Christmas is just days away, and the hustle around the city can be felt just as much as the bitter cold.   That being said, if you’re anything like the PLRG team, you’re not quite done with your Christmas shopping, and this may or may not have to do with the fact that you’ve bought just as many “gifts” for yourself as for your friends & family. Sound familiar? Well for the next 24 hours or so, we are excited to bring you an amazing option for gift giving or another gift for yourself. Through the end of Tuesday, our friends at We Give To Get are offering an amazing offer - $20 for a $50 gift certificate to Sofia Vintage.

If you’re not familiar already, Sofia Vintage made its debut in the spring of 2009 and is Chicago’s premiere men and women’s vintage clothing and accessories boutique. Sofia offers Chicagoans a selection of unique, yet timeless pieces at affordable prices. Chicago natives and sisters, Ashley Zisook and Allison Zisook Goldstein, bring you unique vintage pieces with a goal to revive class, grace and beauty from decades past intertwined with today’s trends. In addition to featuring a variety of men and women’s vintage clothing and accessories, at all price points, the boutique also spotlights emerging designers, including up-and-coming designers Chaser, Taxi CDC, Dear Creatures, Numph, Erica Wiener jewelry, and Steven Shein jewelry.

Fashion aside, what we love most about the offer is that 10% of your purchase price will be donated to your selected charity from ActofGood.org’s extensive list of philanthropic organizations. Each month, WeGiveToGet donates a minimum of $5000 to charities (collectively) with no maximum contribution.

Here are the deets:

LOCATION:
In the Gold Coast at 1165 N. Clark in Suite 400, Chicago
Open Tuesday-Saturday from 12pm-7pm. (312) 640-0878
www.sofiavintage.com

HIGHLIGHTS:
Sofia Vintage Boutique is Chicago’s destination for a vast selection of unique men and women’s vintage clothing and accessories. Sofia redefines the typical retail experience by offering distinct pieces at affordable prices and individual personal styling expertise, combined with a relaxed atmosphere. Sofia offers a vast selection of women’s pieces that can be easily mixed into any wardrobe including: Victorian lace blouses, ‘60s and ‘70s Yves Saint Laurent, Oscar De La Renta, Valentino, Chanel, Gucci, Fendi, hippie jersey dresses, one-piece jumpsuits, 80’s cocktail numbers, belts, jewelry, purses and hats.
Sofia offers endless options for men as well including: classic sport coats, dinner jackets, lively western shirts, butter t-shirts, retro ties and cufflinks
Parking available: metered street parking, Treasure Island parking garage, and Clark/Division red line accessible
Sofia Vintage is available for hosting monthly parties at its boutique

RULES:
Expires Feb. 28, 2010
Cannot combine with other offers
In-store only
No change given/no cash value
Not for use toward tax or shipping
Limit one per customer per visit

YELP READERS LOVE SOFIA VINTAGE
The owner of the store was super friendly, and while she offered to help me pull some items based on my likes and dislikes, she was in no way one of those hovering sales people trying to shove merchandise down my throat. From the looks of the showroom I thought that all the merchandise would be outside of my budget, but was thrilled when I was able to leave the store with an entire outfit for under $100.” (read more on Yelp)

Oh, the Fashionista! This girl always looks hot in the latest designer “it” pieces and does she ever know it. She’d rather jab a pencil in her eye than be caught wearing something from last season. Her favorite television shows probably include America’s Next Top Model, Project Runway and of course, Sex and The City. So, what do you get the girl who knows fashion and style like the back of her hand? We’ve got the goods below.

Sparkle Tights, Forever 21
Any stylish girl would shine in these sparkly tights. They are the perfect thing for her to wear out and about to all her holiday parties.
($8.80)

Rhinestone Flex Cuff Bracelet, EXPRESS
These bangles are the icing on the cake for any ensemble. Available individually for $12.50 each, or buy in “bulk” to save some dough and make a bigger impact. Comes in tons of colors to fit anyone’s style.
(4 for $20)

Unisex Circular Scarf, American Apparel
This scarf can be worn over 12 different ways, giving the recipient the ultimate bang for your buck. It is available in an array of colors and is sure to keep someone warm and toasty this winter.
($28)

