It`s that time again.
There, in your hot little hand, are the gift certificates you got for Christmas. Or perhaps you found some folding money stuffed into your stocking. Or (don`t tell Aunt Sue), you took back that fifth pair of fuzzy-wuzzy slippers you`ll never wear and exchanged them for cash.
What to do now? Considering that this is the hottest sale season all year, it shouldn`t be too hard to cope.
To help you make the most of your treasure, we`ve compiled our third annual bargain-hunters` guide to some of the best sales going on in and around Chicago.
On the following pages, find great buys on everything imaginable, from antiques to furs to women`s wear:
Antiques
Branca Inc., 112 W. Illinois St., 822-0751. Through January, this antiques and decorative accessories shop, which does custom framing and matting, is offering 15 percent off all painted finishes and custom items such as handpainted pillows, painted furniture, lampshades and more. Also, all matting and framing services are 15 percent off.
Artwork
Billy Hork Galleries, 3033 N. Clark St., 935-9700; 3015 N. Broadway, 528- 7800; 1621 Chicago Ave., Evanston, 492-1600. Through January, this art gallery has 50 percent savings on paintings, lithographs and framed posters (selected work excluded).
ChiaroScuro, 750 N. Orleans St., 988-9253. Through January, this showroom has artist-designed clothing, jewelry and functional and decorative ceramic and glass pieces at 25 to 60 percent off.
Garret Gallery of Art, 1201 Waukegan Rd., Glenview, 724-5050. Closed Sundays. Through January, this art gallery is featuring framed serigraphs by Melanie Taylor Kent, including her Michigan Avenue piece that was $1,000, now $700; and her Disney World piece that was $2,200, now $1,525. Also, in-stock unframed posters and reproductions that were $20 to $60, now $10 to $30. All other framed pieces are 10 to 30 percent below regular retail prices.
Lill Street, 1021 W. Lill St., 477-6185. Closed Mondays. Through January, this ceramics center is having its first ”Once-in-a-lifetime sale” featuring selected works by local and national artists discounted 10 to 40 percent. Works include functional and sculptural ceramics, fashion accessories, handpainted T-shirts and sweatshirts, baby clothing, scarves, handblown glass and more.
Wright Gallery, 2517 Waukegan Rd., Bannockburn Green, Bannockburn, 940-0567. Through Sunday, find 30 to 50 percent off all art on display by such artists as Agam, McKnight, Luongo, Maxwell Slaymaker and many others.
Bath accessories
Impressions, 2511 Waukegan Rd., Bannockburn, 945-3972. Through January, this bath and gift shop has Martex Sensation bath towels that were $17, now $11; hand towels were $11, now $7.75; wash cloths were $7.50, now $3.50;
fingertip towels were $7.75, now $3.75; tub mats were $25, now $20; and sheets were $30, now $24.25. Also find the Saturday Knight collection of towels that was $7.50 to $13.50, now $6.75 to $12.25; and Regal rugs at 10 percent off.
Shaxted & Co., 940 N. Michigan Ave., 337-0855. Closed Sundays. Through January, this bath shop featuring custom-made and designer linens is having its annual winter linen sale, which includes bath accessories, the Missoni bedding collection and a complete line of custom-made linens, including special orders at 15 to 50 percent off.
Touch of Elegance by Carmel, 1151 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, 256-4220. Closed Sundays. Through January, this bath and gift boutique has selected in- stock wall hardware, accessories, baskets, freestanding towel racks and shower curtains at 20 percent off regular prices. Also find Martex Luxor Pima, Fieldcrest Royal Velvet and Charisma towels at special savings.
Books
Covered Bridge Cafe, 445 Coffin Rd., Long Grove, 634-3308. Through January, find an unusual collection of novelty and educational children`s books, gift sets, pop-up books, science and start-to-read series books that were 99 cents to $13.95, now 79 cents to $11.15. Also find handpainted wooden cats, rabbits, rocking horses, clocks and more that were $7.95 to $55.95, now $6.40 to $44.80.
