ANDERSONVILLE

His Stuff
5314 N. Clark, (773)989-9111
his-stuffchicago.com
Goods: Men's clothing, shoes, accessories.
Designers: Hugo Boss Red Line, Z Brand, Energie, Mavi Jeans, Baskit, Swiss Army
Owner: Ralph Fasano, experienced in the beauty industry, and Jeff Worth, who holds a degree in Industrial Design, combined forces to open His Stuff in 2002.
Vibe: From its charcoal, near-nameless awning and the headless, near-naked mannequins in the window, you might think His Stuff is all about less-is-more. However, the small interior is stuffed to the brim with button-down shirts, pants, shoes and casual wear.
Price Range: Expensive.
The Look: Here it's all about the details, from precise cross-stitching on a pair of underwear to the perfect weave of a tailored jacket. Shop here and head to an evening of drinks and dinner at Brasserie Jo.
Shopper's Perks: The store stocks only limited quantities and new shipments arrive each week.

Hip Fit
1513 W. Foster, (773)878-4447
hipfitandersonville.com
Goods: Women's and men's clothing, belts, jackets.
Designers: Joe's Jeans, Rock and Republic, Antik Denim, Seven, Threadless Tees
Owner: Jennifer Rozenberg grew up around her mom's second-hand clothing store, before spending what felt like forever working retail herself. Her boutique celebrates its one-year anniversary October 1.
Vibe: From the red and black stars spray-painted along the front windows to the massive wall of Polaroids behind the counter and a funky orange table supported by cinderblocks, the tiny shop has a DIY feel that's un-self-consciously edgy.
Price Range: Expensive.
The Look: Decked out in an army tank, cowboy hat and perfectly battered jeans, hop on your bike and head to some little-known dive bar in Rogers Park.
Shopper's Perks: Check out the racks of resale and vintage denim, with high-end brands priced as low as $20.

Presence
5216 N. Clark, (773)989-4420
Goods: Clothing and accessories for women.
Designers: Hot Kiss, Soda Blue, Tulle and Necessary Objects.
Owners: Presence was started in 1969 by "two hippy women who opened shop in their living room on Broadway." Today, Joanna Miner (daughter of one of the original founders) owns the boutique.
Vibe: Pop tunes surge through an open-but-packed boutique. Carefully-put-together ensembles are propped up on the wall to give shoppers inspiration.
Price Range: Inexpensive-Moderate.
The Look: Fun, girly and trend-driven.
Shopper's Perks: "If you see something in Lucky or Vogue, you can probably find it here, but for way cheaper. We have a dress that looks just like a Diane Von Furstenberg, but it's about $45" says salesgirl Rachel. At Presence, "It's very easy to buy an entire outfit, jewelry included, for under $120 dollars," says Joanna Miner.

BUCKTOWN

Akira
1837 W. North, (312)238-9314 (women)
2357 N. Clark, (773)404-5826 (women)
1922 W. North, (773)276-5640 (men)
1849 W. North, (773)342-8684 (shoes)
122 S. State, (312)346-3034 (shoes)
1904 W. North, (773)384-4465 (detail by Akira)
Goods: Women's and men's clothing, accessories, shoes
Designers: Junk Food tees, BCBGirls dresses, Rock and Republic jeans, Steve Madden shoes, Gucci sunglasses.
Owner: College friends Eric Hsueh, Jon Cotay and Erikka Wang began their North Avenue domination with the Akira women's store in 2002.
Vibe: The atmosphere mimics the clothes--it's young, poppy and vibrant. Clothing is organized by color and designer so you don't have to mess around.
Price Range: Inexpensive-Moderate.
The Look: Feminine prints. Bright colors. Current trends. Denim-focused. Dressed for martinis at Enclave.
Shopper's Perks: The store's personal shoppers expertly lead you through "one-stop shopping"--they're happy to grab shoes or accessories from the other stores to completely finish your look.

apartment number 9
1804 N. Damen, (773)395-2999
Goods: Clothing and accessories for men.
Designers: Clothing by D Squared, Earnest Sewn, Etro, Dries Van Noten, Unity and Inhabit; accessories by Jack Spade and Martin Margiela.
Owner: Inspired by the lack of men's stores in the Bucktown area, Sisters Sarah and Amy Blessing set up this dude-friendly shop in 2001.
Vibe: The small, tidy store is immaculately organized; the help is relaxed, friendly and knowledgeable. Nature-inspired window displays feature twisted logs or flowers.
Price Range: Expensive.
The Look: Clean, polished and designer-driven.
Shopper's Perks: Basic alterations and wardrobe consultations.

