Chicago Destination Shopping Club

Shopping in Chicago - Hotels and Malls

noreply@blogger.com (cdsc) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:09:00 +0000

Chicago is one of the most populous city in the state of Illinois. Shopping comes naturally to this city. The Shopping stores in this city offer an unparalleled level of service and expertise rarely found anywhere else.

If you are in Chicago and planning to do some shopping then I would suggest the four main shopping centers namely Buck town & Wicker Park Stores, Greater North Michigan Avenue Stores, Lincoln Park Stores, Oak Street Stores and State Street Stores. The first Shopping area is Buck town & Wicker Park which is known for retail oasis, radiant, trendy, fashionable and sophisticated shopping stores. All stores are truly service oriented and the reason being that the associates themselves are the owners of these shopping stores.

Next comes Greater North Michigan Avenue Stores and is shopping paradise for the people from all around the world. It’s a premier shopping destination in Michigan Avenue and its surrounding area. Michigan Avenue is famous for its outstanding shopping stores which are standing along tree-lined streets. Bursting flowers and marvelous architectural facades attracts thousands of shoppers. From beautiful fashion boutiques to glamorous shopping centers along with kids’ stores, Michigan Avenue has it all.

Next one is the Lincoln Park Stores which is located near north side and only 10-15 minute drive from Michigan Avenue hotel. It is a favorite shopping destination for urban people and the local visitors. Lincoln Park is surrounded by the city’s most affluent residential neighborhood; this shopping area consists of two primary blocks mainly Armitage and Halsted Streets that includes fabulous array of stores, boutiques and shops. Here you will find stores featuring antiques, jewelry, apparel, bridal and most popular shoe stores in the entire city.

Another most fashionable shopping destination is Oak Street Stores. Here you will find internationally renowned shops that feature some the world’s top most fashion designers including Jimmy Choo, Kate Spade, Jill Sander as well as Barney’s New York. This shopping destination in Chicago is famous for impressive array of jewelry stores and some of Chicago’s finest bridal boutiques.

Last but not the least is State Streets Stores which is a high energy shopping destination which is a blend of its past old-fashioned street lamps and architecture. Macy’s historic State Street building, Nordstrom Rack and trendy shoes featured in Akira Chicago, State Street has it all. The best time to visit this shopping destination is during your holidays which will enchant your holiday stories.

For More Details Please Visit here: Chicago Shopping Malls and Chicago Department Stores

Chicago Store's with Savings

noreply@blogger.com (cdsc) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:55:00 +0000

With prices increasing across the consumer market, led by the incredibly rise in gas, it's important for visiting Chicago shoppers to know where the best bargains are. There are sales and bargains periodically at all our fabulous Chicago store's. However, the following a brief list of stores that offer some of the best prices on name brand items throughout the year.

Greater North Michigan Avenue Area
1. H&M (Men's & Women's Apparel: 840 N. Michigan Avenue)
2. Filene's Basement (Men's & Women's: 830 N. Michigan Avenue)
3. Macy's Water Tower (Frequent sales among Men's & Women's Apparel: 830 N. Michigan Avenue)
4. Gap (Frequent frugal finds: 555 N. Michigan Avenue)
5. Forever 21 (540 N. State Street)

Lincoln Park Shopping Area
1. Lori's Designer Shoes (Women's Shoes: 824 W. Armitage)
2. McShane's Exchange (Consignment Women's Apparel: 815 W. Armitage)
3. Nine West Factory (Women's Shoes: 2058 N. Halsted)
4. Francesca's Collection (Accessories, Shoes, Handbags, Jewelry: 2012 N. Halsted)

State Street Shopping Area
1. Filene's Basement (Men's & Women's Apparel: One North State Street)
2. Forever 21 (Women's Apparel & Accessories: 34 S. State Street)
3. H&M (Men's & Women's Apparel & Accessories: 20 N. State Street)
4. Macy's State Street (Frequent sales: 111 N. State Street)
5. Nordstrom Rack (Men's & Women's Apparel: 24 N. State Street)
6. Ultra Diamonds (Jewelry: 10 S. State Street)

Chicago History

noreply@blogger.com (cdsc) — Thu, 15 May 2008 18:20:00 +0000

Chicago Historic Timeline

Chicago's first permanent resident -- Jean Baptiste Point du Salbe, who arrived around 1779, becoming the first non-Native American resident, and was African American. His first home was a log cabin along the Chicago River.

