Lighten up!

This week we are featuring clutches!

Lori's Ladies are clamoring over the "day clutch". It's quickly becoming the most sought-after accessory of the season!

More functional than the petite purses of the past, these oversized clutches let you carry all your essentials, while still keeping up with the latest trends! Don't you feel lighter already?

Our favorite clutch of the moment? Hobo's Rouched clutch comes in four colors and is so smooth and supple, you'll never want to let it go!

On the run with lots to carry? We suggest you put your essentials in your clutch and tuck it in your everyday bag. When night falls and you're ready to go out-just pull out your clutch and you'll be stylishly prepared to take on the evening!

Lori's Update: Lamica Boots

Fall has been teasing us with warm breezes. But the bounty of boots popping up in magazines, on runways, and at Lori's, is proof that it's time for an update.

Lucky for you, we just received a much-anticipated shipment of boots by Lamica, of Italy. At very reasonable prices, these Italian boots are not to be missed!

Check out our favorite styles below!

As Seen In People Magazine

Snapshots of celebrities sporting Rubber Duck's Snowjogger are popping up in magazines everywhere! It's no surprise to Lori's. After all, the boot is unbelievably comfortable, and has that loveable retro moon-boot look.

It comes in white, silver, and fall's favorite material-black patent!

Check it out. Your feet will thank you.

Marcia Moran Trunk Show

Save the date!

Next Thursday, October 25th from 6:30pm to 8:30 pm, we will be displaying Marcia Moran's latest jewelry creations at Lori's Northfield location!

Owner and founder of Marcia Moran jewelry designs, the Brazilian designer is known for her eye-catching, contemporary jewelry, fashioned from 18kt gold or rhodium plated metals. Many of her pieces are set with gorgeous semi-precious stones.

Moran's jewelry is the perfect accessory for women who want to look spectacular at a reasonable price.

Lori's Update: Item of the Week

Our hottest patent pump is one part pristine, one part vixen. We think the coveted Calvin Klein Joeclyn is causing double-takes because of its classic silhouette and super flirtatious shine. The best part? It now comes in four colors...

No wonder it's so popular!

This glossy little dish looks stunning with opaque tights, and is the perfect way to make your outfit pop when paired with high-contrast colors.

Lori’s Update: Boots are in

This week Lori's is scouting the latest styles, and the verdict is unanimous: Boots are in!

Check off two trends at once with Lori's glossiest new arrival: The "urban" patent leather riding boot! This shiny new item from Appepazza combines two of fall's most sought-after trends. Not only does it have a comfortably flat heel, it also boasts this season's material of choice: supple patent leather.

Want to show more leg? Lori’s suggests Franco Sarto's Pension, a dazzling little ankle boot in black patent. These polished 3 inch heels will add pizzazz to your night-time look in no time. Just pair them with tights and a skirt and Voila! Perfection.

Putting It Together No. 7: Color block chic.

This week Lori's continues its new series in the fashion blog: Putting It Together. We'll show you how to marry some of our favorite pieces in perfect harmony.

After all, the style world can get difficult to navigate and fashion matchmaking is fun... and much less risky than the potential horror of setting your best friend up with your co-worker.

Putting It Together No. 7: Color block chic.

Wanna look fashion-forward yet natural, without the appearance of hours spent in front of the mirror? Lori's says, try a color block ensemble. It's bold. It's fresh. And it's sooooooo now.

We've paired High Fashion's color block clutch with a pair of purple Jeffrey Campbell flats, and topped it with a nifty gold cuff.

Lori's Update: Linda Emmerman trunk show.

Come see our own Linda Emmerman, sales associate extraordinaire and creator of Big Dot jewelry, as she will host a trunk show Friday, September 21st at Lori's Deer Park.

Linda's earring and necklace designs have been some of Lori's best sellers over the years. And now she has created a special line just for this event (preview pieces from the line below).
Customers will be able to place orders for the new pieces at the show.

Please call the Deer Park store at 847.550.8610 for more information.

Not able to make it to the show on the 21st? Come see Linda and her new collection next Saturday, September 28th at Lori’s Highland Park!

Lori's Update: Ladies' Night in Naperville.

Attention Lori's Naperville Ladies'. Join a gaggle of shoppers downtown N'ville Thursday, September 20th for a throng of special offers, discounts and services at tens of local stores and restaurants.

Lori's Naperville is participating, offering 10% off everything in the store. Wow!