City Soles/Niche
2001 W. North, (773)489-2001
citysoles.com
Goods: Shoes and accessories for men and women.
Designers: Jewelry by Jenn Holiday and shoes by Camper, Biviel, Chie Mahara, and CYDWOQ
Owner: Scott Starbuck, who's been working with shoes since he was in high school, opened City Soles in 1991.
Vibe: Funky window displays feature everything from old street signs to stained-glass flowers. Inside, oriental rugs, cowhide chairs and leather sofas form a downtown-living-room vibe.
Price Range: Moderate to expensive on the City Soles Side; expensive to luxury in Niche.
The Look: This shopper has a shoe fetish and a city life. He/she wants to run to and from the El in utter style, but without spraining an ankle. Reeboks over nylons for the commute: out of the question.
Editor's Pick: Button-down boots by Moma.
Shopper's Perks: Buy ten pairs of shoes and get a $100 gift certificate.

Clothes Minded
1735 N. Damen, (773)227-3402
Goods: Women's clothing and accessories.
Designers: Sanctuary, James Perse, Three Dots, 525 Knits, Michael Stars and Free People.
Owner: A boutique owner for more than three decades, Sandy Horowitz relocated her casual clothes shop from Lakeview to Bucktown in its early retail days. The hip merchandise ranges from all-out casual to business-casual and includes handbags, hats and bath products.
Vibe: With white shelves set against buttery hardwood floors and uber-friendly, approachable staff, this no-frills boutique feels casual and inviting.
Price Range: Moderate-Expensive.
The Look: Comfy meets classic; you're ready to order a cup of tea at Julius Meinl and kick back with the New York Times.
Shopper's Perks: End-of-season sales provide great discounts.

Daffodil Hill
1659 N. Damen, (773)489-0101
Goods: Clothing and accessories for women, shirts for men, home goods, gifts, body products and baby gifts.
Designers: Diane Medak dresses, Tees by Michael Stars, Jeans by Red Engine, Kenzie and Nick and Moe.
Owner: Stephanie Riley, who's been in retail since she was 13 years old, moved her original Evanston store to Bucktown. The space she's in now sits right across the street from her sister's bar, the Silver Cloud.
Vibe: Powder-pink walls climb toward sparkling chandeliers. French flea-market finds (think flowery tins for sucre and café) lend a whimsical, "Amelie" vibe.
Price Range: Moderate
The Look: Timeless with a twist of trend. A tendency toward sartorial sweetness. Always arrives at parties with the perfect hostess gift.
Shopper's Perks: New merchandise arrives every day, so shopping's always a surprise.

D. Marie
1867 N. Damen, (773)489-3220
Goods: Accessories and some clothing for women.
Designers: Elliot Luca, Matt and Nat, Nino Bossi and the shop's exclusive D. Marie line.
Owner: After her home became an empty nest, Diane Gallery pursued her dream of opening up a boutique for fellow purse and accessory fetishists.
Vibe: Artfully arranged accessories perch on clean, white shelves. The unobtrusive staff is friendly, but won't try to hold your hand as you rifle through handbags. With an emphasis on bags, D. Marie also carries casual clothing, designer reading glasses, jewelry and sandals.
Price Range: Moderate.
The Look: The woman who shops here is a master at making inexpensive accessories look like prize finds from Neiman's or Saks.
Shopper's Perks: D. Marie is the perfect shop for the queen of accessories on a city princess' budget.

Futurgarb
1359 N. Milwaukee, (773)276-1450
futurgarb.com
Goods: Men's and women's clothing and accessories
Designers: Division E, Chrome Bags, Goorin Brothers, Tank Farm, Hazel, Bench and Hard 8.
Owners: Tim and Reggie McGuire opened Futurgarb in May of 2001.
Vibe: The super-friendly McGuire family staffs Futurgarb, and its dim lighting and dark-shaded décor make the store seem like an inviting neighborhood bar.
Price Range: Moderate.
The Look: The t-shirt and jeans sort of guy and gal who want to make sure no one else at the party has their t-shirt or jeans. Futurgarb is rife with unique men and women's wear suited for those trying to master the casual look. Think skirts, t-shirts, jackets and hoodies with a few dressier items sprinkled in.
Shopper's Perks: Futurgarb constantly has sales going on, so you'll almost always be able find a deal there.

G Boutique
2131 N. Damen, (773)235-1234
boutiqueg.com
Goods: Lingerie, sex toys, books, videos and DVDs, costumes, massage oils and whips.
Designers: Lingerie comes from Chantelle, Only Hearts, Hanky Panky, Felina, Aubade and On Gossamer.
Owners: Cheryl Sloane and Kari Kupcinet-Kriser started G boutique as a "girlfriend thing"--they envisioned a spot where ladies could stock up on erotic paraphernalia in a comfortable environment.
Vibe: A provocative ambiance prevails: expect deep red and gold hues, a low-hanging chandelier and items that could blind virgin eyes. The frank and completely relaxed staff helps quell any sex-store jitters.
Price Range: Inexpensive-Expensive.
The Look: Romantic, sensual, spontaneous. Lingerie ranges from prim and proper to been-around-the-block.
Shopper's Perks: G Boutique hosts private parties (either at the shop or in your home) for ladies to "drink, eat, try on clothes and talk about sex."

