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 Boutiqueville Guide to the retail wonderland 2005
Chicago fashion is booming. We have a slew of nationally acclaimed local
designers, our very own fashion week and a bevy of news-making
boutiques. In this, our third annual Boutiqueville special issue, we
take a peek at some of our favorite local shops. Each is privately run
by a passionate owner eager to leave his or her mark on the city,
whether it's a classic like 70-year-old Davis for Men, a haute couture
temple like Ikram or a buzz-generating newbie like envelope-pushing G
Boutique. You'll find places to drop a week's paycheck on a pair of
sky-high stilettos as well as places to accessorize for a night on the
town with pocket change. There are snobby shops and rocker shops. Proper
lingerie outposts and a self-titled "freak boutique." There's a
little
bit of everything here because there's a little bit of everything in
Chicago. Grab a friend, loosen the purse strings and enjoy!
--Valerie Nahmad, Style Editor Boutiqueville was written by Andrea Fjeld, Jessica Herman and Joanna
Topor ANDERSONVILLE
His Stuff
In trendy little Andersonville sits a trendy little boutique. His
Stuff, co-owned by Ralph Fasano and Jeff Worth, is a men's clothing
store that caters to shoppers with style. Stocked with unique items
because "you don't want people walking around in your stuff," His
Stuff
pulls from the likes of Mavi Jeans, Hugo Boss and Modern Amusement.
Deep
hardwood floors lead you through the store while popular oldies play in
the background. The shop is clean, organized and comfortable.
"Men
don't
like to shop," says Fasano, "so we try to make it simple." BUCKTOWN/UKRAINIAN VILLAGE/WICKER PARK
Akira Bucktown
Akira Men
Akira Shoes
Akira has only four stores in Chicago, but these women's, men's and
shoe shops owned by Erikka Wang, Eric Hseuh and Jon Coutay have
national
chain written all over them. Akira is like a ritzy H&M with pop music,
cheap jewelry ($12), inexpensive jackets ($56) and trendy Urban
Outfitters-style T-shirts with slogans like "Everyone loves a North
Side/South Side/Illinois girl." Photos from fashion shows at
Sound-Bar,
Wet and Crobar line the walls and inspire shoppers. Jeans begin at $60
and run as high as $200.
Apartment Number 9
It's easy to miss this Damen Avenue men's clothing store. The
Bucktown boutique is cool, quiet and at times sparsely occupied. Yet it
seems to have something for just about everyone--preps,
metrosexuals
and
conservatives alike. Inventory draws from the likes of Paul Smith and
Jack Spade and includes an ample representation of khaki, navy, cream
and flannel. On the dressier side, the shop offers ties, collared
shirts
and dress pants. Prices are steep, but Moschino is never inexpensive.
City Soles
Located in the heart of Wicker Park's flatiron district, City Soles
is the place for neighborhood shoe shopping. The North Avenue
shop carries an eclectic variety of high-end men's and women's
footwear
lines, including Fornarina, Repetto, Jubaki and Tsubo. Prices are
typical of today's designer shoes--strappy gold stilettos ring up at
$160 while trendy flats are a more affordable $75. Adventurous shoppers
can accessorize with $14 pink-rimmed aviator glasses or splurge
on
locally made jewelry.
Eurotrash
This nine-month-old Division Street "mom and pop" shop co-owned by
young couple Chris McNair and Leanne Scanlon stocks a rare breed of
men's and women's part-Western, part-punk-rock getups. The mélange of
lines rarely spotted in the Midwest includes Spy, BB London,
Square
One,
Kowboys and Grail. Denim is by Colins, Sacred Blue and BFL and
generally
rings up at under $100. Women's options range from tattered-looking
hoodies with skull designs and Misfits patches along with sequined,
paint-splattered camisoles. Boys may choose between vintage-inspired
soccer jerseys, tie-dyed pinstriped dress shirts and polo shirts with
Warhol-style prints. Personal touches include handpicked vintage
jewelry
and a line of shirts entitled Swack featuring prints of pin-up girls.
