Art Effect

Summer Sale

2008-06-18T14:40:00.000-07:00

Beat the crowd and shop now, it's our best sale of the year!

FREE SHIPPING

2008-05-30T09:30:00.000-07:00

It's a great time to shop online!

Oh what a sale!

2008-01-16T13:22:00.000-08:00

It's cold in Chicago, but this weekend Art Effect is having a really hot sale!

It's an indoor sidewalk sale, January 17th-20th. Browse sale bins with real steals, marked $10.00, $5.00, even $1.00! this is good stuff!

Come in and find an extra 20% off already reduced merchandise! We have just marked down a selection of fine jewelry and watches 40% off. We're also clearing out our basement, and selling some great display items, including amazing deals on vintage furniture!

Check out our website and find some gems on sale, if you're in town, you really need to make it to the shop to find the best deals! See you there.

www.shoparteffect.com

Want to Save on all those holiday gifts?

2007-11-06T16:57:00.000-08:00

Spend $75.00 or more between Friday Nov. 2nd & Nov. 15th and we'll
give you a coupon code for 15% off a purchase in December! Perfect for
all those holiday gifts!

Coupon valid the month of Dec. 07 only, not valid with other offers or
sale items. Only one coupon per customer, coupon must be entered at
time of purchase. Offer not transferable or retroactive.

Orla Keily Stem Print Wellies!

2007-10-23T10:36:00.000-07:00

Point me to the nearest puddle! I'm ready to splash, I just need to pick a color...

Get Your Own! See Comments

Saundra Messinger on the cover of Vogue!

2007-10-19T15:41:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Connelly is wearing a navy blue Chanel dress and Saundra Messinger diamond rings on the cover of this month's vogue! Saundra is one of of our favorite designers, we've always know how fab her rings are!

New From Melissa Joy Manning!

2007-10-09T13:56:00.000-07:00

The space age look of this stunning collection from Melissa Joy Manning, betrays the natural origins of her materials.
Ammonite cabochons glitter with natural silver pyrite inclusions. The fossils are accented with 14k gold bezels on modern chains and hammered bands. The Ammonite's existence on Earth lasted for 330 million years, ending in the Cretaceous period some 65 million years ago. Their fossils have been collected and prized for their aesthetic and geometrical beauty for thousands of years.

Like softly shimmering black velvet, Drusy stones are simply set with 14k gold bezels, or coated with sparkling 22k gold. Melissa explains "Dreusies and Agates are formed in beautiful occurrences; they encapsulate the history of the earth's development- lightning storms, plate drifts, volcanic eruptions, even asteroid landings. It is this knowledge, that I am holding a piece of nature's history in my hands, which impels me to make jewelry of these stones."

Recycling made Tres Chic!

2007-09-26T16:36:00.000-07:00

Old teapots, flatware, fondue pots and scrap are melted down by Parisian artisans to create a recycled silver pewter alloy that won't tarnish.

Artist Bernard Bouhnik utilizes this unique material to create his Metal Pointu jewelry collection. His designs range from elegant and modern to just plain fun, all with an avant guarde edge. Find a hand picked selection of Metal Pointu on our new Good & Green page. Magnifique!

Sweet as Sugar

2007-09-17T11:27:00.000-07:00

Roly Poly little king of sugar! His rounded bottom wobbles, but he won't fall down, sugar pours from his silver crown. Another cheerful kitchen accessory from Pylones to sweeten up your day! Plastic with rubber bumper, and metal pour spout. Tumble sugar pots designed in France by Créa Créa. Featured on Daily Candy today!

www.shoparteffect.com

www.dailycandy.com

Let's Play Dress Up!

2007-09-07T12:49:00.000-07:00

See what we have in store for fall!

Bold and bright patterns from Orla Kiely, and intricate striped headbands from Jennifer Ouellette are my favorite picks, but there is so much more to see! We are working on a website redesign, so watch out for a whole new look!

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Polyvore.com is our latest obsession. It's the new fashion magazine website sensation with you as the chief editor and stylist! Like paper dolls all grown up, you pick your favorite clothes, shoes, and accessories to create fashion stories to share with your friends. Check out our fav looks then make your own!