Illinois became a state in 1818, while Chicago struggled in its wilderness. The largest population of the state around 1818 enjoyed the prosperity along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.

A canal, rather than a railroad, bridged the gap between the hustle and bustle of the Mississippi River to the Great Lakes. In 1827, the U.S. Congress authorized the digging of a canl -- the Illinois & Michigan Canal (I&M Canal) to link the Great Lakes with the Mississippi River basin.

First major population surge was in 1830.

By 1848, railroad traffic increased with a popular route between Galena (mining) and Chicago. German, Irish and Scandinavian immgrants were selling the population.

The Chicago Board of Trade opens in 1848.

By 1855, considerble labor and employment went into levitating the city -- physically lifting most buildings because most of Chicago occupied a swamp, and the streets were comprised of mud. Chicago becomes the hub for 10 rival rail ines. Railroads cut time travel between New York and chicago from 3 weeks to 2 days.

Chicago becomes the nation's rail capital. The population soars from 24,470 in 1840 to 28,000 in 1850, to 110,000 in 1860, to 300,000 in 1870. By 1890, there were 1.1 million residents.

George Pullman builds his prototype sleeping car in 1864.

In 1865, the largest employer in Chicago was the meatpacking industry, where the city was home to the Union Stock Yards. The city supplies the Union troops during the Civil War.

In 1869, the 13,730 vessels dock at Chicago Harbor exceeding the combined commercial traffic for New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Charleston, Mobile and San Francisco ports.

In the mid-1860's, State Street becomes a prime shopping boulevard.

Chicago in 1871 was a densely packed community of 300,000 built principally from wood, where more than 300,000 structures were made from wood; the sidewalks were wooden; most streets were paved with tar-swathed wooden blocks. A long hot summer and one of the largest droughts in history made the city tinder-dry.

The city's most notable event takes place -- the Chicago Fire, with the prime suspect Mrs. O'Leary's cow, who supposedly tipped over a lantern in the family's West Side barn. The death toll reached 250 or more, and 100,000 Chicagoans were left homeless. The fire destroyed more than 17,000 buildings.

The city's commerical core was back bigger and better in less than 5 years after the fire. The city's design and planning, along with its tremendous architecture and newly constructed buildings, as well as its newly enact fire code, laid the foundation for developing one of the nation's finest city's. By 1889, Chicago's population grew to 1.1 million.

"Freshly crowned as America's Second City by the 1890 census, Chicago staged a world's fair in 1893. The World's Columbian Exposition brought the glittering fantasy of an electrically lighted "White City" to the south side lakefront.

1891 -- the first skyscraper appears in Chicago.

Louis H. Sullivan became the emerging architectural genius of the emerging Chicago.

1891 -- Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Art Institute of Chicago opened the following year.

The preservation of the lakefront for public pleasure, a relevation to travelers from cities all over the world, was sancitified as public policy in Daniel Burnham's famous Chicago Plan of 1909. "Make no little plans," Burnham urged, and the sunnier side of the city's life bears the stamp of his foresight.

The infamous Chicago gangster Al Capone emergest in Chicago in 1920. Capone spent 8 years in prison for tax evasion and later died of syphilis.

Chicago stages its second successful world's fair -- The Century of Progress exposition. The fair spanned 47 acres of newly created lakefront south of the Loop, attracted 39 million visitors during its 1933-34 run.

Richard J. Daley becomes one of Chicago's most famous leaders, serving as mayor for six terms, spanning from 1955 until his death in 1976. His administration led an expansion of Chicago managing the city's growth and departments with marked success, where the phrase "The city that works," was coined.

Hugh Hefner published the first issue of Playboy from his Chicago kitchen table in 1953.

Sears Tower becomes the world's tallest building, standing at 110 stories and 1,454 feet, in 1974.

Fun Facts

The 4 stars on the Chicago flag represent Fort Dearborn, the Chicago Fire, the World's Columbian Expostion and the Century of Progress Exposition.

The Art Institute of Chicago holds the largest collection of Impressionist paintings outside the Louvre in Paris. Wives of prominent Chicago founders (Potter Palmer) may be credited for the collection.

Chicago has the largest beachfront among any other city in the U.S. There are 29 miles of lake frontage and 15 miles of public beach.

Chicago is home to the world's largest Polish population outside of Warsaw.

Chicago is home to the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is one of hte last free zoos.