G Boutique
Cheryl Sloane and Kari Kupcinet-Kriser opened G Boutique three years
ago to create a place where women could feel comfortable buying
everything they needed for romance--be it sexy lingerie or a vibrator.
G
Boutique is like a sex shop in a vintage store. Racy, lacy lingerie
spices up pink walls, creaky wooden floors and shabby-chic tables. A
cabinet full of sex toys contains an enormously large selection of
dildos, anal toys and vibrators. For the more modest, G Boutique offers
soft nightgowns and conservative undergarments your mother
would
wear.
Bras range from $20 to over $100.
hejfina
hejfina owner Heiji Choy fashions her art gallery of a clothing
boutique after a mid-century Modern aesthetic. Woodworks from local
furniture makers and a library of art, design and architecture books
occupy the front of the room. Arranged by designer, the sleek women's
clothing selection includes Habitual denim and streamlined Vena Cava
blouses as well as tops, bottoms and dresses from A.P.C., Vanessa Bruno
and Mary Ping. Menswear includes Duffer of St. George jackets
and
slim-fitting slacks, Lacoste polo shirts, Rag & Bone jeans,
Clamdiggin's screen-printed tees and Comme des Garcons' patchwork
denim
blazers.
Helen Yi
Helen Yi is smooth sophistication with a dash of fun. Where else
would eighties pop music be deemed appropriate background noise for a
$1,800 fur and leather coat? Chloe, Theory and Pink Tartan shirts and
slacks hang crisply, almost haughtily, from smooth hangers, while flowy
dresses dangle in the back. Prices are steep, but sales are
generous,
with a $1,140 seersucker jacket marked down to $570. Salesgirls are
bubbly, eager to help and refreshingly honest. "Your breasts seem to
be
spilling out of that, why don't your try these" one says as she pulls
out a fresh stack of dresses. "See? It's not just you guys
who
have
fun
back here! We love this as much as the customers!"
Jade
This new addition to Milwaukee Avenue features classy women's
clothing and makes a name for itself by carrying lines like Iisli, Olga
Kapustina, Madeleine Press and M Missoni ready-to-wear.
There's
plenty
of work-appropriate and casual wear meticulously arranged by color,
including jeans by Hudson, Live and Tag+ in addition to a sizeable
selection of sophisticated, sexy cocktail attire. Accessorizing at Jade
will cost you: slouchy studded leather shoulder bags with
tassels
by
Bulga average $475, hip-hugging leather belts land in the $150-$300
range and delicate semiprecious jewelry pieces by
Marie
Chavez,
Julie
Sandlau and Bonnie Basham cost $80-$350.
Jolie Joli
Seven years ago, Gina Kulbieda quit her job at a chemical company and
opened Jolie Joli on Southport Avenue. "It's changed a lot since
then,"
she says. "At the time, the area needed specialty stores." Five years
later, she relocated to Wicker Park for its "creative
dressers"
and
"artistic vibe." Kulbieda's inventory is muted yet hip,
punctuated
by
eye-catching items like a cherry red dress or a silk turquoise shirt.
Marc by Marc Jacobs and Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent contribute to
Jolie Joli's women's wear while upper-class striped and
patterned
shirts
stock the men's side of the store. Stacks of designer jeans run $150
to
$200 and line the back wall. The boutique is quieter than most,
allowing
shoppers to relax and focus on finding the right color, fit and
material. Don't hesitate to bring questions to the saleswomen--they
seem
to know everything.
p.45
This cutting-edge boutique paves the Wicker Park way for local
clothing designers like Lara Miller, Shane Gabier and Michelle Tan and
their jewelry-making counterparts Sarah McGuire and Adriane Glazier.
Clothing ranges from tailored Phillip Lim military trench coats to
Tree's romantic vintage-inspired dresses. Chip & Pepper jeans, Flavio
Olivera purses and Eugenia Kim hats and shoes top off the collection.
