Enjoy a Special Breakfast with Santa at Westfield Old Orchard, December 8

Kids visiting Westfield Old Orchard are in for a special treat this year. Maggiano's Little Italy will be hosting Breakfast with Santa, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. December 8. Santa will be jolly and ready to read a special holiday story and visit with the kids. Additional activities will include face painting and a performance by the Niles North High School Choir. Breakfast will be a delicious buffet of pastries, fruits, eggs, sausage and beverages at $14.95 a person. Reservations can be made with Maggiano's at (847) 933-9572.

Throughout the season other Westfield Old Orchard retailers will host similar Breakfast with Santa events. Macy's offers numerous breakfast with Santa events at 9 a.m. on December 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23. The price is $17.95 for adults and $13.95 for children. Macy's reservations are accepted at (877) 556-2297.

Traditional Menorah Lighting Ceremony December 8

To celebrate the start of Hanukkah, Westfield Old Orchard will host a traditional lighting ceremony for patrons of the Jewish faith, 5:45 p.m. December 8. The 8 ft. menorah resembles other larger-than-life Magical Moments attractions displayed in the center's common area. The event will be facilitated by Beth Hillel of the Congregation Bnai Emunah. Enjoy the lively children's choir, hot beverages, sweet treats and a wonderful evening with family and friends.

Westfield Old Orchard is ready for spring with seasonal trends, prom celebrations and Easter family fun

Skokie, IL March 12, 2012 - Tangerine is making a splash as this spring’s statement color and with so many contemporary retailers at Westfield Old Orchard (Skokie Blvd & Old Orchard Center, Skokie, IL 60077, 847-673-6800), finding the best way to incorporate it into your closet should be a breeze.  The pop of color is showing up in wardrobes across the board with everything from hats, shoes and handbags, to shorts, tops and even make-up sporting the sensational hue. “Go bold with a sundress and subtle with jewelry in a tangerine hue to offset any neutral,” says Shannon Ridgewood, Director of Marketing at Westfield Old Orchard. Stop into hip and trendy retailers like Guess, Zara, and Akira to test the waters in tangerine.

Prints can be subtle or turn heads, which makes it fairly easy to dabble in this spring trend.  Florals, animal prints, geometrics, and stripes will be seen in both big and bold and smaller varieties and everything in between.  The key to pulling off the perfect print?  Stick to simple silhouettes and let the print do the talking! Don’t forget to accessorize with bright solid color or neutral accessories.  Eclectic Westfield retailers Anthropologie and Francesca’s Collections offer options for everyone from the fashion cautious to the fashion daring.

The vintage look of peplum is making a modern debut.  A subtle flounce around the waist of a skirt, jacket or top adds an instant touch of femininity and grace.  Ridgeway agrees, “Paired with classic accessories like a subtle string of pearls and ballet flats, you’ll feel classically chic!”  Westfield retailers like Ann Taylor and Banana Republic offer classic and timeless silhouettes without lacking in this new and fun spring trend. 

 Spring accessories are packing a punch with wedges, platforms and chunky heels, adorned handbags, and statement jewelry staying strong.  The best thing about accessories:  there is a way to work any piece into your daily wardrobe rotation!  Accessories on any budget are available at Westfield with luxury jewelry retailer Tiffany & Co. for the lavish accessorizer or specialty stores like Aldo, Sunglass Hut and Claire’s for the more frugal shopper.

With spring comes softer color palettes and pastels are showing up all over.  These softer tints are fun, feminine and simple to pair with neutral colors.  Play up your black skinny jeans by adding a touch of femininity with a soft pink silk camisole.  A flirty look that can take you from day to evening! “Adding a few pastel basics into a wardrobe for spring is a must and Westfield Old Orchard retailers like United Colors of Benetton and J.Crew offer great selections!” says Ridgeway.  Come and see all the great spring trend options are available at Westfield.

Westfield Old Orchard parties for a good cause

Prom is the time to party at Westfield Old Orchard!  This year, for the first time, Westfield is working with The Glass Slipper Project in collecting new and lightly used prom dresses, accessories and beauty products to provide to area teens in need.  Bring your donations to the Westfield Old Orchard Concierge Center located in the service collection next to Helzberg Diamonds. Donations Days run March 19-24.  