Sexy Basics Cowl-Neck Tee (Striped), EXPRESS
Everyone loves clothes that are sexy and comfy at the same time. The stripes lend a modern vibe to a more classic shape. Perfect for that someone who listens to Mozart while sitting their Herman Miller chair.
($29.50)

‘Maura’ Pump, Jessica Simpson
Just because her feet are freezing this winer, doesn’t mean they can’t look hot. These pumps have an updated 1940’s look that will be stylish long after the cold winter passes.
($38.90, on sale at Nordstrom.com)

Juicy Couture iPhone® Jelly Cases, Neiman Marcus
Of course a Fashionista wants her iPhone case to be as stylish as she is. Give the whole set of three for your truly high maintenance friend or wrap and give them individually to really stretch your dollar.
($55 for a set of 3, that’s less than 20 bucks a friend!)

Juicy Couture ‘Sammy’ Rain Boot, Nordstrom
The cutest all weather boots, available in twoadorable colors, are sure to put a smile on any fashion forward lady’s face. Act fast to score the sale price and if you happen to spend $100 or more at Nordstrom, the shipping is free!
($79.90)

Check Burryberry Earmuffs, Burberry
Every woman needs that one “it” piece and this year it is the Burberry earmuff. Stylish and practical, earmuffs keep your ears warm without the dreaded hat head effect.
($150, can be found on eBay for cheaper, but watch out for knockoffs!)

Belted Wool Coat, EXPRESS
This coat is white hot and the belt adds that extra touch of style. Plus, an ivory coat is the kind of thing a girl always wants but is not always practical enough to buy for herself.
($198.00)

Gift Card, Bag, Borrow or Steal
Give the gift of luxury, even if it is only temporary. At Bag, Borrow or Steal she can “rent” designer handbags, jewelry and more without the huge investment.
($25 - $10,000)

 
SPLURGE

Tano Today’s Big Thought Bag, Neiman Marcus
If ever there was an item to splurge on, this would be it. A genuine Italian leather handbag created by a dream team of three handbags designers, it’s enough to make any Fashionista feel like she died and went to heaven.
($235)

(Cassandra Kapp)

“Hey Sal! Where do I donate or recycle my old clothes? And do I need to clean them first? Help…”
- Anna, Chicago, IL

Anna,
Proud of you for considering a charitable contribution - and for no doubt doing a little closet cleaning!

I know that being on a budget might tempt you towards selling those old clothes at a clothing exchange, but I want to urge you towards donation. No doubt your heat has been clicking on over the past couple of cold days, and some people don’t have that luxury. Donating the majority of your items could serve to keep someone warm this winter. As for cleaning, use your best judgment. A small stain shouldn’t be a deterrent for donation, but do try to make sure your clothes are in wearable shape.

And listen Anna, if you’ve got a sequin BCBG tank top - don’t be afraid to trade that in. More valuable items that serve as a name brand, rather than a way to keep warm, will be of less use to the Salvation Army - more use to your pocketbook.

Place for donation? Try the Purple Heart, the Salvation Army, local churches, and local schools.

Places for exchange? Google it - they’re everywhere! I’ve had good success using Buffalo Exchange.

(This advice column is brought to you by the ever graceful, polished and in-the-know, Sally Jackson. Sally is happy to offer her tips and guidance on everything from relationships to fashion to saving money. If you have a question for Sally, go ahead and email her at Sally@PoorLittleRichGirls.com)

So your tickets are booked, your hotel reservations are made and your car rental is secured. The rest should be breezy, right? Wrong! Sometimes packing for a trip can be the most stressful part! It is no easy task trying to predict what you are going to feel like wearing 5 days from now…let alone what the weather will bring you. You also have to take into account the recent add-on fees that airlines are charging if you check more than 1 piece of luggage.

At PLRG, we like to think of packing as a “Style Challenge” (read: how many looks you can get out of the least amount of clothing). Here are some tips on how to pack less without sacrificing your chic style:

Be Schematic

Instead of packing by outfits, pack by color scheme. For a long weeked trip, a good rule of thumb is to choose 2 color schemes so that you can mix and match your pieces. According to BudgetTravel.com, the “Big Rule” of packing is not to pack anything unless it goes with at least two other pieces.