Passing the Book, 3423 Church St., Skokie, 673-3423. During January, this bookstore is offering all used books with a color in the title at 60 percent off. Find books such as ”Red Storm Rising,” ”White Hotel,” ”The Color Purple” and many more.
Children`s wear
All Our Children, 2217 N. Halsted St., 327-1868. Through January, find Creation Stummer cardigans that were $68, now $47; Sara Kent party dresses were $126, now $88; Dan Jean wool pants for boys were $44, now $30; Petit Bateau jumpsuits were $41, now $28; and Sahara Club boys pants were $28, now $19.
Bellini, 2001 N. Halsted St., 943-6696; and in Plaza del Prado at Willow and Pfingsten Roads, Glenview, 272-0054. Through January, these designer nursery and juvenile furniture and accessory stores are offering 20 percent off all fall and winter clothing and 10 percent off all toys and other selected items. Bellini will match customer savings and donate that money to the March of Dimes. Some clothing lines carried here are Nini Bam Bini, Petit Bateau of France, Bambinaggine, Golden Rainbow and exclusive handmade European-style clothing.
Born Beautiful, 3206 N. Broadway, 549-6770. While quantities last, this children`s clothing store has all fall and winter clothing at 50 percent savings. Find items from Absorba, Tickle Me, Petit Bateau, Piccolo, Bullfrog, Sweet Potatoes, Mousefeathers, Gant, Boston Trader and Young Gallery.
Rainbows `N` Sunshine Ltd., 2541 Waukegan Rd., Bannockburn Green Shopping Center, Bannockburn, 948-0399. Thursday and while quantities last, this children`s clothing store has a winter clearance sale featuring upscale fashions reduced up to 75 percent with some special bargains as low as $5.
Rosemary`s Chubby Girls Shop, 2951 W. Devon Ave., 743-8831. Closed Sundays. Through January, this half-size girls` clothing shop has jumpers that were $26, now $9.99; corduroy pants by Becky Thatcher were $27, now $15.99;
Joseph Love dresses were up to $65, now 30 percent off; sweaters were $21, now $7.99 to $9.99; blue jeans by Lee, Wrangler and Sasson were $22 to $35, now 30 percent off; and coats were $80 to $130, now 50 percent off. A special sale rack of clothing that was originally priced up to $65 is now $10.
Department stores
Bloomingdale`s, 900 N. Michigan Ave., 440-4460. During January, find a small Cuisinart food processor that was $90, now $39.95; Winnower Power furnace was $169, now $129; Supreme nonallergic standard-size pillows were two for $36, now two for $25; queen-size pillows were two for $50, now two for $35; king-size pillows were two for $65, now two for $45 and and a wicker upright hamper by Lamont was $45, now $39.95.
Carson Pirie Scott & Co., 1 S. State St., 641-1000. Through Saturday, this department store is having its ”Spectacular Savings Sale & Clearance,” with savings throughout the store.
Marshall Field & Co., 111 N. State St., 781-1000. During January, find storewide savings, including: Aero-Sole by What`s What leather shoes for casual wear in navy, red, white or black that were $39, now $29.25; Futura watches in a variety of styles were $44 to $57, now $29.99 to $38.99; women`s Esprit canvas sneakers were $24, now $19.25; wool double-breasted winter coats by Miss Gallery were $270, now $159.99; men`s trenchcoats with 80 percent down fill were $240, now $168; Braun MR-30 multipurpose hand blender was $30, now $19.99; sheets and cases by Wamsutta, Martex, Utica and Cannon at 40 to 60 percent off; and much more.
Eyewear
Glasses Ltd., 49 E. Oak St., 944-6676; 900 N. Michigan Ave., 751-0073;
and 96 Old Orchard Center, 675-5775. Through January, this optical shop has Revo sunglasses that were $150, now $120.