Gem
1710 N. Damen, (773)384-7700
gemchicago.com
Goods: Women's and men's jewelry.
Designers: Laura Kitsos' white-gold diamond rings; B. Tiff's blackened steel and titanium men's rings, Swallow's gold and silver jewelry with cast birds, enameled coral branches and tiny wishbone necklaces, horn bracelets, earrings and rings from De Renaudin.
Owner: Jewelry designer Laura Kitsos.
Vibe: The Tinkerbelle-sized boutique surrounded with sky-blue walls feels like a walk-in jewelry box.
The Look: Aglitter with colorful, Indian-influenced or nature-inspired gems. Wears timeless pieces with trendy nuance. Delicate but eye-catching accessories.
Shopper's Perks: Kitsos can custom-design jewelry. Call or email her at contact@gemoakpark.com.

Hejfina
1529 N. Milwaukee, (773)772-0002
hejfina.com
Goods: Men and women's clothing, shoes, accessories, art and architecture books, custom design furniture, home accessories.
Designers: Vena Cava, A.P.C, Vanessa Bruno, See by Chloe, Jasmin Shokrian, Adam Kimmel, Nice Collective, Cloak and Earnest Sewn.
Owner: Heiji Black turned her back on the consulting world to open this lifestyle boutique two years ago.
Vibe: The front looks like your chicest friend's living room, the back like his or her closet. Clean, simple and modern, with background Bob Dylan for some sonic comfort. The laidback staff is there to help, but content to let you do your own thing as well.
Price Range: Expensive-Luxury.
The Look: Sleek. Elegant. Obsessed with modern, innovative design. Perfect gear for a Friday night art gallery opening followed by dinner at Blackbird.
Shopper's Perks: Hejfina is a big supporter of Chicago's art community, playing host to many art-related events including collaborations and drawing parties.

Helen Yi
1645 N. Damen, (773)252-3838
helenyi.com
Goods: Women's clothing and accessories.
Designers: Derek Lam, Chloe, Habitual and Barbara Bui.
Owner: Helen Yi's first job was working in a men's boutique and she's been in the industry ever since, opening her own eponymous boutique in 2003.
Vibe: Though the space feels like an art gallery (stark whites and blacks, clothing hung on large metal frames), the staff here quickly dispels any angry-docent vibes with chatty suggestions and honest appraisals.
Price Range: Luxury
The Look: Impeccably tailored and sophisticated. Seen subtly showing off that wait-list-heavy Derek Lam leather handbag while dining at Alinea with friends.
Editor's Pick: A Derek Lam emerald green sleeveless ruffled blouse with a poke-your-eye-out precision cut.
Shopper's Perks: Wardrobe consulting and personal shopping.

HER/GIRL
1545 N. Damen, (773)235-9515
Goods: Women's and girl's clothing and accessories.
Designers: Tavernini, ID, Mimi & Coco, Genetic Denim, David and Goliath, Skinnie Minnie, Newbreed Girl, Ed Hardy, Blue Tattoo, Grail, TAG and Robin Jeans.
Owner: Former bar owner Dion Antic opened Her/Girl after his for-the-boys Him boutique took off.
Vibe: With huge vintage mirrors and a shaggy pale pink carpet, this double-storefront boutique has a decidedly sweet vibe--though there are plenty of tongue-in-cheek T-shirts and army-print handbags to put some spice in all that nice.
Price Range: Expensive.
The Look: Vintage hipster with a DIY feel (minus the effort, of course).
Editor's Pick: Bucket army-print handbag with pink tassels and an embroidered elephant by Bungalow 360
Shopper's Perks: A small fridge comes stocked with complimentary cans of Coca-Cola.

HIM
1653 N. Damen, (773)235-3360
Goods: HIM has a short rack of shirts, slacks and designer t-shirts, but this store is driven by designer denim.
Designers: Ed Hardy, Blue Tattoo, Rock and Republic, TAG and Stronghold jeans fill HIM's shelves, while brands like J. Lindeberg stock the shirt rack.
Owner: Dion Antic (Her/Girl owner) opened HIM in May of 2005.
Vibe: With its shag carpet and display of old-school parlor paraphernalia, HIM has a bit of a retro-manliness feel. It's also on the small side, which makes it rather intimate, like you just stepped into someone's walk-in closet.
Price Range: Moderate-Expensive.
The Look: HIM's clothing is versatile; it can dress everyone from the sophisticated hipster to the fashion-conscious yuppie who works at a boutique advertising agency.
Shopper's Perks: HIM carries fridge of beer, a new (and welcome) norm for men's boutiques.