The Naperville store is located in the heart of downtown at 27 W. Jefferson. Call the store, 630.416.3663, or click here for more information.

This Week's Hot List: Gentle Souls wedge.

Lori's has been on Cloud 9 this week.

Or it feels like we're walking on Cloud 9, thanks to our dreamily comfortable new wedge from Gentle Souls. And it appears others feel the same way.

Why? Because Gentle Souls' Ridge-Amaru is at the top of this week's Hot List!

The Ridge-Amaru is an adorable and versatile little wedge that just happens to sport revolutionary comfort, too. Its cushioned footbed is padded with Flaxseed pillows that mold to your feet as you walk. The insole is lined in ultra soft deerskin.

Cloud 9. Ahhhhhhh.

Lori's Update: As Seen in TimeOut. And Where. And the Sun Times.

Lori's flaunted its expertise, style and value this week, appearing in Second City staples TimeOut, Where, and the Chicago Sun Times.

Lori's supplied a pair of cap toe, herringbone Deer Stags pumps to one TimeOut writer who had the assignment of wearing the 4+'' heels for three straight days. The verdict?

"The shoes make my hips move in crazy-fun ways, and the added height is empowering."

We couldn't have said it better.

In the September '07 edition of Where magazine, Lori's was tabbed as the City's shoe “"Save," noting the Lincoln Park location has, "arguably the best selection in the city, especially in the under-$100 price range."

And finally, Lori's made an appearance in the Wednesday, September 12 Sun Times, lending an expert opinion on the upcoming season's trends. View the spread for a full rundown, but Lori had three tips for footwear: flat boots, booties, and mary janes.

Thanks, Chicago.

STYLE WATCH: Oversized clutches

Take it from us, the clutch is no longer a little bag picked to blend into your outfit with the sole purpose of carrying keys and a tube of lipstick. No ma'am. It's gone from being a silent spectator to a shining star; hand candy; an accessory to admire.

And it's here to stay.

Lori's favorite, statement-making handhelds are large, leather and colorful, like High Fashion Handbag's color block clutch, or Hobo's classy Amelia in rouge (which looks absolutely amazing with a tailored navy blazer, dark denim and pumps).

So give your shoulder a brake, your hand a chance to shine, and let the heads turn.

This Just In at Lori's: One boot. Two looks.

One fabulous, Italian suede boot. Two hot looks for fall.

We're talking about Luana, a luxurious boot that goes from casual to sexy chic with a simple flip of the collar.

Lori's will fold the collar down during the day, wearing it over jeans or with textured tights and a short trapeze dress. Then transition Luana into a knee-boot, lifting the collar and pairing it with tights and a belted sweater.

How will you wear it?

Priced under $200, it's a frugal fashionista find while still qualifying for Lori's limited time free shipping offer. Through September 19th, receive no-charge shipping on all orders of $150 or more (pre-tax).

Now that’s a deal.

LORI'S UPDATE: 30% Sale sale.

Attention local Lori's ladies, have we got some news.

So many new shoes have arrived we have to make room for them. And that’s where you come in...

This weekend only, we'll be taking an extra 30 percent off all sale items. Gasp!

Just one catch. The Extra 30% Sale sale is only good in-store at Lori's Lincoln Park, Highland Park and Northfield locations. We will not be able to honor the additional markdown online.

We'll be open Saturday and Sunday this weekend, but we’re off Monday for Labor Day, too. Hurry in for the best selection!

THIS WEEK'S HOT LIST: Dolce Vita Tropez.

Rising through the ranks of this week's Hot List is the Tropez – a gooey-leather, classic Italian riding boot – by Dolce Vita.

We think Lori's ladies are snatching it up because its style is the center piece of one of fall's most timeless and classic looks: a white blouse, a fantastic blazer, your favorite jeans... and a sophisticated pair of riding boots.

The shaft (the leg) on the Tropez is wide enough to fit over jeans. However, its soft leather is also structured enough so the boot stands up against the calf, making it a great choice with skirts and dresses.

Black is the classy choice, but Lori's says try the grey if you’re in searching for a look that's more youthful and trendy.

Putting It Together No. 6: High fashion for less.

This week Lori's continues its new series in the fashion blog: Putting It Together. We'll show you how to marry some of our favorite pieces in perfect harmony.

After all, the style world can get difficult to navigate and fashion matchmaking is fun... and much less risky than the potential horror of setting your best friend up with your co-worker.

