Gift Wrap - Scarves

If you haven't yet realized it, you are officially in gift-shopping mode. Oh yes you are. yesyouare! And we are Lori's are in gift-idea-giving mode. Today we're going to romance our favorite accessory: the perfect, versatile, infinitely style-able, ever-fashionable scarf.

We admit we've got a thing for scarves. There are simply so many ways to wear them; they come in endless array of colors, patterns and fabrics; there is no sizing issue; and they can charge up an outfit with a simple flip over your shoulder or a more complicated knot at the neck. Speaking of which, let's get to the meat of it: the following give us a catch in the throat, followed by a sigh of contentment.

We have fallen head over heels for the Toalni Scrunched Circles scarf. Made from 100% wool, this scarf transitions easily from fashion accessory to pragmatic winter warmer. The thickly scrunched texture provides volume and insulation. Large, mod circles of burgundy, purple, and pink lift the spirits and compliment skin tones. Think of it as a new winter blush – a cosmetic in fabric form.

We like this scarf paired with a simple ensemble: solid top, jeans or a simple skirt. On a chilly winter day, pair with some adorable knit wristwarmers and matching slouchy beret. Keep it simple and let the circles work their magic. At $68 it's an affordable way to be the center of attention.

Another eye-catcher is the vibrant Sheer Paisley Scarf in purple (also available in green). Thin and scrunchy enough to style just about any way, the versatility of this scarf is impressive. We use it as a layering element doubled as a casual neck wrap and paired with our favorite Ugg boots. We have also dressed it up with a casual knot, flowing over the chest to show off the paisley batik print. Try this with a pencil skirt and knee-high boots, accessorized with some small ornate earrings. So simple and classic and only $24.





And we've been obsessed about the Butterfly Tapestry Pashmina (shown in brown). Made of 100% pashmina wool, this intricately woven scarf is reversible, featuring two stunning color patterns. With its deep burgundy threads, tapestry border, and gold and black fringed ends, it affects a regal air. We prefer to wear this as an elegant shawl, draped across the body to display the colorful butterfly motif. We consider it the de facto accessory for the opera, the ballet, holiday parties, and other formal events this winter. Pair with a simple dress, evening shoes, and understated gold earrings to play up the color and elegance of this shawl. The price? Only $24!

Junior Drake Trunk Show: Thurs, Dec. 4

"Darling, it's not the dress, it's the girl," replied Patsy (Junior Drake) Brown when complimented on her dress. Junior Drake handbags evince a similar philosophy: these gorgeous leather bags aren't the ends, but the means to showcasing your personality.

Women who love Junior Drake are confident in their own style and distinctive in their personality. (And who doesn't love Junior Drake?) Supple Italian leathers, top craftsmanship and detailed hardware have helped catapult the name into the go-to brand for chic bags that elevate your look.

Likewise, it's not the collection, it's the trunk show. Lori's is pleased to introduce the newest collection of Junior Drake at two in-store trunk shows.

Thursday, December 4 -- Armitage Store
Save up to 15% on the latest Fall/Holiday 2008 collections from noon to 5pm at Lori’s Armitage.
824 W. Armitage Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
773.281.5655

Friday, December 5 -- Northfield Store
Save up to 15% on the latest Fall/Holiday 2008 collections from noon to 5pm at Lori’s Northfield.
311 Happ Rd.
Northfield, IL 60093
847.446.3818

Get excited: visit www.juniordrake.com to see the current collection.

Free Shipping through Tues, Dec. 2

If you haven't signed up for the mailer, consider this your lucky day. We are offering free shipping on all orders over $75 placed through midnight Tuesday, December 2.

Here are the rules: Offer valid for orders shipped to continental United States addresses only. Shipping method is UPS Standard Ground. This offer does not apply to past orders and may not be used in-store. Other restrictions may apply.

Thanksgiving

According to industry standards we should now be in the process of hectoring you to buy a gift for every single person you have ever known and by the way all those people want shoes. Shoes from Lori's. We should be baiting the hook. Perhaps we'd throw in a sale. (Hmm, we did do that.) Maybe free shipping. (Wait, we are working on that ... )

Honestly, we'll probably do all of this. But right now let's digress. Anyway shoes are a tough gift -- there's the whole sizing thing -- and what's more tense than misunderstanding someone's style under the expectant eyes of loved ones? ("Gee, uh thanks Mom. No I love it. No, really ... really.")

So before we begin this mad holiday rush, let's give thanks to some of the newer styles just arrived that just so happen to work back to cherished, well-worn stereotypes of Pilgrims and the Indians that saved their asses.

Which is to say everything up to this point has been an elaborate setup for this hot new moccasin from Minnetonka. The 1662 (shown) is a nifty moc-bootie with all the trimmings: an ample display of fringe, whipstitching on the upper and a tie-off at the ankle. Special touches are a two-eyelet laceup and rosy, glazed wood beads.