In
this case, high fashion comes with high prices; slacks average
$250-$350
while a coat could go for $800. The store also offers closet
consultations and will begin alteration services this year.
Penelope's
Penelope's caters to kids of all ages who appreciate a shopping
experience akin to buying toys. The just-married co-owners stock a
collection of youthful men's and women's wear that's more colorful
than it is costly. A bevy of local and non-local T-shirt designers
including Imperfect Articles, Brighton Park Press and Syndrome are on
the racks, as are popular lines like A.P.C., Built by Wendy, Steven
Alan, We and Made. If Penelope's doesn't woo you with clothes, check
out rugs by textile designer Angela Adams and accessories like Japanese
talking watches ($18). Kids, husbands and loyal shopping
buddies
will
like the resident pugs and free PacMan games.
Plein Aire
Owned by two former flight attendants, this new Division Street shop
feels like a breath of fresh air, with a basket full of complimentary
bottled waters and a window display of suspended flower vases welcoming
shoppers. Sweet, classic and moderately trendy looks like
cashmere
hoodies, 525 cotton wraparound sweaters and crinkly Kisca tops
are
complemented by Bella Dahl denim and suede jean-style June pants.
Milanese-made Denim for Immortality arrives this fall to top off the
denim collection's high end at about $200 a pair. Accessories include
chunky-to-delicate jewels, Liz Soto leather clutches, highly coveted
Hanky Panky thongs, She Complete silk scarves and patent-leather dog
carriers.
Public I
Catering more to 9-to-5 professionals than the artists and indie
rockers in the neighborhood, Public I sells what the owners describe as
"investment pieces:" tailored men's and women's items
designed
to
last several seasons that have prices to match. Women will find work
and
cocktail attire like tweed suits, gaucho pants and silk black dresses
by
How and Wen in addition to lingerie from Cosabella and denim by Tag+
and
Red Engine. Men's attire ranges from 7 Diamond embroidered dress
shirts
to classic Three Dot and Velvet tees. Agave denim and Simon Carter cuff
links add to the menswear mix while an on-site travel lounge
features
gift-worthy items like Stephanie Johnson travel bags and flasks.
Pump
This unapologetically feminine footwear store smells and looks like
floral perfume. A crystal chandelier sits atop the pink ribbon-striped
room while a powder-puff-shaped couch beckons Chicago Cinderellas. The
trendy selection reflects the owner's penchant for heels, from Carlos
Molina's sassy Spanish stilettos to Charles David pumps and Jeffrey
Cambell's wrap-around suede boots. This year you can count on cowboy
boots galore from the likes of BCBG, Luichiny and Miss Sixty as well as
velvet social shoes and Euro-style flat boots, with prices
ranging
from
$70 to $350. Pump also offers a hard-to-find service of custom-order
bridal silk and satin dress shoes. As for accessories, Pump stocks
vintage jewels from Paris and Prague as well as a handful of glitzy
clutches and Almas leather bags.
Robin Richman
This quirky Euro-infused store reopens this fall after renovating its
space into an airier interior layout and adding a dedicated menswear
room. Women's wear includes metal jersey skirts from Rozae Nichols,
quilted sateen coats and silk corseted tops from Gary Graham and
blazers
from Hussein Chalayan. Nun-style shoes by Chie Mihara and
gothic-looking
cuffs dripping with broken jewels dip into the accessory pool. The edgy
collection of menswear has its own accessories including I.D.
bracelets
made with vintage dog tags (as in collies, not soldiers), old Italian
postal bags and Japanese-designed Antipasti socks. Prices range from
$120 to $1200.
