The Christmas tree in the lobby of the Cultural Center
Well its officially December. And with the chilly temps and the snow gently falling outside, it's pretty hard not to get into the holiday spirit. Luckily, Chicago turns into the most beautiful winter wonderland, complete with ice skating rinks, twinkling lights, and of course, the towering Daley Center tree.
But with all the excitement comes the masses and sometimes you just don't feel like elbowing your way through crowds of people just to get inside the stores downtown. That's where the holiday shopping event, Glitter, comes in. This brilliant branchild of the Chicago Fashion Resource offers up delectable deals from some of the most well known local designers in the city, against the festive backdrop of Millenium Park.
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The tranquil quiet of shoppin at Glitter!
Walking into the stately GAR Hall and Rotunda of the Chicago Cultural Center, amid majestic marble tile and stained glass, you feel like you're entering a private showroom, brimming with pieces picked out just for you. Most designers are on hand to answer questions and provide styling tips on their wares, creating an incredibly personalized shopping experience.
Michelle Tan
An adorable jacket I was coveting by Michelle Tan!
Elda de la Rosa
Deisgner Cladia Kleiner (right) in her own designs with a smitten customer, also dressed in Malabar Boutique pieces
Familiar faces of the Chicago fashion scene like Michelle Tan, Elda de la Rosa, and Claudia Kleiner of Malabar boutique mixed in seamlessly with fresher faces like Anna Hovet, Kristin Hassan, Angela Morano. Julie Schwanbeck of Chicago's jewelry line Jules offered incredible deals on her handmade pieces, as did local favorites Objets d'Envy, Dollybird, and Love, Lulu Mae. And who could pass up the gleaming wares of handbag connoisseur Diego Rocha, who held court with custom handbag label (and my former employer!) 1154 Lill Studio. And that's only a sampling of all the amazing names there!
Julie Schwanbeck of Jules—I scored two pairs of sleek Jules earrings!
Agnes Lulu Mae Miles of Love, Lulu Mae (right) with friend jessica and her new flirty feather earrings!
Dazzling feathered and jewled brooches by Love, Lulu Mae
Designer Anna Hovet (left) with friend Sarah, both in fresh and funky Anna Hovet designs
The perky, patterned handbags and accessories at 1154 Lill Studio
Treat yourself to a long lunch today and stop by the Glitter holiday shopping event in the Chicago Cultural Center. Peruse thousands of amazing gift options, snag a great deal, and support Chicago's local designers. And we guarantee: no elbows will be involved. Happy holidays!
The Glitter holiday shopping event goes on today, December 1, at the GAR Hall and Rotunda on the 2nd Floor of the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. tonight!
-Alia Rajput
Photo Source: Second City Style