Peepers Eyewear, Board of Trade Building, 141 W. Jackson Blvd., 427-9555. Through January, buy one pair of prescription glasses at this optical shop and save $49 off your second pair. Also find Giorgio Armani frames and sunglasses that were $159 to $299, now $124 to $247; and Minolta, Jason and Swarovski binoculars were $99 to $879, now $79 to $704; and selected Benetton and other designer sunglasses were $50 to $89, now $33. Handmade buffalo horn frames that were $550 to $750 are now $440 to $600.
Sunshine Supply Co., 201 Coffin Rd., Long Grove, 634-1019. Through the end of the month, find classic sunglasses that were $7 to $16, now $5.25 to $12.
Fabrics and yarns
Andrews Co. Sew/Knit Centers, 1016 Davis St., Evanston, 866-9595; and 1807 Grand Ave., Waukegan, 249-0878. Through Saturday, this sewing center has demonstrator sewing machines and yarns at special savings. Elena demonstrators were $399 to $1,959, now $199 to $1,659; Elna Serger demonstrators were $699 to $1,099, now $399 to $849; Viking demonstrators were $499 to $1,999, now $349 to $1,699. Also find selected cone yarns that were 25 to 59 cents an ounce, now 50 percent off.
Elizabeth`s Knit Shop, 3738 N. Broadway, 935-3364. Jan. 28 through Feb. 5 this yarn store is celebrating its fifth anniversary. All cotton yarns in stock are 20 to 70 percent off. Selected wool yarns are 20 to 60 percent off, including Elba from Missoni that was $11.75, now $8, and Capri from Missoni that was $11.25, now $9. A variety of knitting magazines are also 30 to 60 percent off.
Midwest Discount Yarns, 3157 W. Irving Park Rd. At this discount yarn shop, find domestic and imported brands of synthetic, wool and cotton skeins and cones of yarns at good prices. A skein of synthetic, wool and mohair yarn was $1.98 per 1.3 ounces, now 79 cents; baby and three-ply sports yarn was $1.29 per 2 ounces, now 80 cents; wool cones and blends were 50 cents to $1, now 40 cents per ounce. Also find handmade afghans and crocheted items made by senior citizens at good prices.
Vogue Fabrics, 718-32 Main St., Evanston, 864-9600; Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., 787-2521; 623-27 W. Roosevelt Rd., 829-2505; Two River Place, Lansing, 474-4200. Sunday through Jan. 28, this fabric shop will have novelty Ultrasuede, 45 inches wide, that was up to $60 per yard, now $19.95;
wool coat fabrics, 60 inches wide, were up to $27.95 a yard, now $9.95;
designer silk prints were up to $29.95, now $5.95.
Food
Artie`s Restaurant, 300-A Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, 480-8898. Through Jan. 23, this restaurant has baby back rib dinners (full slab of ribs, salad or coleslaw, potato and rolls) that were $12.95, now $9.95.
Eli`s Chicago`s Finest Cheesecake, 6510 W. Dakin St., 736-3417. Thursday through Saturday, this bakery outlet store is offering four slightly imperfect (in appearance only) 9-inch plain cheesecakes for $27 (regularly $9 each);
and four 6-inch plain cheesecakes for $12 (regularly $4 each).
Savories, 566 Chestnut St., Winnetka, 441-0530; and 1700 N. Wells St., 951-7638. Beginning Thursday, this gourmet gift shop is celebrating its second anniversary and has such coffee varieties as Tip of the Andes, Hawaii Kona, Vienna French roast, Jamaican Blue Mountain and Celebes Kalossi in flavors such as hazelnut, Swiss mocha almond, French roast cinnamon, Southern pecan, Seville orange, chocolate raspberry, Dutch chocolate mint and Swiss water-decaffeinated at 20 percent off.
