Dose Market: Chicago's newest concept based on an old European tradition

It's a fact: markets in Chicago are few and far between.

Dose Market is a monthly event that is looking to fill the void by presenting some of the best local merchants in a European marketplace setting.

The Dose Market founders (aptly named the "Dosettes") are April Francis of The Haute Closet, Emily Fiffer of DailyCandy Chicago, Heather Spearling of Tasting Table Chicago and Jessica Herman of Time Out Chicago. Considered as experts in their respective field, they seek out unique clothing, accessories, furniture and food vendors to showcase to consumers in one place, the beautifully charming River East Art Center. How lovely is that?!

The inaugural event was last month and being a fashion blogger, I decided to hit up the clothing and accessories first. Fashion trumps food...always.

My typical favorites, DRAPES, Luxury Garage Sale and Lisa Spagnolo, did not disappoint. They offered up the best in jewelry, accessories, designer goods and vintage wares.  Also, I was finally introduced to vendors such as Twentythirtyforty.net, Sofia Vintage, Cities in Dust and Artfully Disheveled. There was so much good stuff under one roof.  The measly budget that I set that day couldn't even begin to finance all the purchases I wanted to make. Le sigh.

Of course I couldn't pass up the chance to sample some of the food vendors. My sweet tooth led me to Truffle Truffle and BullsEye Baking Co. The cookies at BullsEye Baking Co. looked so amazing, I had to make a purchase. The Hokie Pokie Pinwheel cookies tasted just as good as they looked!

In addition to the fashion and food, I fell in love with the Suitor stationery and notebooks, the Sprout Home floral arrangements and the Gentleman's Boomboxes created by ArtPentry.

Click HERE for all of the photos!

Dose Market plans to switch up the vendors each month to ensure that every installment will showcase fresh faces and new products to try and taste. That means you have to make it a monthly "to-do"!

And don't worry if you can't make them all. The Dose Market website keeps track of every participant (including links to their website) on the Market Info page. There, you can also find the remaining 2011 schedule.

Can't wait for the next one? Don't worry, the July edition is THIS Sunday, July 10th. Grab your wallet and a shopping partner (or two) and head to Dose Market. I know I will.

Dose Market
July 10, 2011
10AM - 4PM
Admission: $10 ($8 online)

River East Art Center
435 E. Illinois