Chicago's Western Aveneu is the world's longest street.

Chicago's Oceanarium is the world's largest indoor marine mammal pavilion and doubles the size of the John G. Shedd Aquarium, which is the largest indoor aquarium in the world.

noreply@blogger.com (cdsc) — Wed, 14 May 2008 18:29:00 +0000

Trump International Hotel & Tower Opens

After several construction delays, the Chicago Trump International Hotel & Tower finally opened, and what a spectacular property for Chicago visitors who want to treat themselves to the best. Great services, premium room accommodations, excellent fine dining (16 Restaurant), and great views of the Chicago skyline. Depending upon your arrival, the hotel is offering discounted rates to generate visits and occupancy. Take advantage now.

Tips & Insights -- Chicago Shopping & Travel

noreply@blogger.com (cdsc) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 06:19:00 +0000

•Eating Healthy

It’s easy to forget about diets and make poor choices regarding the foods that are available to us when we travel, so we’ve compiled a short list for healthy eating tips for your Chicago shopping trip. 1) Pack a variety of nutritious foods including fruits, raw vegetables, crackers, granola bars…quick solutions for satisfying an appetite whether you fly or drive. 2) Upon arrival at the hotel, skip the mini-bar. If your hotel offers a Continental breakfast, select fruits, cereals and proteins such as eggs. 3) When you dine out, remember to eat only when hungry. Even the great Chicago restaurants occasionally serve overwhelmingly large portions. If you indulge on one meal, scale back on the next. 4) When possible, avoid large meals at night. When your body slows down and prepares for sleep, it also burns calories less efficiently. Pass on the bread basket at dinner. Choose fish or poultry, and try to eat lots of vegetables.

•Shoes

Chicago Destination Shopping Club located at CDSC, includes a shoe shopping category on its website. The trend for 2008 is all about heels…a myriad of options – wedges, stilettos and sculpted forms, in textured and colorful finishes. Look for the latest trends in a huge selection of Chicago stores including Akira (State Street & Bucktown), Bloomingdale’s (Michigan Ave.), Fratelli Rossetti (Michigan Ave.), Jimmy Choo (Oak Street), Lori’s (Lincoln Park), Nine West Outlet (Lincoln Park) and Nordstrom (Michigan Ave.).

•From $600 Phone to Carrying Case

Now that you have one of the coolest, most talked about cell phones on the market, you need a case. Many designers have taken note of the trend and demand for stylish cases to caress that phone in a stylish manner. At the high end, Louis Vuitton offers alligator leather cases for around $1,100. Depending on the size and model, you can purchase other styles ranging from $15 - $50 at Nokia or the Apple Store. See all these stores and more at www.chicago-dsc.com.

•Traveling with Special Items on Airlines

With many passengers still expecting to bring almost any item on board despite the crackdown in safety and security, we thought it would be important to recap rules and restrictions for most airlines. Please note that airlines in foreign countries may have different regulations.

1. Alcoholic Beverages – Passengers are not allowed to take alcoholic beverages with more than 70% alcohol content in a carry-on or checked luggage.

2. Knives & Tools – Pack knives and tools in your checked luggage. Sheath or securely wrap any sharp edges so they do not injure baggage handlers and security officials.

3. Currency, Coins, Valuable Jewelry – If you are carrying valuable items, ask the security officer to screen you and your carry-on luggage in private. This will maintain your security and avoid scrutiny.

4. Musical Instruments – You may bring musical instruments as carry-on or as checked baggage, but first check with your airline prior to your flight to ensure your instrument meets the size requirements for their aircraft. Security must x-ray or physically screen your instrument, so be prepared.

Women’s Social Life Goes Retail in Chicago

noreply@blogger.com (cdsc) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 07:26:00 +0000

Chicago is filled with social destinations for young, old, single, married, artistic, athletic, and everyone in between. The restaurants, museums, theater and cultural activities are not only among the nation’s finest, but considered world class destinations. Chicago single women can pick from a wide range of social options on any given week, from the Museum of Contemporary Art’s “First Friday,” to Rush Street night life, to sizzling summer block parties, to festive art fairs, and much, much more. Now there is a growing trend among Chicago women and visitors these days that broadens their social boundaries while enhancing their appearances and other skills – Chicago retailers.