Fall Fashion and Free Shipping!

2007-08-08T09:44:00.000-07:00

Autumn is my favorite time of the year, with new sweaters, crisp air and apples! It's a chance to start fresh and update your wardrobe as you look ahead to new challenges at school or work.

We are filling the store with classics in cashmere: cardigans, pullovers, and scarfs from Design History and Autumn Cashmere. Richly colored or patterned tunics, jumpers and mini dresses follow the 60's trend. Clean and classic lines are embellished with luxe details in embroidery, over sized buttons, pleating, or crochet. Layer with lightweight tees from A to Z, Splendid, and Michael Stars. We have long and 3/4 sleeve tees in colors for fall. Wide leg trousers from Kensie and Billy Blues are the new silhouette for the season.

Shop online this month and get free shipping, via ups ground service, on orders over $75.00.

Michelle is wearing my favorite mod pocket tunic by Lulu Via with lined bubble sleeves and scooped neck. Oversized geometric pattern on peacock blue knit. Black trimmed patch pockets and smock front accented with big purple buttons. Looks great layered over jeans and with jewelry by Alexis Bittar.

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Cool off on these last sultry summer days with thoughts of autumn and a cool apple sip cocktail, recipe from "Cocktail Aficionado" by Allan Gage.

Apple Sip

* 2 measures stolichnaya vanil (vanilla-flavored vodka)

* 1 measure apple brandy

* 1 dash cinnamon syrup

* 1 measure freshly pressed apple juice

* 2 slices peeled apple to garnish

Shake all of the liquid ingredients with ice and double strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with slices of peeled apple.

stunning cocktail ring

2007-08-02T16:47:00.000-07:00

The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn, like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars and in the middle you see the blue centerlight pop and everybody goes 'Awww!' - Jack Kerouac, "On The Road"

Deep blue lapis shines like a starry night with pyrite inclusions wrapped in sculptural gold vermeil. This cocktail ring is not a shrinking violet, it's FABULOUS! wow, POP! Awww! ring-a-ding-ding.

Melissa Joy Manning interview

2007-07-25T15:32:00.000-07:00

Melissa Joy Manning's jewelry has been described as "Joyful. Spiritual. Unique. Empowering." Each piece is handmade in her Oakland, California studio by a team of skilled artisans. Her jewelry has been featured in numerous magazines, feature films, and television programs. Melissa's celebrity clients include Jennifer Aniston, Sheryl Crow, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Debra Messing, Usher, and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

I was able to interview Melissa, gain insight into her design process, and she even shared a recipe for a scallop ceviche. Read on, then visit shoparteffect.com to see more of her fabulous jewelry!

Your work honors the raw beauty of your materials. I'm fascinated by the geology and history evident in each piece. Tell us about the stones and how you source your materials.

Each of the stones I use is unique. Unlike cut gems, no two are alike; it is the diversity of shape and originality of color that make each of the stones I use interesting, collectible and engaging. I am intrigued by the history of objects. Using metamorphic stones in my work, I am bringing nature to the wearer. Dreusies and Agates are formed in beautiful occurrences; they encapsulate the history of the earth's development- lightning storms, plate drifts, volcanic eruptions, even asteroid landings. It is this knowledge, that I am holding a piece of nature's history in my hands, which impels me to make jewelry of these stones.

Sourcing some of these stones can be difficult- A lot of the gems and minerals I use are South American. I have trusted suppliers with whom I meet every year. At that time I dig through their vast supplies and look for the most interesting stones I can find. Beautiful color, age rings, surface texture- these are all things I am looking for when I purchase a stone.

I love the elegance of your settings. Delicate links, chains, and prongs create interesting contrast with the substantial stones in your designs, how does your education in Mexican silversmithing influence your metal work?