Hot Pink
1464 N. Milwaukee, (773)227-7477
shophotpink.com
Goods: Women's clothing.
Designers: Glam, Rubber Ducky, YMI, Honey Punch.
Owner: Clai Green brought his boutique expertise--acquired at his men's store in St. Louis--up to Chicago seven years ago to start this women's clothing spot.
Vibe: Pink walls, sparkly tops, and uber-feminine dresses make this place girly, girly, girly. The low, poppy beats in the background keep it mellow, as does the smiling staff and their shop-on-your-own mentality.
Price Range: Inexpensive.
The Look: Colorful. Fun. Trendy. Versatile. Ride your bike to the beach in one of their comfortably frilly dresses.
Shopper's Perks: Hot Pink's "Martinis in Pink" event, held the last Thursday of every month, includes complimentary martinis, makeovers, massages and manicures. Not around on Thursday? Stop by anytime for some vino; it's served all day, every day.

Jade
1557 N Milwaukee, (773)342-5233
jadechicago.com
Goods: Women's clothing and accessories.
Designers: M Missoni, Mara Hoffman, T-Bags, IIsli, Olga Kapustina, Twilltwentytwo.
Owner: Laura Haberman previously worked as a fashion stylist with Aria modeling agency and as a style writer for the Tribune.
Vibe: The luxe shop boasts a Japanese teahouse façade, emerald-green walls, wood floors and clean lines. The dressing rooms are positioned on a catwalk, so feel free to sashay to your heart's content.
Price Range: Expensive-Luxury
The Look: Effortlessly stylish. Sexy, but always occasion-appropriate; modern, but timeless all the same.
Shopper's Perks: Gather ten-to-twenty of your best friends, and Jade will organize a private shopping evening, complete with drinks, appetizers and a twenty percent discount for all. Also: regulars can expect $20 birthday gift certificates in the mail when their special day strikes.

Kachi Bachi
2041 N. Damen, (773)645-8640
kachibachi.com
Goods: Women's clothing, imported artisan jewelry, bedding, home items.
Designers: The store represents several South American designers including Lineatre, Oma, Morgan, Wados and Peuque.
Owner: After studying fashion design in Chile, Claudia Pareja relocated to Chicago, where she worked first as a seamstress and then for a clothing designer before opening her own store.
Vibe: A seamstress' bedroom, with a decked-out bed dominating the store and a shelf full of pillows, fabrics and sewing tools against one wall. The renowned-for-fabulous-home-items store just started carrying unique women's clothing.
Price Range: Moderate-Expensive.
The Look: Feminine, flowing and featuring shiny details, the look could be spotted at an afternoon of Shakespeare in the Park.
Shopper's Perks: You can customize almost anything here, from bedding to curtains, or call in the big guns for in-home space planning and color studies consultations.

Language
1537 N. Milwaukee, (773)772-5744
language-chicago.com
Goods: Clothing, shoes and accessories for women.
Designers: Mackage, Ilana Moses, Doucette Duvall, Geren Ford, ingwa; melero, Sarah Luna, Lewis Cho.
Owner: Natalie Barber, a former equity analyst, used to troll around Nolita boutiques on frequent trips to NYC. When she came back wearing the NYC styles, people would stop her on the street. "I realized that people in Chicago want this stuff!" she says.
Vibe: Silver tree branches form ghostly shapes on a black wall and birds make cameos throughout the décor. The sales staff is full of fashion-savvy advice on how to creatively combine pieces.
Price Range: Expensive.
The Look: Ladylike but funky, with a weakness for a forties cut. As Natalie says, her ladies love a: "vintage look without the vintage smell."
Shopper's Perks: Language boasts an unusually well-edited collection: items here can't be found anywhere else in the city, and every piece is truly stylish.

Lenny & Me
1463 N. Milwaukee, (773)489-5576
Goods: Vintage clothing and accessories for men and women.
Designers: From Luxe and BCBG to Marc Jacobs and Just In Case; accessories by jewelers Tony B. and Angie Ng.
Owner: Naming the boutique after her oldest son, Mexican-born immigrant Ana Camino set up shop in 1999.
Vibe: Welcoming and bright, Lenny & Me is remarkably well-organized for a vintage store.
The Look: Considering the constant merchandise makeover, the look is decidedly eclectic, from a St. John straight skirt to a metallic-green eighties prom dress. Excepting a handful of contemporary pieces, the store specializes in women's fifties and sixties garb; men's picks include track jackets and fedoras.
Shopper's Perks: Half the merchandise goes on sale every first weekend of the month. Plus, the back of the store houses a goldmine of $10 separates and $20 dresses.