Softcore
A fashion-forward pioneer in the Wicker Park 'hood, Softcore is
changing its trendy, club-kid image to offer cleaner and more
sophisticated styles. Old-school favorites like mesh neon Fornarina
pumps, limited edition Pumas designed by Rudolph Dassler and Adidas
Heritage Originals are still available, but they're increasingly
joined
by more traditional printed shirts and dresses. Menswear leans toward
the higher end in price and style and includes an extensive collection
of J. Lindeberg suits averaging around $700. Most of the store's
furniture is homemade, reflecting the emphasis that Obi Nwazota and
Suen
Man Lam, co-owners of both Softcore and Orange Skin, place on
self-expression.
Steelo
This shoe shop caters to shoppers who like to stay on top of the
trends without losing track of their budget. Sacha London's pumps
adorned with fabric flowers top off the high end of Steelo's
collection
at around $130 while Irregular Choice's Chinese slippers retail at a
more moderate $50-$80. For those who care for comfort, Steelo carries
moccasin-style flats by J. Shoes and pumps by DETNY, which feature
gym-shoe technology. Accessories include a line of jewelry blending Art
Nouveau-era brass filigree with Czechoslovakian glass and
several
successful knockoffs like Bakelite-looking bangles. Steelo will
soon
begin offering baby shoes and knit booties.
Una Mae's Freak Boutique
Hosting an array of new and vintage men's and women's wear, this
boutique implodes with whimsy and color--boas billow from behind the
cash register. Wild accessories like fluorescent-yellow fishnets,
beaded
jewelry and leather clutches by Leaders in Leather ($80) accompany
Dickies pants, Dollhouse jeans ($45) and glitzy, sequined tops. In
addition to play clothes like screen-printed tees, the selection of
vintage-inspired wares include sixties-style Penguin pants and sweaters
and Stop Staring sailor dresses.
Untitled
See description in Lincoln Park section. vive la femme
"Life is hard, but shopping shouldn't be. Shopping is especially hard
when you're a woman of size," says Stephanie Frances Sack, owner of
viva
la femme. Shopping is a breeze at Sack's three-year-old Bucktown
boutique carrying reasonably priced, stylish clothes for plus-size
women. Popular brands include SVOBODA, Z. Cavaricci and Anna Scholz
London. The jewelry section sparkles with earrings ($12), bracelets and
rings designed to complement a larger frame. "I'm fat and I
like
nice
clothes," says Sack matter-of-factly. "There are other fat girls who
like nice clothes." So if you fit the description, then
this
is
a
store
for you. Bucktown Casa De Soul
Drenched in red backlighting, this year-old boutique is taking its
men's and women's wear into edgier styles this fall. Accessories are
aplenty, with Wa's raw edge leather clutches for $70-$150 and cases of
jewelry like Tiger's Eye jeweled cuff links, leather cuffs and
sterling
silver and wood necklaces. Owner Kennedy Ashinze harkens back to his
Nigerian upbringing by incorporating African-made leather mats and
colorful tops--and by DJing Afrobeats on the weekends at the store's
turntables. Klozhorse's vintage military jackets flashing Marilyn
Monroe prints, Ubiquity tees and English Laundry floral embroidered
dress shirts for men complement the women's collection of $100 People
Have Spoken gaucho pants and Drifter tops. Daffodil Hill
Daintily dressed in chandeliers, white wire shelving and whitewashed
wooden furniture resting on its light wooden floors, Daffodil Hill
features a collection of wares for work and play. Sweet pink Charlotte
Tarantola cardigans in the $130 range, Blue 2 and Miss Me denims and
Kenzie Girl bomber jackets and $45 frilly blouses spice up the store's
staple stock of Michael Stars tops. A sizable collection of
onesies
by
Mighty Politey and Icky Baby bearing phrases like "Lincoln Park
Baby"
cater to the many new moms in the area, and pinstripe dress shirts by
Caffeine provide gifts for the hubbies, too. HIM
Wooing its male clientele with complimentary cans of PBR and Diet
Coke, free rounds of foosball and a mini library of Playboy magazines,
HIM appeals to the neighborhood's businessmen who are willing to drop
a
few hundred to score a distinct style. Designer jeans include Division
E
to Tag+, Grass, Rock & Republic and Duarte. Besides the ringer tees and
thermals, embellished dress shirts by Grail, English Laundry
and
Raw
rock skull and bones designs or even the occasional rhinestone.