The Spicery, 227 Coffin Rd., Long Grove, 634-1616. Through January, this spice shop has LaTriomphe/French canning jars that were $2.50 to $4.60, now $1.85 to $3.45; all potpourri was $6.40 to $18.95, now $4.80 to $14.20; and simmering potpourri was $1.98, now $1.50.
Furs
Alper Richman Furs, 645 N. Michigan Ave., 266-1800. Through January, this furrier has Mark Heister`s complete collection at 50 percent off, including Russian broadtail, sheared beaver and mink and chinchilla styles. Also find a one-of-a-kind Adrienne Landau glove-leather dinner suit with fur and shell details that was $2,100, now $500. Mink or fox headbands that were $160, now $75; and mink earmuffs were $80, now $45. Unisex coyote jacket, reversible to suede, was $2,995, now $1,350. Long-haired beaver coats were $3,450, now $1,895; and men`s natural ranch mink reefer coats that were $8,400, now $3,995.
Barth-Wind Furs, 9235 N. Skokie Blvd., Skokie, 677-6706. Closed Sundays. Through January, this furrier has full-length mink coats that were $2,995, now $1,995; raccoon coats were $1,995, now $1,495; and full-length beaver coats were $1,995, now $1,495.
Bonwit Teller Fur Salon, 875 N. Michigan Ave., 751-1800; and Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, 573-6300. Through January in the fur salon of this men`s and women`s clothier, find all furs at 50 to 60 percent off. Examples: full-sweep female mink coats were $9,000, now $4,499; natural long-haired beaver coats were $4,800, now $2,399; sheared mouton jackets in a variety of colors were $2,000, now $699; and crystal fox jackets were $6,000, now $2,499.
Carol and Irwin Ware Fur Salon at I. Magnin, 830 N. Michigan Ave., 751-0500. Thursday through Sunday only, this furrier is having its annual basement sale featuring its entire collection of furs at 30 to 65 percent savings.
D`ion Furs, 8504 W. Golf Rd., Niles, 967-6660; 535 N. Michigan Ave., 828- 0088; and 6635 W. 95th St., 598-0091. Through January, this discount furrier is further reducing its prices. Find a Bill Blass natural stone marten coat that was $14,995, now $9,995; Canadian lynx coats were $11,995, now $4,495;
indigo fox coats were $4,595, now $2,295; beaver coats were $3,995, now $995. Evans, 36 S. State St., 855-2000; 744 N. Michigan Ave., 855-0333; Old Orchard, 679-6500; River Oaks, 868-1500; Woodfield, 884-8500; North Riverside, 442-6060; Yorktown, 629-7400; Evergreen Plaza, 422-0999. While quantities last, find 30 to 75 percent off designer fur collections, including a Black Diamond natural ranch mink coat with natural brown sable collar that was $22,000, now $9,995; Christian Dior full-length blue-dyed sheared beaver coat with matching Persian lamb trim was $12,000, now $4,995; and Donna Karan`s natural wild mink full-length coat that was $13,000, now $5,995.
Himmel Furs, 2201 W. 95th St., 779-7000. Closed Sundays. Through February, find beaver coats that were $2,595, now $1,595.
Javurek Furs, 6615 Cermak Rd., Berwyn, 484-0917. While quantities last, find fur-lined leather jackets (some that are reversible and some that convert into vests) that were $695 to $750, now $350.
N.H. Rosenthal Furs, 940 N. Michigan Ave., 943-1365. Closed Sundays. Through January, find female white mink trench coats that were $8,500, now $2,550; silver fox strollers were $15,000, now $4,500; fur-lined trench coats were $900, now $425; and a black silk poplin coat with natural white Swakara lamb lining was $5,300, now $1,590.
Gifts
Acasa Gift Store, 5225 S. Harper Ave., 493-9651. Through January, this gift store has 25 percent off Polish boxes that were $10 to $35 and plates that were $15 to $40; Japanese vases that were $5 to $21; and Japanese music boxes that were $32.45.
