Garnish

2009-07-03T09:29:00.000-07:00

**Star Studded Sale**

Buy one Michael Stars T-shirt & get half off a second*! Sale runs July 3rd till July 12th

*offer good on full price merchandise only, half off lesser price item, in store sales only.

Art Effect will be closed Saturday the 4th.

Elan This Way and That Dress

2009-07-01T10:02:00.000-07:00

If you can only buy one dress this summer- make it 6! This little black dress has long straps that can be twisted and tied in infinite ways. Wear it as a halter, one shoulder, strapless, or as a skirt. Simple and complex styles can be achieved with this wonder of a dress by Elan. $88.00

Save the Date, Sidewalk Sale July 18-19th

2009-06-29T16:17:00.000-07:00

Our annual Sidewalk Sale is just around the corner! Save the date, Saturday July 18th and Sunday the 19th. In addition to great deals, the whole neighborhood will be involved with the Sheffield Garden Walk happening at the same time. Live music from noon to dusk at Webster and Sheffield, it will be a lot of fun!

Father's Day Gifts

2009-06-12T15:13:00.000-07:00

Hopside Down beer glasses are hand-blown, precisely crafted, and unexpectedly deluxe, made of durable borosilicate glass. Best of all, this bottle-in-a-glass tumbler will keep your beer colder. $26.00

Dad's Awesome Grilling Book by Bob Sloan includes tasty recipes, sage advice, and witty reflections in this ultimate tribute to the glory of dads and their grills. He shows how easy it is to transform fresh ingredients into 100 sizzling, delicious dishes like Honey-Glazed Spareribs, Lamb Burgers, and Grilled Sweet Potatoes. Yum! $22.95

The sure fire sauce dispenser is just the thing for summer barbeques. Fill one of the two reuseable cartridges with a squeezeable condiment. Take aim and pull the trigger to release the sauce. Stick 'em up Hot Dog! Condiment Gun $30.00

Kikkerland's parking meter alarm is easily attached to your key ring to keep you alert to the time. The alarm holds quarters in a spring loaded holder in a compact and sturdy design. $12.00

Sterling silver and real pro-quality golf balls make these sportsman's cuff links.
A terrific gift for hard to shop for men, from Tokens & Coins. $145.00

WUBET shawls

2009-05-29T11:02:00.000-07:00

WUBET is an exceptional line of shawls utilizing Ethiopian hand woven textiles worked into modern design by Arnold Hass.

"Ethiopian design may never have been as timely. In an era of increasing globalization in business, communications, marketing and public policy, as we become one world, it is important to understand and preserve what is unique to our various cultures. The beautiful textiles of Ethiopia are unique, I would like to see them cherished and also shared with the world. Design enhances the quality of life. On every level it should celebrate, honor, venerate, praise, cherish and treasure all that we are. The goal is to celebrate the unique genius of every individual, and use it in order to inspire everyone. I want the world to see that every invention, every creation of which humankind is capable carries with it the capacity to enhance us individually and improve us collectively. Weaving in Ethiopia is an art, which was practiced since ancient times and perfected as far back as the Middle Ages. It has changed very little since then, and is highly skilled, compared to all other crafts in the country."

Better Billy Blues

2009-05-26T11:54:00.000-07:00

You already love Billy Blues pants for the flattering fit and styles, now you can fall head over heels with lower prices! We are pleased to offer the Wide Waist Khaki and Trouser Jeans for just $130.00. Perfect summer pants that take you from the office into the weekend!

Summer Layering

2009-05-18T13:43:00.000-07:00

We love this vanilla jumper from Mono Reno, you can wear it so many ways! This breezy look features a pop of yellow with metallic accents. Layer the jumper over Trinity's sheer silk blouse, and finish the look with some strong accessories: the Lucy necklace from Presh , Pewter clogs from Sven, and the Mexicana clutch in taupe from Cellobella. An easy, go anywhere outfit.