Putting It Together No. 6: High fashion for less.
Answer: Because looking like you stepped out of the pages of a high fashion mag doesn't mean you have to spend a lot of cash.

The question: Why take a que from Lori's P.I.T. No. 6?

Your friends will think you've had a session with a stylist, but we know better. It's easy when you pair Jen USA’s super sleek shoulder bag with Enzo Angiolini’s thick-heeled mary jane and a set of A.V. Max gold bangles.

Lori's Update: As Seen in Chicago mag.

We knew it all along.

In its 2007 fall Fashion edition, Chicago magazine (p.26) named our own Lori one of five Fashion Pros in the city, touting Lori's as, "a retail phenomena."

Author Stacy Wallace-Albert inquired after a number of topics related to the business, even hitting on Lori's personal fashion favorites.

"Riding boots;" Lori says, "stylistically they have such sophisticated elegance. Typically they are flat, with a rounded toe and a clean shaft. Pair them with a great jacket, a white blouse, tuck in your pant legs, and throw them on with everything."

When she's right, she's right!

Others mentioned in the feature include the founder and president of Jimmy Choo, Tamara Mellon, and Scott Starbuck of City Soles.

Lori's Update: Lori's Deer Park is open!

Attention Lori's ladies, our newest location is now open.

Hurrah!

From today (August 17th) forward shoe addicts of the Northwest Suburbs will be able to shop Lori's in Deer Park, Ill. at the Deer Park Town Center on Rand Road. Click here for a detailed map.

The opening of Deer Park marks Chicagoland's seventh Lori's location and we couldn't be more excited.

The store has new shoes, boots and accessories; new hours; and new deals. Shop during the last weeks of August and receive a coupon good towards a September purchase.

See you in Deer Park.

STYLE WATCH: European trends

Many of our most anticipated European shoes and accessories have arrived, each bringing their own unique looks.

Despite each piece's dreamy Euro distinction, we've been able to identify a few key trends our friends across the Pond are setting:

1. Mary Janes
Mary Jane pumps play a prominent role in this season's shoe line up. We adore Vic Matie's patent submission.

2. Crinkled leathers
We've fallen head over heels for tumbled, crinkled leather beauties from Janet & Janet and Vic Matie.

3. Western-inspired boots
Western styles, particularly those from the aforementioned Janet & Janet, are also easily identifiable among our European collection; even in ankle booty styles.

Lori's Update: Thirty. Percent. Off.

Hurry, hurry.

Because this weekend only we're holding our final blowout sale of the season, offering an additional 30% off already marked down spring and summer styles.

The sale is happening at all six Lori's locations and lasts this Saturday, August 11th thru Monday, August 13th.

After that, these spring and summer styles will be gone. For good!

The sale is also good on online sale purchases. However final discounts will be taken at the register so you’ll only see your fabulous sale prince on the final invoice.

Lori's Update: Janet & Janet is here.

Hurrah!

Lori's exclusive collections from Europe have arrived. Fall styles, including boots, flats, pumps and handbag are now available from designers such as Janet & Janet. Bella!

Lori's early favorites are J & J's mod suede ankle booty and pleated tote, as well as Fruit/Now's cuffed, crinkled leather knee boot. View those styles plus others from Vic Matie, Enrico Antinori and Dolce Vita here.

Shop early for the best selection because once the European styles are gone, they're gone!

THIS WEEK'S HOT LIST: Jeff Campbell's Aina

Tip-toeing its way up the ranks of Lori's Best Seller list is Jeffrey Campbell's Aina pump. She's a little, multi-colored leather dish with a prominent toe and a definitive retro flavor.

Of course, we love it.

And not just because it has a trendy cap toe; and not just because it features a color-blocked upper. We adore it because of its trendy cap toe; its color-blocked upper and at $80 it's more than affordable.

We're likely to wear ours when jazzing up a pair of wide leg trousers. or a knee-lenght pencil skirt, and white shirt.

The mustard color has been the style of choice thus far. However, keep an eye out for its cooler-hued, blue, tan and beige sister (the slightly more practical yet just as stylish sister).

LORI'S UPDATE: As Seen in InStyle

If you have not yet received your InStyle Fall '07 Trend special edition, you may want to re-check your mailbox.

Why? Because one of Lori's most anticipated accessories is prominently displayed on page 161. Hurrah!

