Fashionistas and fans of the popular cable TV series can't wait for the debut of the Sex and the City movie on May 30. And Chicago women are obsessed with SATC and its characters. From shopping parties to spa deals, places all over town are getting into the act with SATC-inspired deals. Susanna Homan, Sun-Times columnist, picked a few of her favorite things that will make you feel like a character from the show.
SATC FASHION
Flower Pins: They were big in the TV series - and they're back for the movie. Here's a version you can find at Material Possessions (www.materialpossessions.com or stores at 704 N. Wabash in Chicago or 954 Green Bay Road in Winnetka). Diane James Rose pins, available in three colors (white, pink or apricot), $55. Or try Elise Bergman Flower Headbands, available at Roslyn (2035 N Damen) in black and gray for $38.
Gladiator Shoes: Sarah Jessica Parker sports a pair of Dior gladiator sandals in several scenes in the movie (retail price: $770). You can find similar pairs all over town. We liked these suede gladiator flats from A Pied, 2037 W. Roscoe.
In the movie, the Zac Posen Fifth Avenue Bag is what Carrie holds when she goes to work at Vogue. The bag retails for $1,930 and is available locally at She boutique, 1024 W. Armitage or 483 Central in Highland Park.
Samantha has a new Yorkie in the movie. Your pup can be stylin' with Sex-inspired chew toys: Sarah Jessica Barker ($15), Manolo Barkniks ($14) and Jimmy Chews ($14). All from Tails in the City, 1 E. Delaware, www.tailsinthecity.com.
The Official Tee: Steve & Barry's offers the official movie-licensed merchandise. The "I Heart Sex and the City" tee is $9.98 and available in 11 Chicagoland stores, including Woodfield Commons and North Riverside Park Mall (www.steveandbarrys.com).
Remember the "Carrie" necklace? Get the look with a gold filigree necklace from local designer Kristen Amato (k-amato.com), $58 and $68. Available at Mark Shale and other local boutiques. Another necklace that's featured in the movie is Nicole Romano Amber Leaf & Fringe, $185, available locally at Guise | Chic, 2128 N. Halsted.
Susanna is dressed like Carrie, wearing a zebra-print silk dress by local designer Richard Morse from his line, 5p1t (www.5p1t.com), $475.
Charlotte wears the Nikki sunglasses by Salt Optics, $315, available at D/Vision, 1756 W. Division, www.saltoptics.com.
GRAB A GROUP OF GIRLS AND...
Head to Lincoln Park boutique Guise | Chic tonight for a Sex and the City party. Drink a Cosmo and get 20% off the entire store tonight from 6-9 pm. Afterward, head back to the Guise | Chic salon, where they'll be offering free blowouts and styling so guests can try out their favorite leading lady 'do. 2128 N. Halsted, www.guisechic.com.
Groups of four girls can book the SATC package at Exhale Spa ($160 per person), which includes a choice of class (Core Fusion, Core Energy Flow or Yoga); a choice of service (True Facial or Deep Flow Massage), a catered lunch by RA Sushi Chicago and a gift bag. Only available 5/29/08-6/8/08, call 312-753-6500. 945 N. State, www.Exhalespa.com.
Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club is showing back-to-back episodes of SATC on five jumbo screens on Thursday, June 5, from 5:30 pm - 2:00 am. "Divas" (drag queens) dressed as characters will perform throughout the evening. Kit Kat will give away tickets to "Sex and the City: The Movie" throughout the evening and guests will enjoy $5 "Absolut Hunk" martinis (regularly $10) as well as themed menu specials like the Mr. Big New York strip steak, $25. In addition, from May 30 to June 13, guests are invited to bring in "Sex and the City: The Movie" ticket stubs to receive an "Absolut Hunk Martini" for half-price ($5). 3700 N. Halsted, www.kitkatchicago.com.
A new store dedicated to just dresses, LeDress at 1741 W. Division, is hosting a SATC-inspired fashion show tonight at Underground, 56 W. Illinois, 9:30 to 11 p.m., $10 cover. The first 100 women get a 20% discount card for the grand opening weekend. Dresses cost $40-$500 and the store opens for business tomorrow.
SOME ADDITIONAL SATC DEALS
Spend the night at The Four Seasons and shop on Michigan Avenue: As guests of the "Manolos and Martinis Package," check into a luxurious room at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago where you can relax while reading the latest issue of Vogue magazine and enjoying chocolate-covered strawberries. Just like Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda, you can catch up over cosmopolitans - Carrie's favorite cocktail - compliments of our famous Martini Man. He'll bring his traveling martini cart to your guest room and shake up cosmos for your own private cocktail hour. Satisfy your designer shoe addiction with a $700 gift card to Barneys New York on Oak Street where you can pick out your favorite pair of Manolo Blahniks - Carrie's label of choice. Every pair of designer shoes needs a matching purse and outfit, and as a guest of Four Seasons Hotel Chicago you'll enjoy savings at premier shops along Oak Street and the Magnificent Mile home to famous designer labels adored by Carrie and friends. Don't forget the "Mr. Big" in your life with a $50 gift card to the 900 shops where you can pick out the perfect gift. Finally, your girls' weekend wouldn't be complete without desserts and enjoy them on us in Seasons Lounge whether it's after the movie or after pounding the pavement in search of the perfect labels. Rates for the "Martinis and Manolos Package" begin at $1830 per night (based on double occupancy).
Hilton Chicago/Indian Lakes Resort is offering a one-of-a-kind Sex and the Suburbs package. You and your girlfriends would enjoy a night of luxurious hotel accommodations as well as a VIP penthouse party with Hors D'oeuvres, Cosmos and Martinis. The party will also feature cutting edge fashion displays as well as hair and make-up designs by Pink hair studio. Just when you thought that it couldn't get any better, transportation will be provided as well as movie tickets to the biggest movie event of the summer! Wake up the next morning to delicious mimosas and a continental breakfast while enjoying a seminar by Anne Babíarz all about "The Art of Relationships". For information, visit www.HiltonIndianLakes.com on the success of the latest operating system.
