Your Haute Gift Guide

Stuck finding the perfect gift for that hautie that has everything? If you’ve been procrastinating, let us do some of the hard work and heavy lifting for you. Here are some uniquely you suggestions that will make a lasting impression on your loved ones. Spread the cheer, but first you gotta figure out who has been naughty and who has been nice.

For the Intellect: A Tale of Two Cities Chess Set

Handcrafted in Maple and Zebra woods, the $2100 set features Chicago’s and your choice of either New York or San Fransciso’s architectural icons as interpreted by artist Steve Vigar. Each city is fronted by a line of “pawns” representing the distinct residential architecture unique to each town and include Chicago’s Hancock Center, Board of Trade, and Marshall Field building.

Available exclusively at Sawbridge Studios, 153 W. Ohio St. and 1015 Tower Rd., Winnetka, Illinois 847-441-2441, www.sawbridge.com

For the Entertainer: Cocktail Tree from SUSHISAMBA

Available exclusively at www.sushisamba.com, these unique metal pieces are an eye-catching centerpiece that hold 12 mini cocktails. Designed by Avi Kendi from Metal Dimension in collaboration with SUSHISAMBA, the trees are handmade from forged steel and completed with blackened patina and a custom satin lacquer finish. The handmade trees are sure to be a hit at holiday gatherings, and also make a fantastic present for birthdays, dinner parties and more. Each cocktail tree is priced at $250 and comes with a set of 12 glasses.

For the Sports Fanatic: Vintage Balls from Haberdash

Leather Head Sports is a small company hand constructing vintage inspired footballs and baseballs. Founded by former MLB Photo Editor and Sr. Baseball Glove Craftsman, Paul Cunningham, the venture took his passion for sports and hand craftsmanship to the next level.  Initially he introduced the Lemon Ball, a baseball based on the original early 19th century version, known as the Lemon Peel ball.  He then released a series of hand-made old fashioned footballs starting with a base model called the Dapper Dan. He sources his leather from perennial American favorite, Horween and finishes each piece by hand.  His attention to detail is remarkable, creating unique cabinet worthy display pieces with each design.

Available at Haberdash, 1350 N. Wells St. 312.440.1300. http://haberdashmen.com/

For the Saucy: Romantika Lingerie

Romantika Boutique is a high-end lingerie store founded in 2008 by two former models: Kate Gordin from Russia and Sasha Tsupina from Ukraine. Their shop was named one of the ten best in the country by a lingerie publication and carries extremely upscale European and American
brands. What’s sexier than a corset?

710 N. Milwaukee. Wheeling, IL 60090. 847.520.7277. https://www.romantika-lingerie.com/