The (soon-to-be) prized possession is an Italian leather clutch by High Fashion. It's rectangular in shape with an oversized, contrasting leather bow right across the front. The stylists at InStyle have paired it with fabulously long, green leather gloves, and a chunky chic sweater dress. Gorgeous!

While we're not expecting the High Fashion clutch to arrive for a couple of weeks, we are accepting names and numbers for a wait list.

Feel free to call 773.281.5655 (during store hours) to add your name, or simply send an email to info@lorisshoes.com with "High Fashion" in the subject, and your name and number in the body.

Putting It Together No. 5: Cap toe prep.

This week Lori's continues its new series in the fashion blog: Putting It Together. We'll show you how to marry some of our favorite pieces in perfect harmony.

After all, the style world can get difficult to navigate and fashion matchmaking is fun... and much less risky than the potential horror of setting your best friend up with your co-worker.

Putting It Together No. 5: Cap toe prep.
Here we're channeling our inner prep, pairing a trendy, herringbone fabric with a black patent peep toe Deer Stags pump with an oversize patent leather doctor bag from Maxx. To play up the All American look, we’ve added a matching, minimalist necklace and earring set from La Vie.
And don’t we look cute?

Lori's Update: Final Markdowns. Highland Park Sidewalk Sale.

In store and online, final markdowns have been taken.

Need we say more?

Many Lori's favorites have reached their 2007 lows, including Sam Edelman Celine flats at 20% off, Italian Corso Como pumps are now half off, while Eric Michael espadrilles are marked down 70%. 70%!

View the full shoe sale collection here.

(But wait, there’s more!)

Lori's Highland Park location wraps up the Sidewalk Sale season this weekend, with its outdoor event this Thursday, July 26th thru Saturday, July 28th. Those lucky Highland Park ladies will get to take an additional 20% off current markdowns.

STYLE WATCH: Cap toes

Watch for capped toes as one of Fall '07's most prominent pump details.

Several designers have been adding covers to their round- or pointed-toe styles, often creating a contrast with the shoe’s patterned or quilted upper. The result is a look that feels retro-prep and screams suavity.

Many cap toes are accompanied by mary jane or slingback straps, which we adore. And most pair flawlessly with wide leg work trousers and pencil skirts.

Jeffrey Campbell (right) uses a muted palette, but be on the lookout also for cap toe designs in herringbone or plaid print (Deer Stags), or patent leather.

Lori's Update: Chicago mag's Best!

We know it. You know it. And now all Chicago magazine readers know it, too!

In the August, 2007 Best of Chicago edition the magazine voted Lori's the best place to save on trendy handbags.

And we're quite proud!

The editors pointed to Lori's selection of patent Adrienne Vittadini totes, leather bucket bags from Tano, as well as several stylish entries from Steve Madden and others under $100.

But don't take our word for it, or even Chicago's. Check our selection for yourself. Some of our post-publication editions include the Esse Dream ($198) bag in cream, black and blue, and a sweet patent doctor bag from Maxx ($132).

THIS WEEK'S HOT LIST: Sales are always in style.

Lori's July best sellers include a wide variety of shoes and accessories with one unifying trend that's always in style... they're on sale!

Hurrah!

From the sporty Bernie Mev Point to the retro-inspired Odessa by MIA and Italian All Black flats, Lori's ladies old and new are raking in great shoe deals.

Sale items too new to make their impact on the hot list, yet primed to make a run include Vaneli's popular Bergin ($64.90) in red, black and beige patent, and the oft sought after Venice ($49.90) by MIA.

Putting It Together No. 4: Fall Fashion Preview

This week Lori's continues its new series in the fashion blog: Putting It Together. We'll show you how to marry some of our favorite pieces in perfect harmony.

After all, the style world can get difficult to navigate and fashion matchmaking is fun... and much less risky than the potential horror of setting your best friend up with your co-worker.

Look No. 4: Fall Fashion Preview
While we still have warm thoughts of fabulous sandals and understand no one likes to trade in summer's strappies for more modest fall styles, we can't help but dream of style seasons to come. That's just what we do.

So Lori's is here to help you make the move from summer to fall as smooth as possible.

This fall is all about 70s inspired trends and a palette of greys, blues, purples and browns. Look number four, Fall Fashion Preview, includes some of our newly arrived favorites that embody these trends.

We've paired a set of wedges from Charles David's Exchange line with Kenneth Cole's gorgeous twin pocket tote, then added a pair of earrings from one of our most popular jewelry lines, Marie Chavez.