These are perfect fall/casual over skinny jeans or, if you like us want a break from the lean denim, try them with a knee-length skirt. Something out of "School Ties" is appropriate here: clean, dark, conservative, pleats you could slice bread with. We think you could even pull off a wool tartan. We are very thankful for this shoe.



Of course, what would a Thanksgiving-themed blog post be without our good friends, the Pilgrims? Joyriding through Massachusetts Bay, plundering corn stores, wearing funny hats, getting into a helluva pickle come November.

We ransacked our own stores for big buckles but that's apparently one trend that didn't take this season. However, the Didi by Max Studio (shown) has enough: a chunky heel with a chic conical taper and a high, stand-up vamp braced with a leather bow and tassels.

We can see them on the wife of Myles Standish or paired with a chic grey pencil skirt and some flirty tights. (Whichever you can pull off.) We especially love the the wraparound leather petals on the toe that give this shoe the look of a peeptoe without the exposure, making it a winner for colder climes (or a harvest festival at Massasoit's long house).

Whichever direction you go, we here at Lori's do hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. And get some rest: we'll be waiting for you on Friday.

The Week In Review - Baked Beads

Given the current economic climate and, well, the regular old climate, we thought we would try to lift your spirits. Something colorful and bright. Something with sparkle, but not too flashy. Something that won't break the bank. Hmmm ... Ah! of course: Baked Beads jewelry. Newly arrived, great for everyday wear and holiday parties, this versatile jewelry comes in colors concocted to brighten our days.

One of our favorite pieces is Baked Beads's N316 necklace. The pendant is a large, faceted glass teardrop available in topaz, ruby (shown), aqua, or smokey, set in Sterling silver plate. Adjusting the 16"–18" chains might just be the best part ... until you see the price. The layered chain look may be oh-so-fashionable this season, but this necklace is only $18. That's right, eighteen dollars. Stylish thrift is the new fashionable!






We also love Baked Beads's N263 necklace with it's larger rectangular pendant (twice the size of the teardrop) available in purple (shown), olive, topaz, and grey. This polished resin gem is smoothly rounded with curved corners. Also set in Sterling silver plate with a 16"–18" adjustable double chain, this fashionable necklace is only – wait for it – $20. We love the idea of matching these popping bright colors with other mood-elevating accessories, like colorful tights, a scarf, or fingerless gloves.





For an elegant touch, try pairing one of these necklaces with an equally colorful earring. Baked Beads's E312 earrings are glamorous when paired with a complimentary necklace, yet are simple and dainty enough to be worn every day. A faceted glass teardrop is accompanied by a tiny matching glass bead just above and set in Sterling silver plate. Available in aqua, topaz (shown), smokey, and ruby, there's a color for everyone on your shopping list. What girl wouldn't love to get a piece of jewelry to show off for the holidays?



And if these pieces don't satisfy your holiday shopping needs, take a peek at our newly updated Gift Section. We just made your online shopping a little easier: you can now shop gifts Under $25, Under $50, and Under $100. We just know you'll find something for the special girls on your shopping list ( ... and maybe even something for yourself).

Charms: Michelle Rubin Trunk Show

Like many designers, Michelle Rubin's work as a jewelry maker has its roots in experiences during her formative years. As a young girl she would often sneak into her grandmother's jewelry case and reassemble the contents into new, exciting pieces. (Whether the adults in question were quite as charmed with their newly altered accessories is another matter.)

Years later charmed is precisely the point. Originally made for herself and her friends, Rubin's collections of stamped Sterling discs, cut-glass birthstone gems and personal messages have caught the eye of many a boutique, including ours here at Lori's.

Michelle will be making a personal appearance at our Armitage Avenue store this Saturday, November 22 from noon to 5pm. In addition to showcasing her current collection, Michelle will take orders for personalized pieces for mail delivery by Monday, December 15. Singular, handcrafted jewelry made after a personal consultation with the artist in time for the holidays? Charmed, we're sure.

A Clarification

Rumor is there's a sale – a secret sale – going on right now at Lori's. (Oh, we're sorry, don't know about it? Sounds like it's time to sign up for the newsletter.) At any rate our super awesome marketing team neglected to mention the sale is good online only. We thought this clear enough as we lack a discount code form field at the store's register. However we found out what happens when we assume, and we do appreciate the convenience our site offers our many customers who prefer to shop in our physical stores.

To redeem the online sale discount in-store please print and present the mailer at checkout. You must present a printout to claim the discount. All sale items purchased with this mailer are "final sale;" they cannot be returned. Offer cannot be combined with any other discounts, promotions or special events.

We apologize for the confusion and, as always, thank you for your business.

Linked In

With the economy looking about as bright as Charon's cloak at midnight on the Styx we wouldn't be surprised if those all those golden handcuffs on Wall Street had lost some of their luster. Fortunately there are some gilt ties by which we wouldn't mind being bound, and they cost about as much as said ferry ride (adjusted for inflation, of course). We're talking about gold chain necklaces, a look by YSL made must-have by Beyonce in this month's InStyle.