A Summer Look

2009-05-15T14:49:00.000-07:00

The perfect outfit for a day in the park, walking the dog, or watching a baseball game. Keep the sun off with a big floppy hat, accessorize with a colorful piece from pepita, halter by mata traders (wear it over a tank for more coverage,) short cargo shorts from Mur Mur, bright Espace sandals.

Shop for the Cause!

2009-05-08T12:11:00.001-07:00

In honor of Mother's Day, Art Effect is donating a portion of the weekend sales, May 8th-10th, to breast cancer research and support. http://www.shoparteffect.com

2009-05-07T15:11:00.000-07:00

Fill your summer wardrobe with Michael Stars Tees in a rainbow of bright Colors!

Join Art Effect's Tee Shirt Club!

2009-03-06T10:01:00.001-08:00

Earn one Free Tee Shirt of your choice, up to an $80.00 value, after purchasing 12 tees at full price from Art Effect or shoparteffect.com.

Choose from our great selection of Michael Stars, Three Dots, Inner Child, Free People, Tresics, & more! The perfect time to join the club is this weekend! Join us for a trunk show with Three Dots this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Three Dots Trunk Show

2009-03-02T14:46:00.000-08:00

You are invited to a spring trunk show with Three Dots!

Join us March 6, 7, and 8th to shop an extended collection of three dot styles and colors brought in for this event only. Enter to win a Jersey Colette Tee, and get a sneak peak at new summer styles!

Three Dots is an evolving concept in lifestyle dressing based on great fabrics, inspired design, fastidious construction and the perfect fit. Basic tee shirts, chic tops, and knit dresses for women who require quality.

APOTHIA

2008-10-03T14:58:00.000-07:00

APOTHIA Los Angeles and Art Effect Chicago is proud to introduce a new Hand and Body Wash line!
Apothia has created a technologically modern formula that is paraben and sulfate free. Using agents naturally derived from glucose, apricot kernel oil, oat and coconut
oil, it leaves your skin clean yet feeling smooth and moisturized. Generously including sweet almond protein, aloe Vera and vitamin E to moisturize, emolliate, and most of all soothe your skin.

The look is stunning! The sleek and architectural beautiful design will be a compliment to any counter and room. APOTHIA is known for combining the highest quality world class product with exceptional design- good looks and a good soul. APOTHIA Hand & Body Washes are prepared in eight award winning fragrances taking each user on a spectacular fragrance journey.

In store next week! Stop in to check it out.

Trunk Show with Saundra Messinger

2008-08-27T10:34:00.000-07:00

Art Effect is hosting a Trunk Show with Saundra Messinger, Saturday, September 27 from 11am to 4pm.

This will be a rare public appearance for the talented fine jewelry designer. Pieces will be available to buy directly and she will also be taking orders.

Saundra Messinger's jewelry designs are luxurious and primitive, simple and unpredictable, rough and sophisticated. Uneven surfaces, a shimmering matte finish, tiny sparkling diamonds and expert workmanship are the earmarks of Messinger's designs. She is a favorite designer of many celebrities including Deborah Messing, Queen Latifah and Sheryl Crow.

Our owner Esther Fishman has been friends with Saundra for many years and we're proud that Art Effect was one of the designers first retail locations.

Initial and Names

2008-08-20T16:38:00.000-07:00

The best gifts to give are personal, and what's more personal than a custom necklace? Classic and tasteful sterling silver necklaces from Michelle Rubin with names or initials make the perfect gift for anyone! We have single initial disks in stock, and many custom options available for special order.

You may want to start stock pilling for the holidays!

Give Peace a Chance!

2008-07-25T11:24:00.000-07:00

Featured in August Vogue, Saundra Messinger's Peace Sign Pendants are falls hottest accessory. This classic symbol is always fresh, the sterling designs are also available with diamond studs. Arriving in our store in August, contact us if you want to be on the waiting list.

Father's day gift ideas

2008-06-10T16:44:00.000-07:00

Don't forget dad!

