. We discovered Delgado Street during a 4th Friday evening art walk. The art was varied and the music and complementary finger foods kept us there until closing time.

Of particular note is the Galerie Esteban. If you enjoy modern/classic Spanish guitar, Esteban is probably known to you. You can purchase his CDs and DVDs at the gallery and peruse a great selection of local art. If you are enthralled with the little adobe gallery, look out back at the patio and garden. You can actually arrange to have your wedding there!

Great Finds for Bargain Hunters in Santa Fe

Tesuque Flea Market

On weekends head out to the Tesuque Pueblo just north of Santa Fe for the weekend flea market. Now this is no ordinary flea market. You will find top notch jewelry artisans, Mexican folk art, African folk art and much more. Many of the vendors are permanent and have built up a following. If you are a beader, there are some fascinating beads you can purchase in bulk. They will bargain at the market. Refreshments are available. .

Jackalope for Fun!

Out Cerrillos Road look for the big Jackalope store. You can find imports from Mexico like brightly painted Oaxacan animals, inexpensive woven rugs, glassware, pottery for your yard and much more. You won't find the rumored Jackalope, however.

Festivals Shoppers Will Love

Santa Fe Indian Market

Each year the Santa Fe Indian Market includes 1,200 artists from about 100 tribes who show their work in over 600 booths. The event attracts an estimated 100,000 visitors to Santa Fe from all over the world. Buyers, collectors and gallery owners come to Indian Market to take advantage of the opportunity to buy directly from the artists. For many visitors, this is a rare opportunity to meet the artists and learn about contemporary Indian arts and cultures. Quality is the hallmark of the Santa Fe Indian Market. You will find jewelry, pottery, art and furniture. Held annually in August.
Santa Fe Spanish Market

Santa Fe's Spanish Market, held annually in July, celebrates the colorful Hispanic culture of Northern New Mexico. The tradiitonal Spanish Market features handcrafted arts by 250 local Hispanic artists, music and regional foods. The same weekend, you can also visit the contemporary Spanish Market. Its a great place to buy tinwork, religious folk art and carvings.

Shopping In New England

New England is often thought of as a place for enjoying the ocean, the mountains, a lobster dinner and small charming towns with village greens, but shopping has become an integral part of the region's matrix. Consider the outlet shopping in North Conway, NH, Wrentham, MA and Freeport, Maine -- the latter, a formerly sparse rural town that has transformed into a downtown full of outlet stores (including the famous L.L. Bean). Then, there are the classic Mom and Pop country stores that have made New England famous in the retail world like the Vermont Country Store, of Weston, Vt. Charming stores like this have an old-fashioned feel and specialize in everything from Vermont cheddar cheese to snug and warm clothing for us hardy New Englanders. Hidden gems like Brookfield Orchards in tiny Brookfield, MA, are located in the middle of nowhere and offer a treasure of candles, antiques, collectibles, candies, jams, maple products, a book area, crafts, maps, toys, Vermont Cheddar Cheese and hundreds of more items. And here, you can enjoy a famous and delicious apple dumpling during this quaint chopping experience!




By the ocean, you'll find many nautical-theme shops like the Lighthouse Depot in Wells, Maine (you'll find any kind of lighthouse gift here), endless candle and gift shops along the Main Streets of Cape Cod, and a high concentration of hokey, but endearing souvenir shops like Ro's at York Beach, Maine.



Cities like Boston, MA, Portland, Maine and Providence, RI, offer all the cosmopolitan shopping that we have come to know in world-class cities, while suburban shopping malls like the Emerald Square in North Attleboro, MA, bring indoor shopping to the next level with modern, clean surroundings with updated and fully stocked chain stores.



During the Christmas and holiday shopping seasons, be sure to visit brightly lit, festive small towns that provide a wonderful of Christmas designs and quaint, locally-owned stores that should meet all your holiday shopping needs. Kennebunkport, Maine, traditionally presents one of the best downtown holiday scenes to complement its nice shopping selection. Norwood, MA, is a true underdog -- a southwest Boston suburban town with a brightly lit town common during the Christmas season and a great selection of independently-owned stores. Brenner's is a children's clothing shop, the ultimate Mom and Pop shop with a nice, elderly couple offering old school customer service; The Learning Well, teacher and children's learning supplies; Hills for jewelry; Woodstuff for unfinished furniture and hand made all wood furniture; and Roadhouse antiques with a nice array of merchandise from yesteryear. Norwood also has many dining places downtown, including the classic Town Square Diner in its chrome and vinyl lunch and breakfast glory, Perks Coffee Shop for coffee, baked goods and sandwiches, and the Old Colonial Cafe for great steaks, chicken and seafood selections.



Whatever your retail cup of tea, New England's shopping scene is as diverse as its wonderful topography. By every mountain, every beach, every country road and every major city resides a shopping experience that ranges from the familiar to the unique.

Fashion Valley Center, San Diego, Ca.

San Diego's Best Mall?:


Fashion Valley is the class of San Diego malls, Fashion Valley has arguably the best of the upscale stores. Nordstrom, JC Penney, Macy's, Nieman Marcus and San Diego's first Bloomingdale's anchor this well appointed two-level, 200 store, outdoor mall.

What makes it so special?:

Good restaurants and an AMC multiplex make this a place to go beyond shopping. Burberry, Lily Pulitzer, Gucci, Ruehl, Apple and Sony Style store reflect the mall's cool factor. Where else will you find a Tiffany store?

What's the mall's flavor?:

Stylish, classy and upscale. Fashion Valley has been around forever (circa 1970), but you'd never know because its been updated nicely over the years. A recent facelift a few years ago added an entire second-level to the outdoor mall, including the 18-screen AMC multiplex and spacious food court. The architecture is extremely tasteful, featuring trellises and awnings.

What's the clientele?:

The fashion conscious, both young and old (hey, it is Fashion Valley). Yes, this is where serious shoppers go for quality merchandise.

Food factor:

FV has a number of popular sit-down restaurants, including the extremely popular Cheesecake Factory, PF Chang's, Crocodile Cafe, Numero Uno Pizza, and California Pizza Kitchen. The food court includes a wide range of choices, from burgers to Asian to Italian to Mexican.

Signature stores:

Department stores: Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, Bloomindale's, and JCPenney. Shops: Tiffany & Co., M.A.C., Eddie Rodriguez, Louis Vuitton, A/X Armani Exchange, Max Studio, Gucci, Apple, Sony Style

Parking prognosis:

Plentiful. Multi-level garages surround the mall on all sides. If you're familiar with the area, the Friar's Road (north) side can get congested - you're better off parking in the garages on the south side. There's also a large public transit terminal including bus and trolley service.

The Essentials:

Address:

7007 Friars Rd

San Diego, CA 92108

Conveniently located off Highway 163 at Friars Road West in the heart of Mission Valley. 7007 Friars Road San Diego, California 92108, (619) 688-9113