March 24 also kicks off a series of prom-themed events starting with the “Pre-prom party” held in the Westfield Old Orchard Serpent Play area. Shoppers will have the chance to party it up before prom night with fun, music and activities.  Creating the perfect “prom night” ambience, a local DJ will be spinning the latest dance tunes all afternoon and refreshments supplied by participating Westfield retailers will be available to enjoy.  Also adding to the fun, a “candy bar” of sweet treats and an interactive step and repeat with amusing and engaging props that will have shoppers striking their best prom pose. 

Annual family Easter Egg Hunt

Westfield Old Orchard is providing Easter fun for North Shore and surrounding area families. April 7 marks its annual Easter Egg Hunt!  Starting at 10:30 am families can bring their kids ages 2-5 to register for the Easter themed event.  Kids will covet the Golden Eggs filled with prizes from Westfield retailers and scurry around the Serpent Play area looking for their next prize.  Participating kids will enjoy a day of face painting and take home a piece of balloon art.  New York Life will be partnering with Westfield by providing complimentary Child ID’s (name, picture and finger print) for parents to take home.  Registration is complimentary and open to the first 150 families who arrive. The Easter Egg Hunt will commence 11:30 am in the Westfield Old Orchard’s Serpent Play area with fun activities to follow. 

About Westfield Old Orchard
Westfield Old Orchard is conveniently located in Skokie, Illinois at the intersection of Skokie Boulevard and Old Orchard Road.  The center is home to Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom Lord & Taylor and Macy’s, along with 140 specialty shops, restaurants and cinemas.  The center abounds with fantastic choices including Anthropologie, Crate & Barrel, L.L. Bean, Tiffany & Co., William Sonoma and Zara to name a few.  Dining options include California Pizza Kitchen, The Cheesecake Factory, Maggiano’s Little Italy, McCormick & Schmick’s, Wilde & Greene, as well as fast casual options including Johnny Rocket’s, The Corner Bakery, Potbelly Sandwich Works and more.   For more information call 847.673.6800 or visit http://www.westfield.com/oldorchard

Big prom plans for Westfield and The Glass Slipper Project

The first thing that comes to a girl’s mind when she thinks of her prom is the age old question: “What am I going to wear?”   So with prom season fast approaching, Westfield and The Glass Slipper Project will make the answer to that question much easier for local teens in need.   Starting March 19-24, Westfield Old Orchard (Skokie Blvd & Old Orchard Rd. Skokie, IL 60077) and Westfield Hawthorn (122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills, IL)   will be working with The Glass Slipper Project to collect new and lightly used prom attire and accessories. 

They are putting out a call to action to the community to collectively donate over 1700 dresses to provide area teens with a full prom ensemble for the special night.  This is the first year both Westfield locations will be participating in the Donation Days, which leads up to the annual Boutique Days events held Saturday April 14, 21, and 28.   There, participated girls will enjoy shopping for their dresses, accessories, and beauty products from the assortment of donated merchandise. 

If you have merchandise that you’d like to donate, Westfield Old Orchard shoppers can drop off donations at the Concierge Center located in the service collection next to Helzberg Diamonds. Westfield Hawthorn shoppers can drop off donations at the Concierge Center, located on the upper level near Carson Pirie Scott.  Each shopper who donates merchandise will receive one $10 Westfield Gift Card and a variety of special retailer offers.

Additionally, Westfield is getting into the prom spirit by hosting several free prom-themed events at the Old Orchard and Hawthorn locations.  March 24 marks the Pre-Prom Party Celebration where shoppers can enjoy music provided by a local DJ, prizes, and the crowning of a local area “prom king and queen”.  Those that attend will also have the chance to win a spa “prom package” from Mario Tricoci salon and a $300 Westfield Gift Card.  Shoppers can also stop in to Westfield Old Orchard Lord & Taylor March 24 to enjoy a free fashion show highlighting current trends in prom fashion, and Bloomingdale’s April 14 for a prom shopping event offering music, make-up touch ups, and special gifts with purchase courtesy of BCBG!

Luxury Specialty Store Henri Bendel, and many others, opening at Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center

Who says the Magnificent Mile gets to have all the fun? With a highly successful Henri Bendel re-opening in downtown Chicago after a 13 year absence in the Windy City, this famed luxury retailer will be opening a second location at Westfield Old Orchard in Skokie this May. The new store will occupy 2,352 square feet near Lord & Taylor.