Cufflinks by Acme

Coffee cup by DCI

King Corkscrew from Alessi.

Jazz Watch by Tokyo Bay

Food For Fashion Sale!

2008-03-31T11:27:00.000-07:00

Food For Fashion

Art Effect is hosting a food drive for Lakeview Pantry, Friday March 28th- Sunday April 6th. Good deeds will not go unrewarded, take 20% off your entire purchase when you bring in at least one item of non perishable food to donate.

The most needed items are: peanut butter, jelly, canned tuna, canned meats, soup, stews, canned fruit, juice, canned beans or chili.

Lakeview Pantry, emergency food distribution center, helping families in Chicago since 1970.

Earth Hour

2008-03-24T10:36:00.000-07:00

An easy way to make a difference for our environment.

Created to take a stand against the greatest threat our planet has ever faced, Earth Hour uses the simple action of turning off the lights for one hour to deliver a powerful message about the need for action on global warming.

This simple act has captured the hearts and minds of people all over the world. As a result, at 8pm March 29, 2008 millions of people in some of the world’s major capital cities, including Copenhagen, Toronto, Chicago, Melbourne, Brisbane and Tel Aviv will unite and switch off for Earth Hour.

learn more at http://www.earthhour.org/

This act will also serve as a reminder of the simple things you can do everyday to make a big impact on our earth. Buy reusable shopping bags, turn the water off when you are brushing your teeth, turn the light off when you leave a room. Every day you have the power to make healthy choices for the Earth.

Our favorite reusable shopping bags are from Envirosax, including fun new styles for kids! These sturdy totes fold up into a tiny portable roll. See them here:

International Women's Day, a great day to shop.

2008-03-05T15:23:00.000-08:00

Saturday, March 8th is INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY.

Art Effect will donate a portion of Saturdays sales to support CARE's poverty-fighting work with women in the world's poorest communities. With programs in education, health, economic development and much more CARE helps millions of people change their lives for the better.

WE ARE POWERFUL.

CARE is a leading humanitarian organization with a special focus on working alongside poor women. Globally, women have the power to help whole families and entire communities escape poverty. CARE is working to provide women with the resources needed to improve basic education, prevent the spread of HIV, increase access to clean water and sanitation, expand economic opportunity. Learn more here care.org

www.internationalwomensday.com
"The new millennium has witnessed a significant change and attitudinal shift in both women's and society's thoughts about women's equality and emancipation. Many from a younger generation feel that 'all the battles have been won for women' while many feminists from the 1970's know only too well the longevity and ingrained complexity of patriarchy. With more women in the boardroom, greater equality in legislative rights, and an increased critical mass of women's visibility as impressive role models in every aspect of life, one could think that women have gained true equality. The unfortunate fact is that women are still not paid equally to that of their male counterparts, women still are not present in equal numbers in business or politics, and globally women's education, health and the violence against them is worse than that of men."

A Special Valentines Day Offer

2008-02-06T14:56:00.000-08:00

Art Effect Love's Necklaces.

I Love Lincoln Park!

Come out Saturday, Feb 9^th and join us, along with your favorite boutiques for our "I Love Lincoln Park" Event! Starting at 10am on Saturday participating stores will feature a product or service they "LOVE" and many are offering discounts and promotions.

Click here for event participants! www.lincolnparkshopping.com

A great time to shop!

2008-01-23T12:45:00.000-08:00

It's your last chance to save big.

Stop by the store and find 40% off all our already reduced merchandise!

We're making room for the exciting new spring lines that are just starting to arrive. Get a sneak peek at new dresses, trench coats, and sweaters from Free People, Kensie, Sweet Pea and BB Dakota! We also have great new pant styles from Billy Blues.

Oh what a sale!

2008-01-16T13:24:00.000-08:00

It's cold in Chicago, but this weekend Art Effect is having a really hot sale!

It's an indoor sidewalk sale, January 17th-20th. Browse sale bins with real steals, marked $10.00, $5.00, even $1.00! this is good stuff!

