Weekend getaway

The fickle weather is really beginning to bother me. I have been waiting to write this column for some time now, but I can wait no longer. I thought I'd write a column about shopping when the weather is nice, but spring break brought snow and it still keeps raining. So, in an impatient tantrum I looked at the forecast for this weekend, and I am happy to report it will be partly cloudy with a 95 percent chance of shopping. The weather will finally permit for spring shopping to commence. What a blessing. \nBloomington is one of those places that is great for eclectic, vintage shopping. One of my favorite stores is Cactus Flower, located at 322 E. Kirkwood Ave. The store is appealing because it has the trendy bohemian clothes and the vintage, circa-1950 embroidered jackets all under one roof. You can't beat it. It's full of clothes that can satisfy any feminine flight of fancy. I especially like its collection of Indian-style earrings and scarves. The store is perfect for anyone indulging in the feminine look and looking for spring styles. Plus, they sell Prada knock-offs at a good price.\nPitaya and Cha Cha are also good stores to visit if you are trying to find something feminine for spring. These two boutiques cater to the eclectic, yet in-style college student. They have everything from pink lace shirts to the A-line pink, white and black skirt currently seen in the window. The look of Kirkwood is definitely in this season. \nIf you are looking to take a weekend getaway, Chicago would be my No. 1 choice because it is close and harbors some really off-beat places for shopping. I can't front. Chicagoans know how to style. \nJust a couple of weeks ago, I sent a fashion writer to Chicago to check out some of my favorite spots. Of course she went to Michigan Avenue and Marshall Fields on State Street, but there is so much more to shopping in Chicago. There are the boutiques in Wicker Park, Bucktown and Lincoln Park that carry well-known designer labels next to local designer lines at reasonable prices. Although I love those places, one of my favorite spots to go shopping is at Indian Town on Devon Street. Indian Town is perfect for a full day of shopping or for fashion design students looking for material. The streets are lined with fabric stores, clothing stores, restaurants and beauty salons. \nThey sell some of the most ornate strappy sandals for really cheap prices, along with those chandelier earrings that are in style. \nAnother great perk is the variety of fabric stores. You can get all kinds of silk satins in just about any color. The only catch is you have to buy them in seven-yard pieces because the fabric sold is for saris. Of course there are ways of getting around that. If you go, always ask for the scrap box. The scrap box contains pieces of leftover fabric used to make saris and veils. You can get up to three or four yards of silk for $10. Last time I was there, I found a two-and-a-half-yard piece of pink silk charmeuse for $10. The best part is you can negotiate prices and come out with a ton a fabric for $30. After you're done shopping, you can take advantage of the culture on Devon Street. I like to go get my nails done and my face threaded for about $15. Threading is a hair removal process that uses actual thread to twist the hair off the face. It doesn't hurt much and leaves your face feeling smooth. Between shopping and threading I get hungry, so I usually visit one of the many Russian eateries and feast on bean pies, spinach pies, meat pies and caviar spread. \nWhen in Chicago, don't skip the Salvation Army. You can find vintage Pucci and Gucci for almost nothing, and no one can beat a Pucci dress for $20. \nIf anyone is planning on going to New York, I suggest visiting the obvious places like Fifth Avenue, SoHo and NoLita. These places are great for people watching, eating and, of course, shopping. Another neighborhood becoming fashionable is Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Williamsburg is the neighborhood you enter right after you get off the Williamsburg Bridge. It used to be my hideout from all the hustle and bustle of Manhattan; now it has become very fashionable with little boutiques, unique clothes created by up-and-coming designers, and restaurants and clubs that have a laid back style synonymous with Brooklyn. \nSo if you have been itching to shop the way I have, I hope this column was helpful. Shopping and saving money go so well together. While taking those weekend shopping expenditures, don't forget to catch a bite to eat in Indian Town or get a cup of joe at a coffee shop in Bucktown or Williamsburg. It is so relaxing to be able shop, sip coffee, eat and not think about homework until it starts to rain again.