Accessories round out the stock: Baby Jane cufflinks and belt buckles
donning vintage postcard prints and King Baby's sterling silver
adornments like wrench-shaped cufflinks. Smack
Following its recent change of ownership, Smack is replacing the old
Von Dutch signs and Los Angeles bling with the bohemian style of
various
New York designers making funky but affordable women's wear. Hummel
track suits, made-for-layering vintage soft tops by Alternative Apparel
and $150-$200 denims by Sacred Blue, Rogan, Raven and
Australian-based
Little Big dominate the casual end of the collection. Pinstripe
trousers
by Catherine Malandrino and Mac and Jac round off the high end around
$300, with crushed velvet Ella Moss cords and tweed wool blazers
averaging around $130. Tangerine
While many shoppers know Tangerine for its collection of Trina Turk,
TIBI and Nanette Lepore goodies like vintage-inspired tweed suits and
romantic silk blouses, the boutique features an unpredictable mix of
women's wear. Bright green argyle sweaters by Alice + Olivia sidle up
to $250 ruched short-sleeve jackets by Jak & Rae and $125 lacy Free
People shirts and Paper Denim & Cloth thermals and denims by Grass,
Joe's and Yanuk. If you're not planning to drop a few hundred on
items
like Neely Mack's fabric flower-adorned pumps or Kale's leather bags,
check out cutesy pumps by otto et moi and etched silver
earrings
in
the
jewelry case. GOLD COAST/OLD TOWN/RIVER NORTH
Clever Alice
Tucked into River North's galley district, Clever Alice offers a
cross-section of affordable, moderately trendy casual and dressy
women's attire. Silk Bilingual dresses ($200), trendy bolero jackets
($145) and ruffled Foley tops ($184) are part of the eclectic
inventory.
Swedish lines Filippa K. and Acne complement the collection of denims
by
James and 575. Semi-precious stone jewelry and leather purses are
eye-catching, as are Honeydew lingerie sets.
Etre
Located in Old Town, this boutique offers everything from bohemian
wear to über-chic tailored looks. All the hippest brands--Citizens of
Humanity, Paper Denim & Cloth, Three Dot, Anna Sui--are a mish-mash on
the iron racks. Prices are steep, with dresses running $320, shirts
$100
and jeans $160. Everything from Etre's fashionable sales women to its
neatly organized shelves, fits its motto: "To be or not to be ...well
dressed!"
Ikram
This sophisticated Gold Coast women's boutique specializes in
off-the-runway, envelope-pushing haute couture for financially
established clientele. The simply decorated space features white walls
and warm, chocolate-wood shelves and caters to walk-ins as well, just
come prepared with a sky-high limit on your Visa. Items worth breaking
the bank for include a limited Undercover jacket, an elegant Jean Paul
Gaultier dress and one-of-a-kind Tom Binns skull chandelier earrings.
Twice-annual sales present an opportunity to stock up on last season's
hottest trends.
Jake
See description in Lakeview section.
Samantha
Named after easygoing and unpretentious owner Samantha Mittelman,
this women's boutique is a breath of fresh air in a sometimes-snobbish
neighborhood. The Gold Coast shop stocks the latest in women's
celebrity-driven fashions like Ya Ya and Twelfth Street by Cynthia
Vincent. It's also one of the select local few to carry Elezar
handbags,
already a celebrity favorite in LA. Samantha is chock full of denim
(everything from 575 to True Religion) and accessorizes with jewelry
from local designer Abraham. Prices are on the higher side, with shirts
retailing for as much as $400, but there are some great steals
like
elaborately embroidered Joystick tees for $141.