I'm a metal purist. I love French jewelers- the over the top elements, the Rococo quality in some of the work. However, at this stage of my career, I'm all about the purity of line. For some reason I enjoy allowing the stone to speak for itself. I often lay them out, one by one, on a desk and walk by them for months before I can even think of designing with them. Then one day I have it- the piece has come through and it's just a matter of making it. Studying in Mexico has enabled me to work cleanly with a material and give it an inherent respect. Many other schools of design do not honor the simplicity of a Mexican esthetic; the fluidity of line, the simplicity of plane and excellent craftsmanship. Having had the opportunity to study under a Mexican master metal smith has shaped my understanding of craft and has allowed me to honor my instinctual respect for natural materials and honorable workmanship.

Your background in art history, and interest in indigenous culture is evident in your timeless collections. Is there a particular culture you find yourself drawing inspiration from more than others?

I have always felt compelled to honor the histories of our ancestors. The tradition of tribal craft has forever inspired me. My original collection (designed in 1997) incorporated teeth and bone and was influenced by Non-Western Culture. It is said that when you take an animal you are to honor ALL parts of it. In using teeth, claws and fur, tribes were giving thanks to the spirit of an animal for giving its life for their survival. They also believed that wearing the relics of a killed animal imbued the spirit of the animal into the wearer- carrying its spirit into the future while simultaneously imbuing the aspects of that animal's spirit into the wearer. I absolutely love this precept of gratitude, history, spirituality and responsibility. Many of these ideals are still alive today in Africa. I was able to visit Kenya last year- it was a truly amazing experience. However, as amazing as it was, I can't truly claim that there is any ONE culture that has inspired me more than another. I think, for me, it's been more about learning as much as I can from all Non-Western cultures and assembling their mark in my collections.

We are honored and excited that you've agreed to create a collection exclusively for Art Effect. Tell me about the pieces you've designed for us.

Thank you. It was such an exciting opportunity for me to step out of the box and create a few special pieces for you and your customers. I had a vast collection of stones from which to choose and began the process by picking out individual stones I felt were seasonal and important for you to have. I think the jewelry we created for you is special; it has a different scale than I've done in the past and has been tailored for your individual needs.

How do you think your pieces are best worn? Do you envision a wearer when you're designing?

Never. I love the idea that my jewelry is being worn by someone I don't know! It's kind of cool that a piece I designed will go out into the world and begin it's own life...and have a new history when, or if, I ever see it again. The idea that someone treasures something I have had the privilege of making is inspiring. I spent hours as a kid digging through both my mom's and grandmother's jewelry boxes. Continuing my personal history by creating pieces for future imaginary dress up is so wonderful- I guess I think more about this then if someone is going to sport my necklace with a wife beater and flip flops or a designer ball gown! (But for the record, I think both would be equally acceptable and gorgeous!)

Do you have a favorite piece in your personal collection of jewelry?

I have some amazing tribal pieces that are extraordinary examples of talismanic objects. Holding them is an honor...imagining how they were worn and who wore them is beyond inspiring. Sometimes I imagine a tribe hurling through the jungle on a hunt (witness the Duran Duran Hungry Like A Wolf influence here!) Or women encircling a camp fire sharing oral traditions….

I also have a ring that I can't seem to take off. It was given to me by one of my favorite Afghan gem vendors on September 10th 2001. The ring was once a men's stick pin. It is a disc inscribed with the Muslim prayer of protection. I think the timing of my acquisition of the ring was extraordinary. It serves to constantly remind me that every person is capable of beauty. I also think it is a powerful example of how adornment can speak to a culture and reflect identity. I am constantly stopped by people and asked if I made my ring. When I tell the inquirer the true maker and history of my treasure I can see a marked reaction. It is wonderful that something as simple as a ring can change an idea of a culture and make someone think beyond the propaganda of a society. Honestly, I think it's the pieces that hold the most history and impact that I value the most. I only hope that one of my pieces will live as long and be as treasured as some of the pieces I have in my collection.

Do you cook? Do you have a favorite recipe to share with our readers?

I love to cook. Right now I am obsessed with ceviche. The heat in NYC is cloying- almost like it's alive. Cooling off and eating lighter foods is essential! I don't really have a recipe but I'll give it a shot...