Michelle Tan
1872 N. Damen, (773)252-1888
Goods: Women's clothing and accessories.
Designers: Separates by Michelle Tan, recycled cashmere from Mothballs, jewel-studded Italian bags from Gigil Franco and sparkly barrettes imported from Tokyo.
Owner: Design whiz Michelle Tan, who won Gen Art's Fresh Faces in Fashion 2005.
Vibe: Silver and white hues flood a minimalist space where Michelle's merchandise dangles from floating racks. But there's none of that pretentious "gallery vibe" here; Michelle is chatty, fun and full of energy.
Price Range: Expensive, with some moderately priced accessories.
The Look: Cutting-edge but still extremely pretty. This sartorially curious gal loves finding new ways to wear a garment. She loves subtle feminine frills and has a thing for ribbon.
Editor's Pick: The whole collection. Tan is our new favorite designer--and she's a local!
Shopper's Perks: If you see something you need but it isn't in your size, Tan will custom make it for you.

Ms. Catwalk
2042 N. Damen, (773)235-2750
mscatwalk.com
Goods: Clothing and accessories for women.
Designers: Jewelry by K. Amato, dresses by Genevieve Cruz, knits by 525 America, clothing by Hazel, Tulle, Sookie, Sugar Lips, 1921 Jeans, Horn and To the Max
Owner: Michon Stuttley, who worked as a stylist and probation officer before opening her cute-as-candy boutique.
Vibe: Peppy décor (walls are striped in pink, blue and chocolate) and an extremely friendly sales staff make this the pre-party place to shop.
Price Range: Inexpensive-Moderate.
The Look: This shopper wears clothing meant to sparkle in the light of a disco ball. She accessorizes with a martini glass and flirts freely.
Shopper's Perks: Shop online through the store's Web site, which offers accurate descriptions of each item along with fit information.

Ooh La La
1872 N. Damen, (773)489-5252
Goods: Clothing and accessories for women.
Designers: Dresses by Yoga Army. Pure Color and Level 99 denims; looks by Voom, Helen Wang and Eva Franco.
Owner: After closing her former boutique, I Candy, owner Tiffany Norrington opened this slightly more sophisticated incarnation in 2005.
Vibe: Gold curtains, pink walls and sweet-perfume-scented air provide a fittingly femme background for soft camis, lacy black boleros, bright-colored leggings; empire-waist silk dresses and funky accessories.
Price Range: Moderate to Expensive.
The Look: The cocktail-party-appropriate attire is fun and sassy without looking like it came from your younger sister's closet.
Shopper's Perks: Loyal shoppers are in for a special treat when each new season rolls around: The shop invites one or two ladies to enjoy after-hours wine and cheese along with a sneak preview of the season's selection.

p.45
1643 N. Damen, (773)862-4523
p45.com
Goods: Clothing and accessories for women.
Designers: Clothing by Rebecca Taylor, Shane Gabier, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Obus, Rebecca Lau, Deener Jeans and Lara Miller; jewelry by Stuart England and Sarah Maguire.
Owner: Original owners Tricia Tunstall and Jessica Darrow opened p.45 in 1997; the shop was one of the first boutiques on Damen Avenue. When Jessica left to pursue a life in nonprofit endeavors, Judy Yin became Tricia's partner.
Vibe: Exposed brick walls, faux stone floors and curving sheets of frosted glass set a tranquil stage. The sales staff is personable, polite and never overbearing.
Price Range: Expensive.
The Look: T-strap shoes, adorable hats and bits of lace dress a lady for a downtown tea party. More subdued pieces in the p.45 collection let her rule the workplace in city-sleek, sophisticated gear.
Editor's Pick: Stuart England's Verso Necklaces.
Shopper's Perks: Onsite events range from book readings to trunk shows.

Raizy
1944 N. Damen, (773)227-2221
shopraizy.com
Goods: Lingerie, pajamas, cosmetics, candles, skincare, bath and body products.
Designers: Silk robes by Leigh Bantivoglio, lingerie by Vera Wang, Love Tajane and Eberjey, skincare by Caudalie and Mario Badesci, makeup by Scott Barnes.
Owner: Renee Gertzfeld, who left a corporate job to pursue her passion for cosmetics and lingerie.
Vibe: Baby pink walls, silken sofas, twinkling chandeliers and candle-scented air give Raizy the feel of the ultimate personal boudoir.
Price Range: Expensive.
The Look: A lavishly feminine champagne dolly. Adores the feel of silk against her skin. Smells (and looks) like an expensive flower.
Shopper's Perks: Beauty Director Adriana Aude offers the Personal Parlor ($180), a two-hour personal-makeup-bag assessment that includes suggestions for new products, tips on makeup application and a brow-shaping.

