Next week, Mario Tricoci Day Spa will roll out a brand-new treatment that represents its first foray into the medispa realm. Using ultrasound technology, the DermaSound Facial ($185) helps penetrate GlyMed skincare products 10,000 times deeper into the skin than a typical facial would, yet remains completely non-abrasive even for those with super-sensitive skin. 

The treatment is actually relaxing, the quiet buzz of the advanced technology at work more soothing than bothersome. Three phases make up the 75-minute facial: cavitation, which cleans and exfoliates; sonophoresis, which uses ultrasound to push products into the skin; and microcurrent, during which muscles in the face and neck are stimulated for a more taut, youthful appearance.

When it becomes available May 1, the treatment will be offered two ways. DermaSound Firming and Lifting is ideal for getting rid of fine lines and wrinkles, while the DermaSound Pigmentation targets discoloration and sun-damaged areas. Once-per-week treatments for the first six weeks bring about the most optimal, long-term results, but the service is also the perfect pick-me-up for rejuvenating tired skin. Mario Tricoci, 900 N. Michigan Ave., 847-202-1900

The Baseball Collection billfolds ($348 each), Coach. 900 N. Michigan Shops, 312-440-1777

Using the same rich and durable leather as the baseball gloves worn by Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio, Coach unveils a limited-edition collection of billfolds. After the Coach design team scoured eBay for worn baseball gloves, the ones obtained were deconstructed and transformed into men’s wallets. While no two are alike, each wallet is made of buttery, worn-in leather with original stitching details.

A runway look from Vera Wang’s Fall 2012 collection.

With the paint barely dry in her 5,000-square-foot flagship boutique, Vera Wang brings her sophisticated sensibility to Chicago brides-to-be. Located at the corner of Rush and Oak Streets, the space features dark walls, flooring, and furnishings, which imbues the minimalist interior with an art gallery-like feel. On display are gowns from her latest collection, as well as accessories and shoes from her Lavender line.

“Vera has always loved Chicago,” says Vera Wang Group president Mario Grauso. “We’ve always had an assortment of [bridal] dresses available at various stores. She just was looking for the right space, so when we saw this, we were so excited to be on this corner. To have Hermès and Barneys and Prada [nearby] just seemed perfect.” In fact, Wang was so pleased with the finished look of her Gold Coast location, she’s using it as a template for her bridal boutiques nationwide. 945 Rush St., 312-379-5355

Colorful pieces from Everything But Water.

No matter what you have planned for your summer vacation—a tropical getaway or just a quick jaunt to Oak Street beach—there's no reason not to do it in style.

On April 6, Everything But Water will open its doors at Oakbrook Center, bringing brands like Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, and Vitamin A all under one roof.

"[This] is a beautiful shopping destination and the perfect Chicago location at which to unveil our luxurious new store design," says Sheila Arnold, president and CEO. It's one store that's sure to make a splash. Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, 708-441-6345.

Elvis may have made blue suede shoes popular in song back in the day, but the sky-colored kicks are dancing their way into our hearts again this season. Styles abound for both men and women, and we especially like the Vincenti Chukka Boot, Cole Haan ($398) for its simple yet sophisticated structure. Nordstrom, 55 E. Grand Ave., 312-464-1515

Throughout the month of March, Giorgio Armani Beauty is aligning its classic aquatic fragrances, Acqua di Giò and Acqua di Gioia, with UNICEF’s Tap Project to provide clean drinking water for children worldwide. For each bottle of Giò or Gioa purchased, Armani will donate one dollar to the cause. With just one dollar, the project can provide 40 days of safe drinking water for a child. Nordstrom, 55 E. Grand Ave.