Women are filling their social calendars with in-store events, classes, seminars, demonstrations, fashion shows and cocktail parties at stores, shops and boutiques throughout Chicago’s Michigan Avenue, Lincoln Park and Bucktown areas.

“My friends and I attend at least one retail event each week. It’s a way for us to bond, enjoy a night out, and bolster our wardrobe,” says Chicago resident Tina Whittington. And why not. Retailers, who are desperate and demanding to drive more traffic through its front doors, are doing so by introducing in-store events. Retailer marketing staff have been very strategic in implementing store events, which support many objectives -- stimulates store awareness, increases time spent in the store, customer experience and interaction is increased, customer service is heightened, and word-of-mouth is stimulated.

On any given week or weekend, there is an incredible number of events taking place in Chicago stores including, cooking classes and demonstrations (Sur La Table, Williams-Sonoma, Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store), trunk shows (Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom), new store cocktail parties (Marc Jacobs, Akira), book signings (Borders for Books), bridal events (Vera Wang, Macy’s, Belle Vie Bridal Couture), and more. For girls and young teens, Chicago’s American Girl Place has been the destination for events since the giant retailer opened its doors. In-store activities at this mega retailer includes decorating classes, tea and theater, mother-daughter special occasions, and even tips on how to manage your money. “We come into Chicago every 2 months, and always attend an American Girl event,” says Judy Johnson, Indianapolis mother of four girls.

Planning for Chicago shopping and retail events just got easier with the launch of a new online source called Chicago Destination Shopping Club – www.chicago-dsc.com. The website features more than 500 stores, shops, specialty boutiques, art galleries, day spas and more, and serves as the largest single, online source for Chicago residents and travelers who visit the city to shop. Visitors will also find the largest online source for Chicago store events.

The website is free to all visitors who will have access to numerous specialized features. Visitors can also register to become members, which is free, to receive additional store discounts, gifts, and other benefits from popular Chicago retailers such as Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, ~H2O+, and more.

Make Your Space More Beautiful and Functional

noreply@blogger.com (cdsc) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:10:00 +0000

After Spending several hours at work most of us would love to spend rest of the time sitting outside on patio, porch, deck or backyard, Enjoying drinks, parties with friends and family members. Such habits really keep you cool and bring freshness to you.

The outdoor space is the best place for such parties and celebrations. As per the recent surveys 90-95 % of Americans have some kind of well customized outdoor living space to get some fresh air and enjoying sunshine out there.

To give our patio, porch, deck or backyard more functional, stylish and beautiful all we need to have latest, trendy and contemporary line of furniture. Now a day’s outdoor living is getting quite popular in USA and homeowners are dying to get an attractive outdoor living space for their guest and family members. Homeowners are investing most of their in decorating and maintaining the beauty and functionality of their outdoor spaces.

CDSC is so boast of having a big list of furniture stores dealing with beautiful, comfortable and functional outdoor as well as indoor luxurious furniture available in all styles and colors of your choice which really improves your quality of living either outdoor or indoor help you furnish and decorate your living space.

These stores offer finest collections of antiques and furniture accessories including beds, cabinets, chests, desks, picnic benches, tables etc and they ships anywhere around the world.

List of Major Chicago Furniture Stores:

Jean Alan
Pavilion
Christine's Concepts in Design
Crossell & Co
Design Shoppe
Design Within Reach
Elements
Embelezar
Home Element
Material Possessions
Painted Lady
Porte Rouge
Room & Board
The Sharper Image
Symmetry

Best Jewelry Shopping Destinations in Chicago

noreply@blogger.com (cdsc) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 12:44:00 +0000

If I ask you who is Your Best Friend and who fascinates you the most?

It may be anything, but jewelry is the common answer to all women either diamond, gem, pearl, gold, silver or platinum.

Jewelry is women’s best friend and it has always fascinated them the most, infact most of the men as well. Jewelry enhances women’s beauty and also declared as a major source of establishing good status or standard in your society.

Now days there are several jewelry stores available in the market offering and featuring diamond, gem, pearl, gold, silver or platinum jewelries for men, women and kids as well and jewelry designers can also customize them as per customer requirements without any charge.

CDSC is the right place to help you find the best jewelry shopping destinations in Chicago. Here you will get a wide array of Chicago Jewelry Stores dealing with high-end jewelry and luxury goods.