Known for its lavish and trendy fashion accessories, handbags and cosmetics, Bendel’s is a highly anticipated treat for all of Chicagoland’s fashion savvy!

The iconic brown and white stripes of the self-proclaimed “girls’ playground” will be seen just in time for spring.  The opening of the Henri Bendel store is just one of many steps the shopping center has taken to create a more upscale and interactive shopping experience for customers.  “Henri Bendel is a perfect match for our center,” Westfield Old Orchard General Manager, Tim Geiges exclaimed. “We draw from a very diverse crowd and Bendel’s is well suited to our sophisticated North Shore and Chicago shoppers.” Henri Bendel is in good company at Westfield Old Orchard, joining other key retailers like Nordstrom, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Tiffany & Co.

This opening is a key component of the resurgence of the Henri Bendel brand, as it expands into shopping centers throughout the country. In addition to its flagship Fifth Avenue location in New York, it currently operates 19 stores in the U.S. and plans to have 9 more operating by the end of 2012.

New Store Openings

Henri Bendel won’t be the only business triggering change at the shopping center— new store openings are also causing a buzz. The first and only location in the Chicago area, Madewell opened its 3,300 square foot boutique located near Macy's, between Swarovski and Godiva in Fall 2011. Madewell has a tradition of old-school quality that goes into everything they do. Specializing in timeless jeans and accessories, this women’s jean emporium has an edgy take on casual with a few vintage details and a modern twist.  

Also making a recent debut, Timberland opened for the first time at Westfield Old Orchard in Fall 2011. The Timberland lineup features tough, rugged footwear and apparel made with the environment in mind. All traditional styles as well as the new Earthkeepers boot collection are available.  The Earthkeepers collection uses bionic canvas yarn made up of 50% organic cotton and recycled materials including 38% plastic from recycled bottles.  The 2,299 square foot space located near Lord & Taylor has been a mecca to those adventurous shoppers who feel at home in the great outdoors.

Epic Burger has opened its first location outside of Chicago city limits at Westfield Old Orchard. Opening in Fall 2011, the 1,498 square foot restaurant, is located next to Crate & Barrel, across from L. L. Bean and provides Westfield shoppers with delicious cooked-to-order burgers made of 100 percent fresh chuck, all natural beef  – no hormones, no antibiotics, and fed a strict vegetarian diet.  Additional offerings include tasty turkey burgers, all natural chicken breast sandwiches, BLTs and a very veggie portabella sandwich.  Complete your sandwich with high-quality toppings such as all natural Wisconsin cheese, cage-free organic fried eggs and nitrate-free bacon. Fresh cut fries, hand crafted malts and shakes round out this tasty new option at Westfield Old Orchard. 

New Locations
Since 2004, Soma Intimates has created pieces to make women feel beautiful and comfortable in their own skin.  Westfield Old Orchard’s location has moved from its current space near Lord & Taylor, to its new 1,642 square foot space near Crate & Barrel. 

Known across the board or their smart and sophisticated men’s suiting, Brooks Brothers will be moving from its current location near Nordstrom, and re-opening a 7,704 square foot flagship store next to Barnes & Noble this April. 

Specialty women’s retailer Coldwater Creek will be re-opening in April 2012, after moving to its new 5,075 square foot space easily located right next door to its existing location.  No need to roam far to stay fashionable!

About Westfield Old Orchard
Westfield Old Orchard is conveniently located in Skokie, Illinois at the intersection of Skokie Boulevard and Old Orchard Road.  The center is home to Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom Lord & Taylor and Macy’s, along with 140 specialty shops, restaurants and cinemas.  The center abounds with fantastic choices including Anthropologie, Crate & Barrel, L.L. Bean, Tiffany & Co., William Sonoma and Zara to name a few.  Dining options include California Pizza Kitchen, The Cheesecake Factory, Maggiano’s Little Italy, McCormick & Schmick’s, Wilde & Greene, as well as fast casual options including Johnny Rocket’s, The Corner Bakery, Potbelly Sandwich Works and more.   For more information call 847.673.6800 or visit http://www.westfield.com/oldorchard

About Henri Bendel
Henri Bendel was purchased by Limited Brands in 1985, and chose to sell fashion accessories, cosmetics and gift items exclusively after the 2009 decision to stop carrying apparel.  Its flagship New York store was established in 1895 and is currently located at 712 Fifth Avenue. It was the first retailer to bring the designs of Coco Chanel over to the United States from Paris and still continues to maintain this tradition of introducing influential socialites to what's new and next in fashion.