Come in and find an extra 20% off already reduced merchandise! We have just marked down a selection of fine jewelry and watches 40% off. We're also clearing out our basement, and selling some great display items, including amazing deals on vintage furniture!

There are some gems on sale online, but if you're in town, you really need to make it to the shop to find the best deals! See you there!

Shop to Aid Africa

2007-11-06T14:25:00.000-08:00

Art Effect Boutique is having a day of good deeds; stop in on Saturday Nov. 10th to Aid Africa. We'll make it easy for you to help, with representatives from Save Darfur, Keep a Child Alive, and the One Campaign available to inform and involve you.

Shop the store and we will donate a percentage of the proceeds to the charities. We will have special fundraising items for sale, including antique button bracelets handmade by young Clemantine Wamariya , a survivor of the genocide in Rwanda, as seen on Oprah.

You will also be able to register to receive more information from the causes.

The event will be held from 11am-4pm on Saturday, November 10th.

www.savedarfur.org
www.one.org
www.keepachildalive.org

An interview with Melissa Joy Manning

2007-09-21T14:01:00.000-07:00

Melissa Joy Manning's jewelry has been described as "Joyful. Spiritual. Unique. Empowering." Each piece is handmade in her Oakland, California studio by a team of skilled artisans. Her jewelry has been featured in numerous magazines, feature films, and television programs. Melissa's celebrity clients include Jennifer Aniston, Sheryl Crow, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Debra Messing, Usher, and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

I was able to interview Melissa, gain insight into her design process, and she even shared a recipe for a scallop ceviche. Read on, then visit her brand page to see more of her fabulous jewelry!

Your work honors the raw beauty of your materials. I'm fascinated by the geology and history evident in each piece. Tell us about the stones and how you source your materials.

Each of the stones I use is unique. Unlike cut gems, no two are alike; it is the diversity of shape and originality of color that make each of the stones I use interesting, collectible and engaging. I am intrigued by the history of objects. Using metamorphic stones in my work, I am bringing nature to the wearer. Dreusies and Agates are formed in beautiful occurrences; they encapsulate the history of the earth's development- lightning storms, plate drifts, volcanic eruptions, even asteroid landings. It is this knowledge, that I am holding a piece of nature's history in my hands, which impels me to make jewelry of these stones.

Sourcing some of these stones can be difficult- A lot of the gems and minerals I use are South American. I have trusted suppliers with whom I meet every year. At that time I dig through their vast supplies and look for the most interesting stones I can find. Beautiful color, age rings, surface texture- these are all things I am looking for when I purchase a stone.

I love the elegance of your settings. Delicate links, chains, and prongs create interesting contrast with the substantial stones in your designs, how does your education in Mexican silversmithing influence your metal work?

I'm a metal purist. I love French jewelers- the over the top elements, the Rococo quality in some of the work. However, at this stage of my career, I'm all about the purity of line. For some reason I enjoy allowing the stone to speak for itself. I often lay them out, one by one, on a desk and walk by them for months before I can even think of designing with them. Then one day I have it- the piece has come through and it's just a matter of making it. Studying in Mexico has enabled me to work cleanly with a material and give it an inherent respect. Many other schools of design do not honor the simplicity of a Mexican esthetic; the fluidity of line, the simplicity of plane and excellent craftsmanship. Having had the opportunity to study under a Mexican master metal smith has shaped my understanding of craft and has allowed me to honor my instinctual respect for natural materials and honorable workmanship.

Your background in art history, and interest in indigenous culture is evident in your timeless collections. Is there a particular culture you find yourself drawing inspiration from more than others?

