Dear Hot To Shop,

You're right on time to ask this question. Usually a week before Christmas I list some of my favorite stores to shop. I would love to be one of the lucky people on your holiday list! Here are some of stores of treasures I love.

1. My first selection is a charming store called Mary Mary. It's on the first floor of a building that's over a hundred years old in the Gold Coast area.

From the moment you walk in, the music and charm along with the bright crystal chandeliers greet you with excitement and beauty...eye candy! You're welcomed by friendly associates that don't hover over you, but offer ideas to help you.

Need "princess" gifts? You'll find a tree decorated with colorful red hats, shoes, and handbag ornaments...perfect to keep out all year of adorn the top of gifts. The travel jewelry cases, and picture frames are fabulous, and don't forget to look at the darling little boxes for keepsakes. Is there a chic on your list that likes unusual handbags? A must see are the Empress bags handcrafted by Kvara Yaron, and totes from France.

While you're walking through the store, you'll see three other Christmas trees decorated with sport, glass and crystal, and gold and pink ornaments. Perfect hostess gifts! But, watch where you walk, you'll be too busy looking at the wall art and may bump into the fabulous side tales and lamps.

Have a guy on your list that has everything or an office gift? There are photo and cd boxes, massage pens, and wine bottle totes that comces with a wine opener. I would love the black leather photo box and matching magazine holder!

In the middle of the store, turn left, and you'll enter the wonderland for children! There's a snow covered tree with fanciful decorations that is surrounded by whimsy and lots of edcational fun gifts. I bought my niece her First Tooth and Curl set there. Oh, check out the fun backpacks with animal and sports themes, and don't forget the Ruddolph and Elves cookie sets...the dough turns green!

No time to wrap? Complimentary wrapping is a standard yes here! But keep in mind, if you have tons of treasures to wrap, you may have to come back and pick them up. You can go to Whole Foods across the street and have a cup of coffee, or Bella Luna for lunch!

This treasure is located at 706 N. Dearborn, Chicago. Telephone 312.654.8100 for hours and assistance.


2. My second terrific store is Jonathan Adler. Walk into this store and it's full of color, space, and happiness!

You enter a world of ceramics, textiles, and chic furniture. Surrounding the room are designs and colors that speak to you. Whispering buy me!

Again this is a store that offers pleasant service from the get go.

Looking for stocking stuffers? For my friends thaat love giraffes, I selected one that is ceramic, then coated with platium. When not in use, they stand like statuary. There are lipstick cases, eye glass cases, and coin purses with cool prints to put a smile on anyone's face.

Some of my favorite items are the hand-loomed pillows from Peru. Check out the designs called Butch, Concentric, and Palm Beach.

While you're walking around the store, look at the vases with faces and lips, they are just darling! You'll also find potter with natural and organic designs, porcelain dinnerware and contempoary lighting.

Is Santa shopping for furniture? Check out the Woodhouse Collection. One item on my wish list is the Radcliffe Etagere.

I could go on, but you go and check out the store!

Have a fantastic time. Complimentary gift wrapping is available with a smile. The store is at 676 Wasbash Avenue, Chicago. Telephone 312.274.9220 for hours.


3. My third and last shopping location is more than one store. I love Long Grove Village in Long Grove, Illinois. Originally it was a German village founded in the 1830s. The stores and homes have been preserved and now it's my shopping heaven. It's a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle downtown.

Favorite store? Too many for me to list! You decide. For information call 847.534.0888.

Now, to my readers. Thank you for your continued readership. I wish you all a healthy, happy holiday season. Be kind to yourself and others, don't get stressed out. And if you do chill out! See you in the check out lines!

Happy New Year!

Princess Darby