Red Eye Eyewear
1869 N. Damen, (773)782-1660
redeyeoptical.com
Goods: Eyewear for men and women.
Designers: Household names like Steve Madden, Gucci and Armani are mixed in with a few high-end frame designers, including Vanni and Jai Kudo
Owner: Optometrist Matthew Gifford took over the 5-year-old shop two years ago.
Vibe: Men's and women's eyewear with trendy, classic and vintage-inspired frames covers every inch of shelf space. Despite the shoebox size of the space, optician Daisy Diaz will whisk you in with a warm welcome.
Price Range: Moderate to expensive.
The Look: Excepting the pink titanium and tortoise shell owl-eye specs (which Diaz points out as a favorite among architects and photographers), the styles are relatively understated.
Editor's Pick: Ray-Ban's fifties-style, horn-rim and stainless-steel frames for guys.
Shopper's Perks: With an onsite optometrist and optician, you're sure to find your peepers' perfect match.

Robin Richman
2108 N. Damen, (773)278-6150
Goods: Women's and men's clothing, shoes and accessories.
Designers: Marc Le Bihan, Gary Graham, Hussein Chalayan, Antipast, shoes by Marsell.
Owner: After studying textiles at the School of the Art Institute and traveling and studying her way through Mexico, Robin Richman owned a handmade knitting business before opening her eponymous boutique.
Vibe: A spacious boutique with an artsy feel. There's a green-hued men's area tucked in the back and a studio upstairs, where the staff makes hand-sewn accessories sold in the shop.
Price Range: Luxury.
The Look: Heavily textured and layered, dressed for a midnight art party.
Editor's Pick: Black leather Marsell shoes with laces that wrap around the arch ($520).
Shopper's Perks: For every international designer you buy; get that country's stamp in your Shop Around the World passport. Fill up your passport and score a $100 gift certificate.

Saffron
2064 N. Damen, (773)486-7753
saffronchicago.com
Goods: Women's clothing and accessories, gifts, home items and body products.
Designers: Saja, Alara, Clo; Select pieces from proprietor Padmaja's line, embroidered shirts by 3J Workshop, skirts from Neesh by DAR, jackets by G1, coats by An Ren, candles by Voluspa.
Owner: Padmaja Manerikar Maryanski, a designer of women's ready-to-wear, opened the shop nine years ago.
Vibe: The scent of lemon sage candles and the trill of a soprano's aria flood the air. Tables are stocked with decorative tea towels, plates wrapped in pink ribbons and slender bottles of olive oil. You'll be tempted to move right in.
Price Range: Moderate-Expensive.
The Look: A glimmer of sparkle or a touch of lace. A woman who likes the feel of soft, breezy dresses and shawls. She lines her drawers with lemon-jasmine scented paper and whips up decadent, homemade pies.
Shopper's Perks: Padmaja's generous warmth is a real presence in the store.

Saint Alfred
1531 N. Milwaukee, (773)486-7159
stalfred.com
Goods: Premium sneakers in limited quantities, hard-to-find tees, caps and name-brand jeans. Sorry, ladies: Eighty percent of the stock is for guys.
Designers: Limited-edition kicks from Vis Vim and Marc Jacobs for Vans. St. Alfred's exclusive fitted caps are cool-kid status symbols.
Owner: Sneaker gurus Ian Ginozia and Eddy Haus opened St. Alfred following the success of their legendary Kicks/HI stores in Honolulu.
Vibe: The sneaker-head heaven boasts shelves made from vintage steamer trunks and an antique brass cash register. Cha-Cha, the manager's Jack Russell-Chihuahua mix, trots around the store inspecting ankles.
Price Range: Expensive-Luxury.
The Look: That street-savvy Montreal urbanite from your freshman-year dorm.
Shopper's Perks: The staff knows regulars by name, and they'll dial you when the pair you crave has arrived. For advance notice sent right to your inbox, sign up at hawaiikicks.com

store B
1472 N. Milwaukee, (773)772-4296
Goods: Vintage clothing for women, a smaller selection for men and children, vintage home accessories, jewelry and shoes as well as modern home-décor pieces, candles and lotions.
Designers: The array of designers is vast, as consignment clothing and accessories come from estate sales.
Owner: David Ginople, owner of home-décor store Findables, opened this high-end vintage clothing store just over three years ago.
Vibe: Store B is eclectic and busy, with displays that keep your head constantly turning with new things to see. With a welcoming and enthusiastic staff, you'll want to spend all afternoon pillaging the mint condition clothing.
Price Range: Moderate-Expensive.
The Look: Take your pick: Audrey Hepburn, Sandra Dee, Mary Tyler Moore or Farrah Fawcett.
Shopper's Perks: Clothing is cleaned and repairs are made before the items are put out onto the floor.

