There's still a week left for Christmas and holiday gift shopping and some local businesses have extended their hours for shoppers. Beat the malls and shop locally instead. Part two features gifts for the ladies in your lives and unique gifts
For the Ladies
A La Mode Collections, 13 E. Campbells St, Arlington Heights, 847-797-1454
Forget Claire's...Ala Mode is to the accessories-nut what a bakery is to the sweet-tooth—pure yum. Owner Jamie Bellizi and her team have festooned and draped the walls with purses, scarves, jewelry and a few winter accessories and apparel. If you're looking to splurge, the hand-painted vests are beautiful. The Maruca purses ($24.50 to about $50) are made in the USA from limited-edition runs of colorful jacquard fabric, which makes each bag collectible— great for fans of 1154 Lill style bags. For gifts under $25, check out the large collection of jewelry, including beaded jewelry, Swarovski Crystal, and fair-trade jewelry. Or try the scarves and pashminas, a hot accessory for now.
Mint Boutique, Arlington Heights, Evergreen Plaza, (between Campbell and Davis Sts) Arlington Heights, 847-506-1552
Mint Boutique tastefully mixes upscale ladies’ resale with new purses and jewelry in a cute atmosphere. Find designer bags, jewelry, shoes, sweaters, and a few vintage goodies. The designer purses from designers like Coach, Vera Bradley, Brighton, and more are priced very reasonably, for $25 to over $100. Everything else is well-priced too; it’s easy to find something attractive for $20 or less. Return policy: All sales are final.
Anne’s Unique Boutique, 16 S Bothwell St, Palatine, 847-991-1976
Anne’s has been a part of Palatine since 1976 and continues to offer value-priced upscale resale and collectibles. Find upscale and designer ladies' clothing, designer bags and accessories priced 50% or less than original retail, and smaller but good selection of men’s and kids’ items and home items. The crystal and sleek designer bags or jewelry sparkling in the case are very gift-able. Return policy: All sales are final.
Something Unique
Brie’s Gift Gallery 710 E Northwest Hwy, Mount Prospect, 847-577-5228
This classy and charmingly quirky boutique sells hand-beaded vintage glass bead and crystal jewelry, accessories, gift items, mixed with chic antiques and Asian-retro collectibles. Especially beautiful is the beaded jewelry, priced from $12-$120 (sometimes on sale) hand-crafted from vintage glass beads and crystal by the mother-daughter team of Annamarie and Brigid McAlpin. Tucked among the jewelry are felted flower pins, barkcloth-covered pin-cushions embellished with figurines, ribbon and pins ($30-40), dainty stained-glass boxes and retro art, vases, and figurines. There are also unique holiday items, like the painted clay ornaments crafted from vintage german cookie molds. The ladies are can also box and wrap your gifts. Brigid also runs an estate-sale business, and can answer your questions about antiques.
Bead World, 8 S Brockway St, Palatine (847) 776-2323
Maybe you would rather bead your own jewelry? Then head to Bead World, a downtown Palatine staple since 1994. There are tons of gift ideas starting under $10.00. Bead World is awash in Swarovski Crystal, semi-precious stone, freshwater pearls, hippie hemp and wood beads, beads from other natural materials, vintage Czech and German glass beads, Indonesian glass, plus ancient beads from Africa and other lands— not to mention a large selection of beading materials and findings to finish off your creation. The fun owners Bobby, Martha and daughter Despina are willing to dispense design advice or beading help.
More gift finds: vintage jewelry, beaded jewelry, antique watches, samurai swords and Despina's intricate, wire-wrapped pendants and pins, crafted from semi-precious metals and stones...even body piercing (in case you know anyone who wants a pierced nose for the holidays). Bead World's full service jewelry repairs can restore broken heirloom jewelry to a gift-able state.
Something Unexpected:
Did you know that during the holidays, it's possible to get Nintendo Wii's and digital cameras at ALDI? I'm not kidding. Every holiday-season ALDI brings out a holiday gift catalog of special buys only available at their stores, including toys, home electronics, and more. Check stores or go online to find the current selection.
ALDI: 1432 East Rand Road Prospect Heights.
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