Louis Vuitton welcomes an esteemed new men’s style director this spring and with him, a revamped collection of leather goods. Kim Jones, who was recently named Menswear Designer of 2011 by the British Fashion Awards, takes advantage of Vuitton’s rich archives to create a just-launched collection of travel gear and everyday goods with Nomade leather—a new buttery-soft skin in shades of olive green, burgundy, and tobacco. Though the collection offers everything from weekenders and briefcases to binocular cases, the highlight remains the Cabas tote, with a rediscovered Louis Vuitton logo (pictured). The Deco-inspired logo was unearthed on an early- 1920s trunk while Jones was scavenging the hundred-year-old Vuitton archives. The label made an extremely exclusive run of the tote; only six will be sold in the United States—one of which will be in Chicago. A carryall to live out of, the Cabas tote goes from morning gym sessions to client lunches at RL.

Nomade leather Cabas tote with V logo in Tobacco ($4,550) and binocular case ($3,900), Louis Vuitton. 919 N. Michigan Ave., 312-944-2010

PHOTOGRAPH BYBRIAN KLUTCH (LOUIS VUITTON)

	Hugo Guinness

Linoleum may seem like an archaic word, evoking images of ’70s-style kitchens, but the flooring material is experiencing a comeback in the form of fine art. Artist Hugo Guinness uses lino-cutting in his recent collaboration with Coach on a collection of men’s leather goods dripping with whimsical images. Guinness is a printmaker, cutting linoleum into his designs and then pressing them onto fabric. For Coach, he created prints in the forms of a boxer, handcuffs, a coffee cup, and aviator shades, among other elements found in urban life, and transferred them onto classic pieces that are sure to become everyday staples. Key case with Hugo Guinness design, Coach ($118). 900 North Michigan Shops, 312-440-1777.

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Michael Kors, Spring 2012

 

Donna Karan, Spring 2012

 

Burberry, Spring 2012

 

Louis Vuitton, Spring 2012

 

J. Crew, Spring 2012

 

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1. Gladiator sandals: These take the old gladiator sandal craze to new heights, literally; the boot version exudes toughness and power.

2. Tribal looks: Get back to your roots with tribal motifs and wild patterns. The look’s complimentary jewelry is a great alternative to more serious precious gems.

3. Abstract prints: Be expressive without the trappings of patterns such as polka dots, plaids, and stripes.

4. Ladylike silhouettes: Springtime’s light fabrics, pretty heels and feminine silhouettes are a welcome change from the über-sexiness monopolizing the last few seasons.

5. Floral patterns: Although florals aren’t uncommon for spring, this time around they are big and color-saturated--even bolder when worn head to toe.

From left: 18k white-gold, pink-sapphire, and diamond Dragonfly clip ($16,800); 18k white-gold, blue-sapphire, tsavorite, garnet, and diamond Broderie ring ($31,500); and 18k white-gold, diamond, and sapphire Fil de l’Eau pendant ($108,000), Van Cleef & Arpels 933 N. Michigan Ave., 312-944-8988.

With collections like Midsummer Night’s Dream, Les Jardins, Rose de Noël and Cosmos, and L’Atlantide, it’s clear Van Cleef & Arpels draws a wealth of inspiration from nature. And whether the famed jeweler is taking us on a journey under the sea or into the woods, sparklers such as this pink-sapphire and diamond dragonfly brooch, blue-sapphire and diamond Broderie ring, and sapphire Fil de L’Eau pendant are sure to imbue the wearer with the notion that spring is in the air.

Indeed, as the warmer weather ushers in a new season, so Van Cleef & Arpels begins a new chapter in its Chicago history. No stranger to our city, the jewelry house’s recent relocation to 933 North Michigan Avenue brings its “understated luxury” aesthetic to a new 1,600-square-foot boutique within the landmark Drake hotel. “We believe that a shift has recently occurred in the Chicago landscape, and this area closer to Oak Street is the new heart of luxury on Michigan Avenue,” explains Nicolas Luchsinger, vice president of Van Cleef & Arpels. “As we are over a century-old maison, we are thrilled to be in The Drake hotel, which shares a similar long-standing history as a hallmark institution here in Chicago.”

Photography by David Hamsley