Silver Moon
1755 W. North, (773)235-5797
silvermoonvintage.com
Goods: Vintage clothing for men and women, vintage house wares, and new pieces from Vivienne Westwood.
Designers: Vivienne Westwood and vintage.
Owner: Liz Meyer, stylist for the rockin' likes of Aerosmith.
Vibe: Clean, organized displays, a spacious layout and carefully marked tags make finding pieces a breeze (not always the case in a vintage store.) Liz Meyer acts as a tour guide, happily leading customers through sartorial history.
Price Range: Inexpensive-Luxury.
The Look: From the pages of a gothic storybook or an old-time Hollywood magazine. Glamorous bombshell or shrinking violet. Loves bits of lace, rock 'n' roll and anything quirkily morbid. Think Dita Von Teese, who stops by the shop when she's in town.
Shopper's Perks: Makeup artists trained in airbrushing offer onsite vintage makeovers; with a few strokes, you'll look like a pinup girl from the 1950s.

The Silver Room
1442 N. Milwaukee, (773)278-7130
thesilverroom.com
Goods: Jewelry, watches, hats, purses, messenger bags and sunglasses for men and women.
Designers: The Silver Room carries mostly small jewelry designers, like B. Tiff of New York. They also carry the very cool and eco-friendly iWood sunglasses.
Owner: Eric Williams has owned and operated The Silver Room for nine years.
Vibe: A large open space spruced up with light accents creates a relaxed shopping experience, though The Silver Room's in-store DJ can infuse the shop with energy on demand.
Price Range: Inexpensive-Expensive.
The Look: Art-school chic.
Shopper's Perks: Sign up on the store's Web site to receive invites to their in-store events and parties.

Stitch
1723 N. Damen, (773)782-1570
stitchchicago.com
Goods: Specializing in leather bags, laptop cases, purses and wallets, Stitch also carries furniture, dishware, throws, jewelry, pillows, luggage, bedding and gifts.
Designers: Massoni, Acme Made, Wendy Me, Adina, Giles & Bros.
Owner: With a background in art design, Pamela Hewett was one of the pioneers to open a boutique on this stretch of Damen Avenue, motivated by her love of handmade, stitched goods.
Vibe: This boutique looks more like the full-to-bursting living room of an artsy friend than a boutique, with Bjork playing overhead and bookshelves and furniture breaking the space up into a hide-and-go-seek of stitched goods.
Price Range: Moderate-Luxury.
The Look: Colorful, highly detailed accent pieces with personality
Editor's Pick: Shiny olive-colored wallets with a robin's-egg-blue donkey silhouette, designed by Highway ($88).
Shopper's Perks: Shoppers can create a wish list or wedding registry.

Tangerine
1719 N. Damen, (773)772-0505
Goods: Women's clothing and accessories.
Designers: Nanette Lepore, Tibi New York, Jungal, Mint, Manoush, Charlotte Ronson, Cyn and Erica Tanov.
Owner: Lori Mandarino opened the boutique over ten years ago. With no fashion experience, only a knack for style, she started the successful business "from scratch."
Vibe: A giant, antique bar with intricately carved flowers serves as the cash register; an oversized jade pot forms an antique-chic table. Racks are punctuated with sinuous, metal branches.
Price Range: Expensive.
The Look: World traveler with exquisite taste (and beyond-a-backpacker's budget). This shopper scours outdoor markets for antique charms and ethnic jewelry. Obsessed with color and sophisticated prints.
Editor's Pick: Bulga's buttery Butterfly bag ($514).
Shopper's Perks: A sale section in back is constantly stocked with bargains.

The T-Shirt Deli
1739 N. Damen, (773)276-6266
tshirtdeli.com
Owner: Ninel Pompushko, a former copywriter for beer companies.
Goods: American Apparel t-shirts for women, children, babies and even dogs.
Designers: You! Pick decals and letters from a pile of albums and put your own spin on a wardrobe basic.
Vibe: Gleaming white deli counters, red t-shirts strung up to look like salami and butcher paper packaging bring the t-shirt store's theme to life (sometimes too vividly, in the experience of passersby who stop in to grab a sandwich).
Price Range: Generally moderate, but higher prices reflect more lettering and decals.
Shopper's Perk: Each purchase comes with a bag of chips.

TK Men
1909 W. North, (773)342-9800
tkmen.com
Goods: Clothing and accessories for men.
Designers: 9 Lives, King Baby, J. Lindenberg, Ted Baker, Stitches and jewelry by Cadillac Hammer.
Owner: Lindsay McKay, former stylist for stars like Dave Navarro and Wyclef Jean.
Vibe: A vintage pool table, Playboy pinups on the walls and a wireless X-Box make TK Men a fashionable bachelor's paradise.
Price Range: Expensive.
The Look: Arty with a dash of rock star. Think Gen Art crowd meets Dave Navarro.
Shopper's Perks: Each of-age customer is treated to beer from a keg in the back.