Westfield Old Orchard takes to Facebook and the Twitterverse to deliver Valentine’s Day “Love Notes” and more!

Starting today Westfield Old Orchard will send customers electronic messages of love via Twitter. Through its “Love Notes” promotion, customers can write special messages to their sweeties and Old Orchard will display them electronically on an LED screen located near Nordstrom above Rogers & Hollands.  Senders can tweet their messages to Old Orchard using the twitter handle: @OldOrchard and the hashtag #LOVENOTES.  Messages should display at Westfield within an hour of tweeting, so make sure to be near to view any special love note coming your way!

Twitter isn’t the only social media outlet taking Valentine’s Day by storm.  Customer’s pictures with Westfield Old Orchard’s “Larger than Life Ice Sculpture Displays” are gracing the shopping center’s Facebook page.  Customers had a blast interacting with the Valentine’s Day inspired ice displays located throughout the center and taking heart-warming pictures.  Photos are posted on Westfield’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/westfieldoldorchard.  Check them out now and “Like” your favorites!  The person who submits the picture with the most likes will receive a $100 Westfield Gift Card.  What a great Valentine’s Day treat!

Jennifer Husdon to appear at Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center

Superstar songstress and academy award winning actress, Jennifer Hudson is making her way back to her home city!  With her new book fresh off the press, the Chicago-native will be making a stop at Barnes & Noble at the Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center (55 Old Orchard Center, Skokie, IL 60077, 847-676-2230) for a book signing 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 17.

Her book, entitled, “I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down," highlights her struggles with weight loss; and how she in the process of learning to live a healthy lifestyle.  We first fell in love with Jennifer during her stint as a contestant on American Idol back in 2004 and watched as she catapulted to superstardom in both music and acting.  In addition to her lucrative career, she is now a spokes model for Weight Watchers and has reportedly lost 80 pounds!

Come be the first to get your own copy of her new book signed at Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center.  Free numbered tickets will be given out beginning at 4pm to customers with a copy of Hudson’s new book and proof of purchase from B&N or bn.com.

Customers also will be allowed to have up to 2 CDs signed; these items must be purchased at B&N Old Orchard on the day of the event. No other memorabilia will be signed.

Only the first 300 people will be guaranteed a signed book. Ms. Hudson will sign more than 300 only if time allows.

Don’t forget to visit California Pizza Kitchen to contribute to A Silver Lining Foundation

The time has almost come to support a good cause! During regular business hours on June 21 visit participating California Pizza Kitchens and 20 percent of the check will be donated to A Silver Lining Foundation (ASLF), a non-profit organization which ensures access to cancer resource information, treatment options, and no cost mammograms to underserved people affected by cancer.

The four participating California Pizza Kitchens include:

• East Ohio Street (2 East Ohio St., Chicago; 312-787-6075; Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday).
• Westfield Old Orchard (4999 Old Orchard Center, Skokie; 847-673-1144; Hours: 11 a. m. – 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday).
• North Avenue Collection (939 W. North Ave., Chicago; 312-337-1281; Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday).
• Warrenville (28258 Diehl Rd., Warrenville; 630-393-0852; Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday).

Print and present this flyer to California Pizza Kitchen and 20 percent of the check will be donated to ASLF.

About A Silver Lining Foundation
ASLF has provided more than 2,500 women with information about and access to no cost screening mammograms. The foundation strives to provide opportunities for medically underserved people affected by cancer. ASLF’s administrative offices are located at 134 N. LaSalle, Ste. 1218, Chicago, 60602. The organization runs three cancer related programs: Buy A Mom A Mammogram, the Chicagoland Cancer Information Coalition (CCIC) and The Evelyn Goldberg Center at the University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago. For more information on A Silver Lining Foundation, please call (312) 345-1322 or visit www.asilverliningfoundation.org.

About California Pizza Kitchen
California Pizza Kitchen is a leader in authentic California-style cuisine with a recognized consumer brand and an established, loyal customer base. There are currently more than 250 California Pizza Kitchens in 32 states and nine foreign countries. For more information, visit www.cpk.com.

Photo: Getty Images