I have always felt compelled to honor the histories of our ancestors. The tradition of tribal craft has forever inspired me. My original collection (designed in 1997) incorporated teeth and bone and was influenced by Non-Western Culture. It is said that when you take an animal you are to honor ALL parts of it. In using teeth, claws and fur, tribes were giving thanks to the spirit of an animal for giving its life for their survival. They also believed that wearing the relics of a killed animal imbued the spirit of the animal into the wearer- carrying its spirit into the future while simultaneously imbuing the aspects of that animal's spirit into the wearer. I absolutely love this precept of gratitude, history, spirituality and responsibility. Many of these ideals are still alive today in Africa. I was able to visit Kenya last year- it was a truly amazing experience. However, as amazing as it was, I can't truly claim that there is any ONE culture that has inspired me more than another. I think, for me, it's been more about learning as much as I can from all Non-Western cultures and assembling their mark in my collections.

We are honored and excited that you've agreed to create a collection exclusively for Art Effect. Tell me about the pieces you've designed for us.

Thank you. It was such an exciting opportunity for me to step out of the box and create a few special pieces for you and your customers. I had a vast collection of stones from which to choose and began the process by picking out individual stones I felt were seasonal and important for you to have. I think the jewelry we created for you is special; it has a different scale than I've done in the past and has been tailored for your individual needs.

How do you think your pieces are best worn? Do you envision a wearer when you're designing?

Never. I love the idea that my jewelry is being worn by someone I don't know! It's kind of cool that a piece I designed will go out into the world and begin it's own life...and have a new history when, or if, I ever see it again. The idea that someone treasures something I have had the privilege of making is inspiring. I spent hours as a kid digging through both my mom's and grandmother's jewelry boxes. Continuing my personal history by creating pieces for future imaginary dress up is so wonderful- I guess I think more about this then if someone is going to sport my necklace with a wife beater and flip flops or a designer ball gown! (But for the record, I think both would be equally acceptable and gorgeous!)

Do you have a favorite piece in your personal collection of jewelry?

I have some amazing tribal pieces that are extraordinary examples of talismanic objects. Holding them is an honor...imagining how they were worn and who wore them is beyond inspiring. Sometimes I imagine a tribe hurling through the jungle on a hunt (witness the Duran Duran Hungry Like A Wolf influence here!) Or women encircling a camp fire sharing oral traditions….

I also have a ring that I can't seem to take off. It was given to me by one of my favorite Afghan gem vendors on September 10th 2001. The ring was once a men's stick pin. It is a disc inscribed with the Muslim prayer of protection. I think the timing of my acquisition of the ring was extraordinary. It serves to constantly remind me that every person is capable of beauty. I also think it is a powerful example of how adornment can speak to a culture and reflect identity. I am constantly stopped by people and asked if I made my ring. When I tell the inquirer the true maker and history of my treasure I can see a marked reaction. It is wonderful that something as simple as a ring can change an idea of a culture and make someone think beyond the propaganda of a society. Honestly, I think it's the pieces that hold the most history and impact that I value the most. I only hope that one of my pieces will live as long and be as treasured as some of the pieces I have in my collection.

Do you cook? Do you have a favorite recipe to share with our readers?

I love to cook. Right now I am obsessed with ceviche. The heat in NYC is cloying- almost like it's alive. Cooling off and eating lighter foods is essential! I don't really have a recipe but I'll give it a shot...

Scallop Ceviche

Dice 1/2 pound fresh scallops. Cover with lime juice and salt & pepper. Place in refrigerator and allow to rest for 1 hour.

Meanwhile: dice two red, ripe tomatoes, 1/2 a yellow onion, 1 jalapeno and 1/2 a bunch cilantro. Mix together with the juice of a lime and more salt & pepper. Allow to sit for an hour.

After an hour, mix scallops with a good ratio of the fresh salsa cruda you have just prepared. Allow this mixture to sit for another hour to hour and a half. Top with chopped cilantro and serve with tortilla chips, a salad or plain old saltines. If you want to be really fancy dice up an avocado and mix that in too.

And hey, if this doesn't work change it up until it does. Like all things, ceviche should be made to your own taste!

Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to share so much with you! It is an honor.

Thank you Melissa!