December 21st, 2011 
During the holiday shopping season, many of us spend our time (and money) at stores whose names we’re all familiar with. But twice a year, Shop IN Chicago gives us a chance to remember how much we love talented, local designers – and in the Windy City there’s no shortage of talent.
The shopping event, held at the historic Drake Hotel, is hosted by CeCe and Melinda with Raymi Productions.
Designer LaTonya Williams showcased her white blouses, labeled Elizabeth Smith. Shop IN gives her an opportunity not only to meet customers, but to also show them her work is more than “just a typical white blouse.”
“A white blouse to me is a staple. It is the one thing we not only have, but we need in our wardrobe,” Williams said. “We can partner it up with black pants and a black skirt and we’ve just set the scene for any setting.”
Other participants included jewelry designer Amelia Taafe Comsas, creator of Taafe Jewelry (pronounced Tayf). Her necklaces, earrings and bracelets combined sterling silver, semiprecious gemstones and freshwater pearls to create elegant-meets-edgy-with-a-kick-of-vintage pieces.
Lulu Blossom products (Photo Credit: Brandis Friedman)
And we can’t get all dressed up without a relaxing bath before (or after) the party. Racheal Kash’s Lulu Blossom line of handmade skincare products are sure to develop a cult-following. Kash believes in healthy living, thus uses natural preservatives in her products, with no parabens or sulfates, and no animal testing. The Sugar Scrub smells like a giant sugar cookie, but taking a bath with it is likely healthier than eating that sugar cookie.
In addition, shoppers were treated to makeovers from Dior cosmetics and raffle to win goodies from Dior.
The next Shop IN will be held just before Mother’s Day – but there’s so much shopping to do, maybe they should call it Shop Out.