Sugar Magnolia
Located next to Prada, Sugar Magnolia is an urban hipster's
bling-embroidered Seven Jeans mecca. But this trendy shop is not for
the
easily intimidated. Clothes are presented like works of art in the
galleryesque space and a friend may be needed for moral reinforcement.
Bring lots of spare cash for Blue Angel sequin tanks starting at $150
and Rebel Yell tees beginning at $94. Still, there are some definite
perks to shopping on Oak Street; where else would you find a fur-lined
combat jacket by La Rok?
Ultimo
Don't be dissuaded by Ultimo's difficult-to-open door--its staff is
ready to receive all customers Monday through Saturday. This labyrinth
of a women's boutique boasts an enormous eveningwear selection from
designers like Collette Dinnigan as well as casual fashionista
favorites
from Stella McCartney ($350 jeans) and Manolo Blahnik ($1150 boots).
Once you've laid down your credit card, you might as well throw in a
basic tee from Adam + Eve (probably the store's cheapest offering at
$48). LAKEVIEW
Freesia
This contemporary-meets-sophisticated women's boutique caters to the
more established residents of the Southport corridor. Freesia has a
"tasteful with an edge," old-school Park Avenue feel that mixes
classic
pieces like a Diane von Furstenberg pantsuit ($900) with evening gowns
by Sue Wong. The shop also provides necessary weekend styles with a
limited David Kahn denim selection and a few Majestic tees ($86).
Freesia is ideal for women who want to accent their wardrobe with
eye-catching pieces like gorgeous and delicate Pier Antonio Gaspari
wrap
sweaters ($362). The shop also carries the latest in local jewelry
designs by Nonuro, Apunto and JWG along with purses by Donald J Pliner.
Jake
The staff at this high-end men's and women's fashion boutique will
not only find you the perfect pair of jeans from their selection
including Antik Denim ($250 and up) and Kasil (around $160), they'll
also hem it at no extra charge. This small space marks the Southport
corridor's northernmost point and packs a stylized punch with pieces
like his-and-hers matching burgundy Ever hoodies ($156 for men $168 for
women). Offering the best in menswear including ties by Jack
Spade
and
sweaters by Paul Smith, Jake also caters to the ladies with dresses
by
Filippa K and flashy purses by B&D ($945). Just over a year old, Jake
has made its fashion mark on the city--and just opened a Gold Coast
spin-off.
Krista K
Arguably the boutique that began Southport's quest for fashion,
Krista K is a one-stop-shopping extravaganza catering to every phase of
a fashionista's life. This open, sunlit two-story shop houses
a
denim
bar with trouser jeans by Meli-Melo ($244) and a top-of-the-line
maternity selection with Chip & Pepper maternity denim ($199) and
studded leather diaper bags by E.D.E for Paulina Quintana ($440). The
upper floor loft-like space is women's wear heaven with fall coats
from
Marc by Marc Jacobs ($568), a flower embroidered fur jacket from
Rebecca
Taylor and an army-green corduroy ensemble from Theory (pants $210,
belted coat $370).
Medusa's Circle
Stationed near the nexus of Belmont & Clark, Medusa's Circle is a
truly alternative store. Clothes are colorful with a dark edge, and
definitely rock 'n' roll. It's all about bold patterns and sharp
contrasts between black and neon--anything to make a statement. Even
the
Ralph Lauren shirts ($65) are scrawled with graffiti. Prices are on the
low end, with men's and women's tops averaging $20 to $50.
Red Head Boutique
Keeping up with the Southport corridor's hip young female residents
is something that Red Head takes very seriously. This funky and
inviting
boutique, accented with antique tables and plenty of sitting room,
carries the latest from local fashion designers Neesh and Doris Ruth as
well as a thorough denim offering from Rock & Republic and
Joe's
Jeans
and an extensive athletic collection from Puma (windbreakers $83, fast
dry tees $33, track pants $39). Casual California Vintage
embroidered
tees are perfect summer attire while Cynthia Steffe and Alice +
Olivia
sweaters ($284 and $242 respectively) will carry you into fall.
