PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Highland Park, IL ... - Wordspecs

around $35. High-end lines priced $150 and up
elsewhere top out from $60 to $75.
And what says love better than a special lovie?
Soft and snuggly blankies at half-off retail become
that all important security blanket for as little as
$10 to $15. Made by Cach Cach, they resemble
baby animals, with whimsical little animal heads
that make it easy for kids to drag around!
Whether your jet-setting junior’s fashion sense
leans to country club classic or pure funk, North
Shore Kidz has the perfect and perfectly priced
gift. The store also helps others look and feel
good. A big supporter of other mom-based
businesses and causes, Rebecca stocks items from
other moms who design and market children’s
apparel and also provides frequent cause-related
promotions. This past summer, shoppers received
15 percent-off coupons for donating baby items
like diapers, wipes, shampoos, bibs and new
clothing as well as adult personal care products.
North Shore Kidz donates teses to Connection for
Abused Women and their Children. Rebecca has
similar plans in the work for the holiday season.
North Shore Kidz, 1480 Old Deerfield
Road #15, HP, 847-235-0015,
www.northshorekidz.com
“Scarves! They are the must-have hot accessory this year,” insists Iris Baer, owner of Gemuine
Boutique, a boutique accessories shop located in Northbrook’s Shear Elegance Salon off Dundee and
Pfingsten Roads. “Everyone in New York and Europe is wearing scarves—with T-shirts and jeans, or as
shawls for warmth.” Iris explains that her shop carries a range of styles to suit any ensemble or budget.
“Pashminas are so in,” she says of these long, two-and-a-half foot wide scarves with fringed ends.
“They’re so versatile—worn as a scarf or a wrap. The latest look is tying them around and around the
neck, looping over in front, or gathered under the collar for a long scarf.” Gemuine’s pashminas come in
bright colors, fall hues and animal prints as well as your choice of 100 percent cashmere, silk and
cashmere blend, or in synthetic fabrics that run as low as $20—up to $200 for the select, made in Nepal,
all-cashmeres. “I also have little neck scarves that start at $9, all-silk square, bandana style ones for $25
and tie-dyed scarves in the $30 to $50 range – all of which are ideal to dress-up or dress-down an outfit.”
Gemuine also carries a terrific line of jewelry and accessories, barrettes and belts, purses and their
accompaniments—wallets, keychains, business card holders, mirrors—with plenty in the $25 to $50
range. Her fashion jewelry is the real deal, where a collection of sterling silver and semi-precious stones
dominate. “We have so many beautiful pieces—some with pearls, amber, black jet, mother of pearl,
turquoise, coral and more. Lariats—long, open-ended necklaces—are very big this year and start
around $25.” Big, chunky beaded necklaces of semi-precious stones are also this year’s rage; sterling
pieces from $15; and Austrian crystal and cubic zirconia. Iris says gold is coming back, while brushed
silver and gold frosted metals are also hot. Stacking bangles for $20-$30 are a lovely gift as are the
ultra-feminine Mary Frances compacts and other purse accessories.
Gemuine does gift wrapping, and all items are returnable for exchange only. “My boutique is
where you can pick up something truly special without spending hundreds of dollars. Many come to
Gemuine looking to spend $25-$50 and are very impressed with our wide selection of beautiful and
special gift-appropriate selections. Located in Shear Elegance Beauty Salon, 2750 Dundee
Road, Northbrook, 847-205-1950
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Holiday 2008 / 41