Check out our gift set that makes a great little eco-Valentine. Each item is made with care and meant to be used and loved lots and lots! (You can buy the items individually at Pivot too.)

• Danny Volk bag made with reclaimed fabrics*
• 8 oz. soy candle*
• Love Bottle reusable glass water bottle
• Art School Girl “you are so sweet” card*
• Abbey Brown shea balm with fair trade, organic butter* (shea butter, beeswax, coconut mango butter, macadamia nut, almond, jojoba, ylang ylang, bergamot & vitamin e)

*denotes item made in Chicagoland

Right now the set does not include the Ashley Watson cardholder that is in the picture.

Set price: $58 (a $77 value)

Who I think it might be just lovely for:

• A friend who has been trying to live a more eco-smart life, or buy local
• Your mom…just cause she’s so sweet
• Your child’s daycare provider (go in with a group of parents!)
• Your wife who deserves something extra thoughtful
• Your sister who wants to kick her bottled water habit (the love bottle is just so cute!)
• Someone who really loves Pivot
• Your girlfriend who thinks flowers & teddy bears are lame

John Patrick Organic cashmere cardigan, Toggery organic cotton gray tank, Toggery white bamboo pashmina, Battalion bamboo legging jeans, Kate organic cotton trench coat

Via goop.com

I’ve always admired Gwyneth Paltrow’s easy, classic and chic style. So when I was browsing around on her lifestyle website GOOP I was pleased to find her newsletter on ‘uniform’ dressing. (Yes, it’s from October, so I’m sorry if you’ve already read it.) In her intro Gwyneth advises to find some fuss-free basics that work on your body and then transition them from outfit to outfit as your lifestyle requires. So I’ve snapped some items you can find at Pivot right now that match up with her recommendations.

Legging jeans – on sale, $89

Trench coat – on sale, $109

Cardigan – $262

Tank – $38

Pashmina – $44

Sales are everywhere right now, right? But we’re confident that at Pivot we have items that are both deals right now AND are pieces that you’ll love forever. It’s about being a smart sale shopper! So we decided to ask Heather Kenny, a trusted, local source, for some extra sale shopping tips to help you out.

Here’s what she had to say:

1. Have a list of pieces you are looking for—such as a basic black pencil skirt or a good pair of dark-wash jeans. Then scan the racks and see if anything fills the bill.This will help you avoid getting sidetracked by items that won’t work for your look.

Pivot Finds: Sublet black pencil skirt, on sale at $99
Skin & Threads basic black wrap cardigan, on sale at $79

2. Think about how winter clothing can be transitioned into spring. Heavier pieces can be paired with lighter pieces as the weather warms. For example, this black blazer could be worn with a light dress underneath, or it could be paired with a T-shirt, long shorts, and fierce shoes for a super chic spring look. (Conversely, light sleeveless tops can be worn under cardigans and jackets in winter.) Plus, we Chicagoans have to wait longer for spring to arrive anyway—so you’ll get lots of use from winter pieces even if you buy now.
Pivot Finds: Kate black organic cotton blazer, on sale at $109

3. If there are specific designers you like, sales are a good time to add to your collection at a discount. At Pivot I am a big fan of two local clothing designers: Lara Miller for her cutting-edge silhouettes, and Frei Designs for Anne Novotny’s eye-catching details.
Pivot Finds: Lara Miller Eileen top, on sale at $49

4. Be prepared when heading out to shop. Wear loose clothing that’s easy to take on and off. Tuck some water and a healthy snack (such as a granola bar, nuts, or fruit) in your bag to keep your energy and blood sugar up. It’s also good to have a budget in mind, which will help you winnow down your finds to those items you really want.
Pivot Finds: We have yummy organic lollipops to jumpstart you!

Heather Kenny is a personal stylist and “wardrobe therapist” who helps Chicago-area women transform their looks and the contents of their closets via one-on-one consultations and shopping help. She is also a contributor to the Chicago Reader, WHERE, Chicago magazine, and Chicago Public Radio. Check out her website and blog at www.heatherkenny.com.