Shane
A tight and cluttered space, Shane uses every bit of room to showcase
its men's and women's fashion and accessories, including the windows
and
cash counter. The perfect place to stock up on out-of-office wear, this
über-hip store carries men's Big Star, Seven and Hudson jeans
as
well
as
a wide selection of club-ready Roar long sleeve button downs ($72 and
up) and attention-grabbing belt buckles by Spirit Leatherworks ($40).
Don't let their casual attire fool you, Shane's definition of weekend
fabulous isn't cheap. Ladies can relax in the latest from
Joe's
Jeans
(around $198) and Three Dot long sleeve tees ($58) and accent with
leather clutches by Hobo ($88).
Trousseau
Every girl knows that a great outfit starts with the right undies.
The ladies at Trousseau specialize in bra fittings and will work with
you to find bras that accentuate your figure and heighten your
wardrobe's performance. Look for a classic black or white T-shirt bra
by
Le Mystere ($56) or a lacy little number by Janet Reger ($95). This
elegant, dimly lit boutique offers walls of teddies and sleepwear as
well as an exclusive bridal section featuring everything you'll need
for
your special night, from a racy, barely there Britney number to a
sophisticated floor-length piece, both $286 by Patricia Fieldwalker,
and
matching footwear (Just Married slippers are $41).
Universal Gear
David Franco opened Universal Gear to bring contemporary designers
like Calvin Klein, G-Star and Lucky Brand to men in Chicago. His
clothes
are half hipster, half metrosexual. Example: the bathing-suit section
(each around $64) features tight, brightly colored Speedos as well as
surfer-friendly board shorts. A decent selection of Diesel ($90) shoes
complements a collection of sporty trendy shirts. The second floor
features clearance items, underthings and athletic gear. Be warned:
this
is not a store for all men. Well-known brands draw fashion-savvy
shoppers. In case of crisis, salesmen are good-looking and friendly. LINCOLN PARK
Akira Lincoln Park
See description in Bucktown section.
Blake
Blink and you'll miss Blake. The store's no-signage,
no-window-display policy ("for no particular reason," says co-owner
Marilyn Blaszka) doesn't make it easy to spot. Located in a relatively
boutique-less section of Lincoln Park, just half a block from
the
3
Penny Cinema, this women's destination shop feels more like a
gallery
space with fine art prices. Its stark white walls, minimally filled
shelves and bird-chirping sound installation make for a unique shopping
experience. Like a good gallery, it houses an intriguing
collection
represented by Chloe, Undercover and Viktor & Rolf and featuring
masterpieces like embroidered coats by Dries Van Noten ($1750) and silk
gauze shirts by Ermanno Scervino ($1720).
Celeste Turner
This super-friendly, sweet-smelling women's boutique is the perfect
mix of urban and posh. Open décor and an eye-catching vintage
chandelier
complement favorite lines like Nicole Miller, Trina Turk and Nanette
Lepore. Merchandise includes jeans, evening gowns and bikinis as well
as
the latest from local jewelry designer Christina Fogal and an exclusive
selection of Kai beauty products (Body Polish goes for $38).
Davis For Men
This 70-year-old Lincoln Park men's boutique prides itself on having
introduced Chicago to high-fashion lines like Donna Karan couture and
Giorgio Armani. Sounds of smooth jazz waft through a room bedecked with
Brioni and Pancaldi ties, Robert Graham sport shirts, textured
Zegna
and
classic Versace suits. Sacred Blue distressed denims round out the
casual end. Prices range from $69 to $2295. Ladies can peruse the
selection of French and Italian-made shearlings (for men and women)
while men take advantage of in-house custom tailoring.