If you, like us, don't have the odd thousand dollars for the couture version, take a look at the Lori's exclusive available for a much more attractive thirty bucks. Each link in this sturdy chain is composed of 40-50 overlapping metal cups, creating an armadillo-like carapace that allows for great flexibility. When strung together, they form a golden tractor chain of a necklace looking hefty enough to restrain a junkyard dog ... if that junkyard were a scrapheap of discarded precious metals.

We know that all that glitters isn't gold. (Sometimes it may be silver or pewter.) Lucky for you these metallic manacles come in various finishes to compliment a range of looks (and we'll refer you also to the mesh versions).

For the slight of neck and short of haircut, you may able to double loop the chain for a choker effect, though we will be the first to admit that while the links are sturdy, the internal wire has its limits. No matter. Looped once about the neck this chain falls past the sternum, giving you that coveted Medieval chamberlain look, which is to say je ne sais quoi, mais nous l'aimons.

In all seriousness we like it as shown on the mannequin with a high-collared greatcoat or Melton wool peacoat where it peeks out of soft woolen folds for a marked contrast; a bit of the old ultrabrilliance under more sober togs.

And given the soberness of things, we don't mind a bit of bright optimism as both winter weather and wilting dollars curtail our good mood. Wearing this chain makes us feel both stylish and thrifty. We feel good. We think of a future, none too soon, when we might climb, Orpheus-like, out of this gloom toward a brighter living.

The Gift of Uggs

In two weeks' time gift-shopping mania will officially reach fever pitch. And we will reach the end of our rope. You know what holidays are? Stressful. We think we can all agree that it's much more enjoyable to shop online from the comfort of our own home ( ... or office? go ahead; it's ok). And, lo! Here you are. Online. And here we are: Lori's, a soothing, convenient online shopping experience. So let's jumpstart a more calming holiday shopping season with one of our most popular lines: Ugg Australia.

At the top of every girl's wish list for fall/winter is a pair of the Uggs Classic Tall boot. Currently available in chocolate, chestnut (shown), pewter, and gold (hotcha!), you can't walk down the street without seeing this winter wardrobe staple.

The softest sheepskin lines the inside and footbed. The wool keeps your toes toasty-warm, yet cool in temperate weather. The upper is made of luxuriously soft leather panels sewn with reversed, raw seams. These boots appear substantial; in fact they are incredibly lightweight thanks to a blown rubber traction sole. We love these over tucked-in jeans. You can even cuff them down for an extra cozy look. The best part? They fit like a glove, as all Uggs do, so don't sweat your gift being returned. With or without socks, these boots just slip on and go - it's the perfectly practical, fashionable gift.


Speaking of great gifts, Exhibit #2: the Fluff Scuff slipper. The upper and lining are genuine, super-soft sheepskin fleece. The light rubber traction sole makes them ideal for scuffing around the house. Currently available in white, muslin (shown), and black, you're sure to find a color for the special girls on your gift list.





And what holiday shopping jaunt would be complete without a little something for yourself? You made all this effort. You should be rewarded. By you. Might we recommend the comfortable and stylish Endell, available in black and brown? Leather straps wrap the ankle, joined on the rand by a chic horseshoe bit. A buckled strap along the top of the shaft adds a contemporary touch. Perched atop a leather base with a stacked wooden heel, the bottom is finished with a durable rubber traction sole. With its rich suede upper, genuine sheepskin lining, and outstanding quality, the Endell is unmistakenly Ugg and unmistakenly you this holiday season.

A Fur Thing

Our heartfelt congratulations to President-Elect Obama.

Talk about winds of change. It is finally November. It is finally post-November 4th. Yes, we did. And besides emerging in a state of bliss from 21 months of a grueling political pit fight, we're also hunkering down for chilly winter winds finally heading our way. If there's one thing we've learned from endless stump speeches it's that hot air rises (cue rimshot). While we're finished getting all hot-headed about this race, we recognize it is important to retain a little warmth during winter months. Thus: fur hats! (Well, faux fur. We're not savages, people.)

First up, the Trapper Hat in camel by San Diego Hat Company. We love it for its soft ultrasuede shell and the white fur with lightly speckled ends giving it an authentic look. The quilted polyester lining provides an extra layer of protection from the elements and ensures a comfortable fit. The traditional furry flip-up brim is irresistibly cute and the fur-lined flaps are sure to keep your ears toasty warm. Keep them fastened under the chin on a windy day, or flip up the sides for that laid-back, French-Canadian trappeur look everyone's after these days.




A steppe in the Russian (rimshot) direction is the pillbox Fur Hat by Grace Hats. Available in grey, beige and black (shown), we love its blocky, Eastern European styling. Available in a season of smartly tailored collections, the soft geometry of the Fur Hat feels right. As it should, being crafted from super-soft fur with a sateen lining. But don't equate its elegance with inefficiency: it's warmer than a knit hat and better looking too. And, hey, in the off-season it can double as a cozy for your Roomba.