Scallop Ceviche

Dice 1/2 pound fresh scallops. Cover with lime juice and salt & pepper. Place in refrigerator and allow to rest for 1 hour.

Meanwhile: dice two red, ripe tomatoes, 1/2 a yellow onion, 1 jalapeno and 1/2 a bunch cilantro. Mix together with the juice of a lime and more salt & pepper. Allow to sit for an hour.

After an hour, mix scallops with a good ratio of the fresh salsa cruda you have just prepared. Allow this mixture to sit for another hour to hour and a half. Top with chopped cilantro and serve with tortilla chips, a salad or plain old saltines. If you want to be really fancy dice up an avocado and mix that in too.

And hey, if this doesn't work change it up until it does. Like all things, ceviche should be made to your own taste!

Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to share so much with you! It is an honor.

Thank you Melissa!

Sidewalk Sale!

2007-07-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

This weekend Lincoln Park will be hopping with the 39th Annual Sheffield Garden Walk. There's something for everyone, garden and architectural tours, food, bands, and shopping! http://www.sheffieldfestivals.org/

Shop our sidewalk sale for unbeatable bargains. Then come inside and take an additional 25% off all in store sale merchandise. Great picks from Michael Stars, Hannoh, Orla Kiely, Epice, Jeanine Payer, John Wind and much, much more! You have to visit the store for these great savings. Don't miss out, it's Saturday July 21st & Sunday the 22nd only.

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All that shopping and walking can take a lot out of you. Relax and make yourself a refreshing mojito, or any of the deliciously cooling cocktails in Ben Reed's "Sunshine Cocktails" recipe book.

Mojito

5 mint sprigs
1 3/4 oz golden rum
a dash of fresh lime juice
2 dashes of simple syrup
cub soda, to top up

Put the mint in a highball glass, add the rum, lime juice and simple syrup. and pound with a barspoon until the aroma of the mint is released. Add crushed ice and stir vigorously until the mixture and the mint is spread evenly. Top with club soda and stir again. serve with straws.

2007-07-11T16:23:00.001-07:00

Oversized faux gems add easy glamour to any hairstyle. This pick of the week is cheap and chic, at $6.00 each, you can buy a bunch! Sarah is wearing two, a blue and a green round pin simply sweep the hair away from her face. They also look great in an updo!

Art Effect featured in shopping tours

2007-07-06T10:06:00.000-07:00

If you're visiting Chicago or a long time resident, it can be hard to find the very best in shopping. New shops are popping up everyday, but Urban Shop Guide agrees that Art Effect, opened in 1984, continues to be one of Chicago's greatest boutiques!

Take a tour or come on your own, we have the best selection of unique gifts, fashions, and fine jewelry, some thing for everyone!

http://www.urbanshopguide.com/index.html
seen in daily candy!

Happy 4th of July!

2007-07-03T10:23:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July from Art Effect! the store will be closed on the 4th, so get your fashion fix online www.shoparteffect.com

Leslie's ready for Independence day with her layered red white and blue necklaces over a rebecca beeson red striped bubble hem tunic and white leather bag by Savoy. Jour Du Nil blue crochet link necklace, by malene birger Jolly white necklace, fashion jewelry glass bead necklace.

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There is nothing more American than pie! Fresh fruit pie is a summer delight, and I think this one is especially good.

Jessica's rhubarb and raspberry pie

4 c rhubarb, 1 c freshly picked raspberries
1/4 c raspberry dessert wine
4 tbs cornstarch
1 tbs freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup raw cane sugar
butter dots

Toss fruit with sugar GENTLY. Whisk wine with cornstarch and lemon juice. Toss with fruit (again, gently). Pour in pie crust. Dot with butter. Brush crust with egg yolk mixed with milk for glaze. Bake 30-40 minutes at 425 until juices bubble through slits or lattice. If you have problems with the crust browning too much, cover lightly with foil.

If you're lucky enough to have a raspberry bush in your garden, hopefully you have an explosion of berries to pick, like my friend Jessica who came up with this recipe. If you're like me, You'll have to take a trip to the green grocer to get your berries. Either way, this is a lovely pie. Happy baking!