Isabella Fine Lingerie
The concept behind Isabella Fine Lingerie is that sexy can be
comfortable, and you should be comfortable being sexy. Inspired by a
trip to Italy, owner Lauren Amerine set up shop in Lincoln Park,
inviting shoppers to "come on in" to her teeny, intimate boutique.
Isabella is more like a Parisian mistress' walk-in closet than a
clothing store, but odds are you can find whatever you wear under there
among its sexy, playful and sweet items. Popular lines include
Duet,
Aubade and Parah and prices range from $12 Honeydew "rufflebutt
undies"
to $158 Leigh Bantivoglio signature lace camisole.
Lori's Designer Shoes
This unassuming, cluttered store is a shoe lover's paradise as well
as a bridesmaid's best friend. Called "the sole of Chicago" for a
reason, Lori's Lincoln Park location offers the latest in women's
footwear and accessories (everything from belts and sunglasses to
earrings and hose) including countless affordable sparkly little purses
(they hover around the $35 mark) that match every possible
wedding-attendant dress. Because Lori's is not a huge department
store,
they are able to offer the latest designs by Jeffrey Campbell and BCBG
at a slightly discounted price. Every dollar saved is one closer to
indulging in a new fall offering like brown leather Biviel round toe
boots ($216).
Shop Girl
Apparently, everyone knows about Shop Girl. A growing buzz has
surrounded the Lincoln Park boutique since Kate Krause Prange opened
her
first shop in September 2000. Fox News named Shop Girl the "Number One
Women's Boutique" in Chicago, and People magazine named its
website
in
its top-five fashion sites. The store carries mainstream labels like
Citizens of Humanity (jeans from $148 to $191) and Three Dot (skirts
around $114) as well as a line of flirty, girly clothing under
Prange's
name. Prange is a mini-mogul in the making with neighboring maternity
store Show & Tell and tween boutique Spoiled...but not rotten on her
roster.
Underthings
The underthings at Underthings are anything but trashy. High-end
labels give the store a lot of class and bump up the price. These
aren't
exactly Victoria's Secret bras, so make sure you're ready to spend
$60-$120 for your lingerie, or hit up the store in January and August
when sale prices knock off 20-75 percent. Whenever you stop by,
friendly
saleswomen will help you find the perfect fit--whether you want
something for lounging around in or spicing up the night.
Untitled
One of the city's pioneers in clubby urban wear, dance music sets
the energetic vibe for the store Candise Cho opened about fifteen years
ago. What can you expect to find? An extensive collection of
artsy
tees,
from the likes of Syndrome (about $30), trendy jackets and an amazing
jeans selection ($145 to $200).
Zone
Tucked off the hipster-beaten Lincoln Park path, this innovative
women's boutique houses one-of-a-kind items designed by owner Pamela
Vanderelinde. Zone can be intimidating from the outside- you have to
ring a doorbell for admittance. But, once inside the store's
atmosphere
is entirely inviting. Exposed pipes and rich hardwood floors give the
feel of being in a friend's flat--a friend who can custom-make a
wedding
dress out of Sari fabric. Vanderelinde infuses Eastern and Western
fabrics to create sophisticated, unique looks that have sophisticated
prices to match. Asian- and Indian-inspired fall coats average $865. WOODLAWN
Sole Lounge
Lisa Williams got to pick the product; Imani Khayyuh got to pick the
theme. One wanted a shoe store and the other dreamed of a martini
bar--Sole Lounge is the result. The childhood friends opened the
Woodlawn store a mere two-and-a-half months ago, hoping to add an
element of chic to the area they were both born and raised in. Sole
Lounge is girly, pink and sparkling. Customers sit on barstools and
order shoes perched atop the bar. Contemporary hip-hop plays over the
stereo and funky, artistic martini glasses accent the room. Shoes range
from $40 to $160 and include brands like Sergio Zelcer. Local
designer
Stacey Whitney (whom Imani calls "the next Martha Stewart") makes
and
sells her one-of-a-kind silk handbags on-site, often designing a bag
to
complement a specific pair of shoes.
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