An unusually cold winter, late spring, and a seemingly continuous stream of gloomy economic news have put a damper on spring shopping ... until now. The countdown for the release of the long- awaited movie Sex and the City is on, and Urban Shop Guide, Chicago's luxury shopping tour service, is hosting themed tours in the Bucktown neighborhood to celebrate.

"A renewed license to be daring in fashion has been granted," says Julie Cameron, founder of Urban Shop Guide. "This is not the season for a mass- produced wardrobe, and Chicago's boutiques are featuring the latest looks."

Urban Shop Guide tour guests will hit the city's niche boutiques finding them chock-full of bold colors, graphic prints, and florals. Bright oversized clutches, sky-high gladiator sandals and citrus gemstones burst in the windows. The movie premiere is fueling interest in edgy fashion and the show's signature accessories.

Boutique owner Janice Moskoff of Beta Boutique in Bucktown says, "The influence on our shoppers has been to brighten up their individual wardrobes. Gone are the dull drab colors of winter and in are the brilliant colors of spring and summer. Our most-colorful inventory is flying off the shelves; fortunately we are able to restock with new designers every week." (http://www.betaboutique.com)

Urban Shop Guide is offering a Sex and the City-inspired shopping tour on Thursday and Friday, June 5th and 6th from 5-7pm in Bucktown. In-store stylists will feature their favorite combinations based on the Sex and the City characters. The girls are back -- don't miss this chance to be inspired and welcome them with a fabulous outfit!