Chicago Historical Society Gift Shop, Clark Street at North Avenue, 642-4600. Through January, this gift shop has all Christmas merchandise at 40 percent off; a framed 1868 copper engraving of the Water Tower was $48, now $33.60; a gold-plated lighted cathedral was $108, now $75.60; and lighted ceramic houses were $36, now $25.20.
DeLoys & Portobello, 821 Chestnut Ct., Winnetka, 446-8380. Closed Sundays. This gift shop has 20 percent off fine china, crystal and silver. Also find 50 percent off selected gift and jewelry items.
Eclectricity, 1000 W. North Ave., 951-7333; 225 N. Michigan Ave., 856-9239; and 547 W. Diversey Pkwy., 929-0045. Sunday through Feb. 15, this shop has up to 70 percent off toys, gadgets, soft goods, lighting and children`s gifts, including electronic games that were $69, now $49.95; and Spellmaster, was $99, now $69.
Eximious, 1000 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka, 446-8171. Closed Sundays. Jan. 20 through Feb. 10, this English import shop has pewter military hairbrushes that were $51.50, now $40; pewter clothes brushes were $49.50, now $38; atomizers were $22.50, now $16; compacts were $28.50, now $21; pillboxes were $27.50, now $20; seven-window Italian leather picture frames were $73.50, now $59; and all antiques in the current catalog are 20 percent off.
Forever Silk, 5303 S. Hyde Park Blvd., 288-2800. Through Jan. 31 or while quantities last, find all brass gift items at 20 percent off; wall pictures that were $16, now $12.80; lamps were $120, now $79.99; and large live hanging plants were $18, now $15.99.
Harry Caray`s Restaurant, 33 W. Kinzie St., 465-9269. Through Jan. 20, this restaurant has gift items featuring the owner`s famous ”Holy Cow!”
saying on items such as suspenders that were $8, now $5.95; pins were $3, now $1.50; knit hats were $10, now $7.95; scarves were $10, now $7.95; baseball caps were $8.50, now $6.95; sweaters were $37.50, now $29.95; and a stuffed Holy Cow was $15, now $11.95.
L&A Stationers, 546 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka, 446-0829. Closed Sundays. Jan. 23 through 30, find Colonial Candles of Cape Cod in all lengths and shapes that were $12 to $25 per dozen, now 20 percent off.
Mangel`s Gifts, 421 Coffin Rd., Long Grove, 634-3731. Through Monday, find white porcelain nativity scenes (six-piece sets) that were $11.95, now $5.95; and large brass deer were $139.95, now $69.95.
Pelican Bay Ltd., 203 Coffin Rd., Long Grove, 634-4724. Through January, this nautical gifts and accessories shop has brass bells for home or boat decorating that were $8 to $75, now $6.40 to $50.
Pine Cone Christmas Shop, 210 Coffin Rd., Long Grove, 634-0890. Through Monday, this Christmas-item specialty store has green garland that was $11.95, now $5.95; wood ornaments were $4.95, now $2.50; and German glass ornaments were $5.95 to $9.95, now $2.95 to $4.95.
Shop-4-Bargains, 314 W. Superior St., 4th floor, 337- 6630. Closed Saturdays and Sundays. Through Jan. 27, this catalogue outlet store featuring items from the Oodles and Adco collections of decorative home accessories and jewelry has all items at 50 percent off regular prices, including spring, summer and holiday selections.
The Museum Shop of the Art Institute of Chicago, Michigan Avenue at Adams Street, 443-4960. Through January, this gift shop has holiday greeting cards that were $6.25 to $24, now 50 percent off; selected men`s silk ties were $25, now $14.95; selected holiday ornaments were $12.50 to $22.50, now 50 percent off; framed posters were $75 to $110, now $59.95; and much more.
The Gift Horse, 562 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka, 446-6666. Closed Sundays. Through Jan. 31, this gifts and gift-basket shop has 10 percent off custom gourmet food and fruit baskets, regularly $30 and up.