Summer Shower

2007-07-02T12:49:00.002-07:00

Alexis Bittar's green jumble necklace drips with jade, citrine, topaz and champagne quartz.

Summer Shower by Emily Dickinson

A DROP fell on the apple tree,
Another on the roof;
A half a dozen kissed the eaves,
And made the gables laugh.

A few went out to help the brook,
That went to help the sea.
Myself conjectured, Were they pearls,
What necklaces could be!

The dust replaced in hoisted roads,
The birds jocoser sung;
The sunshine threw his hat away,
The orchards spangles hung.

The breezes brought dejected lutes,
And bathed them in the glee;
The East put out a single flag,
And signed the fête away.

2007-06-27T15:32:00.000-07:00

Another necklace pick, Alexis Bittar's hand carved lucite choker is richly colored in oranges, ambers, dark brown and luminescent white. Gorgeous.

BBQ better

2007-06-27T13:56:00.000-07:00

Summer time is BBQ time, and I have some tips. Try healthier options like turkey burgers or fish, instead of the same old sausage and beef burgers. Forget about paper plates! there are charming options in reusable shatterproof melamine dishes. I love the bold graphics on these French Bulldog plates.

Break out the lawn sports! we love to play bocce ball, bean bags, and badminton at BBQs and picnics. It keeps every one entertained and can be a great ice breaker for new friends! A tub of beer is a crowd pleaser, but if you really want to wow 'em, mix up fresh tiki cocktails. Try a spicy, fruity Painkiller from "The great Tiki Drink Book" by Jennifer Thompson.

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Painkiller

2 ounces pineapple juice
1 1/4 ounces golden rum
1/2 ounce freshly squeezed orange juice
1/2 ounce coconut syrup
pinch of fresh grated nutmeg for garnish

Fill the glass with ice and add the first 4 ingredients. Cover with a cocktail shaker, shake to blend, and garnish with the nutmeg.

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Esther’s Turkey Burgers On The BBQ

1lb. ground turkey meat
1 small onion chopped fine
2 tbl. tamari
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
3 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
1 egg beaten (optional)

Combine all ingredients together. Shape into patties and grill. Chili sauce and pickles make for tasty condiments.

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Lori’s Grilled Salmon With Mango Chutney

Fresh salmon
Chef Paul Prudhomme's Magic Seasoning Blends - Seafood Magic
2 fresh mangos-peeled and cubed
1 handful of fresh cilantro - minced
Small red onion-chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lime
1 tablespoon honey

Season fish with seafood magic. Combine all remaining ingredients and refrigerate. Grill fish until cooked through and serve mango chutney on top of the fish or on the side. You can use the chutney for other dishes as well.

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Lori’s Corkscrew Pasta with Spinach and Fresh Mozzarella

1 pound or corkscrew pasta cooked al dente
3 cloves crushed garlic
1 package frozen, chopped spinach
Garlic salt (the garlic salt is the key)
4 tablespoons olive oil
12 fresh mozzarella mini balls, halved

Toasted pine nuts. Cook pasta al dente. While pasta is cooking, cook spinach in microwave. Sauté garlic in olive in a large saucepan. When spinach is cooked add it to the garlic and olive oil. Season with garlic salt. Add cooked pasta to mixture of spinach and garlic. While pasta is still warm, add the fresh mozzarella balls. Garnish with toasted pine nuts. You can either serve warm or at room temperature.

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Grilled Peaches

Halve fresh ripe peaches and remove the pit, fill the center of the peaches with blueberries. Wrap them up in individual tinfoil packets, and grill them for about 15 mins, when you will see the blueberry juice bubbling up, they are done. So simple, delicious and healthy, no need to add oil or sugar!

Hello world!

2007-06-19T16:00:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to make my first post on our brand new blog!

look to us for trend reports, great product picks, fashion musings, and more!

here's my first pick. Delicate, embroidered, vintage fabric encased in glass, and mounted in a sterling silver tear drop pendant by California designer Presh. Unusual and bold, this is my kind of necklace!