Now Playing in Chicago: One of a Kind Show and Sale

Shopping and the holiday season typically go hand in hand.  The One of a Kind Show and Sale® Chicago kicks off the holiday shopping season this year at The Merchandise Mart. 

When you arrive at The Merchandise Mart and arrive on the 8th floor it is easy to see that your night will be filled with fabulous gift ideas and many one of a kind creations.  The space is enormous and upon first impression an almost overwhelming feeling crept up as I saw just how much merchandise was out there.

I was so impressed and excited to see that there was nothing left out of the planning of this extraordinary event.  I headed over to the information desk in the main entrance and decided to ask a few questions.  First thing offered to me was a coat check, and since the weather here forces me to bundle up, it was a welcomed idea.  Now that my hands were free from carrying my layers around, I set out to explore the nearly 60,000 square feet of unique art and hand crafted gifts.


My shopping excursion led me to an area that was set-aside as “The Fashion District”.  This area was packed with clothing, jewelry, and accessories.  I seemed to arrive shortly after the ending of a fashion show that had just taken place and found myself chatting away with two women, Mary Stuart and Elizabeth Jenkins, from the Northwest Suburbs. Stuart and Jenkins took it upon themselves to describe nearly every single outfit that I had missed strutting down the runway.  Apparently there were some adorable black pants that would flatter nearly any figure and especially with the stiletto heels that the model was wearing.  “How did she walk so well in those shoes”, Stuart questioned with sincere awe. 

I was impressed to see after wandering around the various vendors’ areas in “The Fashion District” that Stuart and Jenkins were quite right.  There was a lot of very cute and fashionable clothing, but, I must sadly admit that the clothing was a bit out of my budget and I was there to shop for others, not myself. 

I was pleased to find out that there were also four gourmet cafés, each with a full-service bar.  I wandered through the first one that I came across and ordered a glass of pinot grigio and a portabella sandwich on focaccia bread.  I found a great spot to sit and enjoy my meal while still having ample people watching, which is my favorite entertainment.

After finishing, I set out to wander amongst the jewelry.  It was nice to see that the artists that created each of the pieces were right there to explain the techniques and answer any questions.  There were many that were working with various patina techniques and I used this opportunity to ask them some questions about their processes. 

Then I saw it.  Hidden amongst some very lovely silver rings, was a gorgeous one with a wide silver band, and a copper dome bezzled into the top of it.  The copper was done in a remarkable etching, swirled with patina of green and blue coloring.  I spoke with the artist for a bit.  I was amazed to hear more of her background. It seems that she has been working in the corporate world for quite some time and always making jewelry on the side.  I fell in love with the piece and knew that it would be just perfect for my friend that is always so difficult to find gifts for.

I spent the rest of my evening wandering, browsing, and mingling with the thousands of other shoppers that filled the space.  There was pottery, paintings, jewelry, glassworks, photography, wearable art, and even furniture.  Everyone that I talked with seemed to be having a very good time and many were carrying around multiple shopping bags.

The One of a Kind Show and Sale® Chicago will continue at The Merchandise Mart all weekend.  The doors will be open to shoppers galore on Friday, December 8, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, December 9, 10 a.m. –8 p.m; and Sunday, December 10, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.  General admission to the show and sale is $10 for adults; $7 for seniors and students with a valid student ID.  Children under 12 years of age can get in for free, so bring them along.  There is also a child care center if they need a break from your day of fabulous shopping frenzies.