List of Major Chicago Jewelry Stores:

Forever Silver by Erwin Pearl

Chicago Luxury Hotels - Exceptional and Personalized guest services

noreply@blogger.com (cdsc) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:32:00 +0000

Shopping, shopping and shopping, CDSC is not just limited to offer their clients the best and healthy shopping experiences. Just think it will be totally a win-win case when we are getting everything at our disposal. Means shopping is good but to make it more exciting and successful CDSC has a big list of great luxury Chicago Hotels.

If you are a regular traveler or on tour with your family members in Chicago then you are at right place to make all yours shopping and stay Related Decisions. CDSC really helps you searching for the best shopping destinations in Chicago and several luxury Chicago Hotels with exceptional and personalized guest service where customers will be getting several other personal services like fitness room, day SPA offerings, massages, gift wrapping services during winter holidays and special Chicago shopping events booking services.

CDSC customers will be getting special American Girls Shopping Packages, Retail Discounts and several online Benefits including FREE Chicago Weekend Stay! as well.

CDSC Customers will get Lots of Website Bonuses as well which includes:

· Customized Shopping Planner!
· Shopping Itineraries!
· Monthly Newsletter!
· Personal Shopper!

So get registered to CDSC one of the largest online source for Chicago Shopping Events, Chicago Shopping Malls, Chicago Hotels.

American Girls Place – Major Shopping Attraction in Chicago

noreply@blogger.com (cdsc) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:22:00 +0000

If we talk about the major attractions in Chicago , American Girls Place is one of the strongest contenders in race, Not just the best Retail Place it is one of the major attractions in Chicago which is well known for its friendly, Personalized services and Vast Collections of girls accessories, outfits, apparels, fictional dolls etc.

There are several retail destinations in Chicago offering and featuring several unique products, amazing entertainments, exceptional personalized services and Fantastic Chicago Shopping Events and more, for giving their customers the best shopping experiences ever. Customers are most welcome and can browse through the vast array of girl’s outfits, gifts, beautiful dolls, several girls’ accessories. No doubt you will get more than what you expect.

If we talk about the parking facility which is one the major issues in concern and needs to be resolved first. American Girls place has several established affiliates for parking garages for complete security of your 4wds and belongings.

So, Girls if you are really looking to buy something best and special for you or your loved ones, you are most welcome to Chicago’s one the largest shopping destinations, Where our registered customers will be getting special American Girls Hotel Packages in selected Chicago Hotels.

Registered customers will be getting special hotel packages along with latest updates related to all shopping events in Chicago and stores offering special monthly sales located in major Shopping Areas:

Michigan Avenue Shopping, Oak Street Shopping, State Street Shopping, Lincoln Park Shopping, Buck town Wicker Park Shopping.

Back to the Table with Chicago Stores

noreply@blogger.com (cdsc) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 02:16:00 +0000

For several years now, there has been a movement, a renewed spirit to get back to the dining experience…at home. Cooking and eating at home is back, precipitating more shopping in Chicago home furnishing stores.

IMR Research Group indicates that Americans are willing to spend more money on remodeling their kitchens than any other part of their home. In 2006, American homeowners spent an estimated $80 billion on kitchen remodeling. The report also indicates there is unprecedented amount of money on appliance upgrades, design features and innovative kitchen products such as built-in water filters and an oven that dramatically reduces cooking time. A report from the International Home & Housewares Show indicates a trend where Americans are spending more time on meal preparation, cooking from scratch. Whether Baby Boomers or Gen X, generations are getting back to cooking and eating with friends and/or family at home. In addition, more cookbooks focus recipe editorial on cooking fresh from scratch. None more directly addresses the resurgence of home cooking than Art Smith’s “Back to the Table.” The book is philosophical, spiritual and serves as an insightful guide to table decorating and cooking for family and friends.

Chicago is home to some of the finest and most diverse stores for cooking, baking, meal presentation and home entertaining. If you’re looking for the latest in kitchen appliances or want to take the plunge and remodel a outdated kitchen, Chicago stores will fulfill your every need. From small Bucktown-Wicker Park (Porte Rouge, Crossell & Co.), to Michigan Avenue’s magnificent flagship home furnishing stores (Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel), Chicago has it all. These stores excel in not offering quality products, but in the warmth and atmosphere of the retail environment and customer service. A complete list of Chicago stores for cooking, baking, meal presentation and entertaining is located at www.chicago-dsc.com.

View By Chicago Shopping Category

noreply@blogger.com (cdsc) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 06:49:00 +0000

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