Be Neutral

Well, at least half-way. Focus on packing neutrals for either tops or bottoms. For example, if you pack neutral bottoms (think dark jeans, black skirt and grey trousers) you can mix-and-match patterned tops and make more than 3 outfits that look totally unique.

Be Strategic

Use jewelry and/or accessories to dress your outfit up or down. Dangly earrings and a clutch with a pop of color can take your day outfit into the night so you don’t have to pack an entirely new ensemble. Also be strategic in your actual packing space. If you are traveling somewhere cold, wear your bulkiest jacket on the plane instead of packing it and taking up more room in your suitcase.

Bonus Tips:

If you have some room to spare, pack an empty duffel bag inside your suitcase. This will give you a safety net if your suitcase exceeds the weight limit, or if you decide to do a little more shopping than planned on your trip!

Traveling to the tropics or some place humid? Throw a sheet of fabric softener in your suitcase before taking off and this will keep your clothes from becoming damp and it will absorb odors too.

To prevent wrinkles, pack your clothes in dry-cleaning bags (or large garbage bags even) and lay them on top of each other in your suitcase.

Bon Voyage!!

(Noelle Provencial)

Just a few years ago, the mention of a consignment shop would immediately bring to our minds memories of musty-smelling, old-woman perusing, uber-unstylish clothing stores. The word consignment alone summoned notions of hand-me-downs, castoffs and used goods. Well friends, how mistaken we were!

Chicago’s consignment store arsenal boasts shops that - if you take the time to look - have barely-worn, fabulous high-end clothing and unique accessories. We love the ability to spend a portion of what you would at a regular retail store and walk out with bags of clothing…and a piece of mind that no other girl at the party you’re going to that evening will be wearing the same thing. We’ve found everything from Jimmy Choo heels to Calvin Klein suits to chunky cocktail rings.

Now don’t get us wrong, it takes commitment and energy to tackle the dozens of large and oft-unorganized racks of clothing, or trying on your finds in shower-sized fitting rooms. And there will be days when the selection is totally picked over and the only thing you can seem to find in your size are matching hot pink sweat suits. But…find a vintage Chanel purse for under $100 and all of a sudden your day-long search was the best time you’ve spent all week!

What’s more? It’s Green! According to the Council for Textile Recycling, consignment or secondhand clothing stores helped to prevent almost half of the 2.5 billion pounds of postconsumer textile waste from entering the solid waste stream.

This week PLRG chatted with Aimee Pallozzi, Store Manager at Buffalo Exchange (BE) in Lincoln Park. In her store, buyers are trained to hand-pick items that are in style and in good condition. Clothing at Buffalo Exchange are only on the racks for 1 month before they are marked down and then donated to local charities if not sold. Pallozzi said that she and her team do the pre-work so that shopping at BE is not overwhelming, but she does admit that it’s not the same at all consignment shops. We asked her to share some tricks of her trade with PLRG.

Here are 4 tips that she says are words to live by when shopping resale:

Hold wool fabrics up to your ear before purchasing - if it has a crunching sound when it moves that means it’s been shrunk, and might not best purchase.

Look at the labels- typically, if the label is well constructed it means that the entire garment is made well.

Check zippers, buttons and seams before buying.

One person’s trash is another one’s treasure - so while shopping, think of anything you have in your closet that you might be able to sell!

Reduce…Reuse…Re-wear!

Intrigued? Check one out for yourself and let us know what you find. Here are 10 resale shops around the Chi:

Buffalo Exchange (Lakeview & Wicker Park)

Crossroads Trading Company (Lincoln Park, Wicker Park & Evanston)

Cynthia’s Consignments

Lenny & Me

Recycle It

The Daisy Shop

McShane’s Exchange

Leahey & Laudue Consignment

ShearWear Consignment

Elliott Consignment

(Story by Noelle Provencial)

Frankie’s on the Park
2322 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60614
773-248-0400
www.frankiesonthepark.com

Mention PoorLittleRichGirls and get 15% off your entire purchase!

Handle With Care
1706 N. Wells Street
Chicago, IL 60614
312.751.2929

Buy 1 item, get the 2nd item for 1/2 off.  Does not apply to sale items. Mention PoorLittleRichGirls.com to redeem.