Una Mae's Freak Boutique
1422 N. Milwaukee, (773)276-7002
unamaesclothing.com
Goods: Una Mae's is best known for used clothing--for men the best vintage items are the Western shirts and blazers, and women are usually fond of the skirts and dresses. Recently, the store's stock has expanded to include new designer clothing.
Designers: In the non-vintage apparel, you'll find Wowch, Boxfresh, MomiMomi, Tulle and Gentle Fawn.
Owner: Nancy Becker, now the sole owner, founded the shop in 1996 with two of her best friends from art school.
Vibe: Una Mae's is like a well-decorated attic that doesn't smell or have a moth problem. Just about everything inside is vintage, from the clothing to the furniture to the rugs.
Price Range: Vintage items inexpensive, designer items moderate.
The Look: Thrift-store dressers with an extra sense of style.
Shopper's Perks: Look for a small, unexpected selection of gifts that includes candles and jewelry.

Untitled
1941 W. North, (773)342-0500
untitledshop.com
See description in Lincoln Park section.

Store: Vive La Femme, 2048 N. Damen, (773)772-7429, vivelafemme.com.
Goods: Clothing and accessories for women size 12 and up.
Designers: Svoboda, Anna Scholz, Nataya.
Owner: Stephanie Sack and Brooklyn Crane opened the shop to: "snub the stereotype that fashion is for size-sixers."
Vibe: Light pink walls with brown accents make the new location a softer, calmer place than its former, across-the-street incarnation. But despite the tone-down in decor, the place has a high-energy vibe.
Price Range: Moderate-Expensive.
Look: Grabs life by the horns. Loves color, partying and anything with panache. Girly with a sophisticated side.
Shopper's Perks: Frequent onsite cocktail bashes allow girls to get together and gab.

GOLD COAST/NEAR NORTH

Clever Alice
750 N. Franklin, (312)587-8693
cleveralice.net
Goods: Clothing and accessories for women.
Designers: Chicago-based Grey Ant, Italian designs by Sathia, Parisian line Casting, Kitchen Orange from Montreal, boots from Jeffrey Campbell and jewelry from local artist Veronica Martin Riley.
Owner: Tamara Chaponot named her store after a children's book she found in France.
Vibe: Tailored, feminine designs stock a tranquil space in the heart of the gallery district. The staff is gracious, chatty and abundantly fashion-savvy.
Price Range: Expensive.
The Look: Prim and coquettish, creative and demure all at once--like the store's fairytale namesake. Perfect gear for the belle of the art gallery or a hip young publicist.
Shopper's Perks: Pieces are bought with special attention to Chicago's notoriously extreme seasons, so that each item can be worn winter through fall.


The Daisy Shop
67 E. Oak, (312)943-8880
daisyshop.com
Goods: Women's couture resale clothing and accessories.
Designers: Carolina Hererra, Givenchy, Jil Sander, Yves Saint Laurent, accessories by Judith Leiber.
Owner: Barbara Nell founded the shop twelve years ago.
Vibe: Tucked away on the sixth floor of an Oak Street walkup, the store feels like a well-organized fashion archive; the knowledgeable staff acts like designer docents. Expect to find estate jewels, hats and handbags alongside clothing from some of Europe's most posh ateliers.
Price Range: Moderate for couture, the prices are what the staff refers to as a "relative bargain."
Shopper's Perks: Everything in stock is authenticated. Join the Daisy Fresh Pix club to receive flyers about newly arrived designer merchandise before it hits the web.

G'bani
949 N. State, (312)440-1718
gbani.com
Goods: Women's and men's clothing, shoes and bags.
Designers: Patrizia Pepe, Roberto Cavalli, Max Verre, Giuseppe Zanotti, Rocco P, DSquared, Diego Dolcini
Owners: Husband and wife duo B.J. and Trevian Kutti operate this 10-year-old boutique and manage two showrooms in Europe.
Vibe: Buzzer-operated doors and the sales staff's careful-what-you-touch attitude stir up an air of exclusivity. The room is upbeat and glam, with pop music and plenty of shimmer and sparkle on the racks.
Price Range: Luxury.
The Look: Sexy, sexy, sexy. Towering high heels. Shimmery tops. Tastefully plunging necklines. Set to down drinks on the rooftop at SushiSamba Rio.
Shopper's Perks: Champagne and caviar events are not only held when new lines drop, but for simple client appreciation as well. Plus, it's worth dropping by every three months to see the politically inspired window displays, crafted by students at the School of the Art Institute.

Ikram
873 N. Rush, (312)587-1000
ikram.com
Goods: Clothing and accessories for women.
Designers: Junya Watanabe, Rick Owens, Alexander McQueen, Lanvin, Elise Overland, Thakoon and Proenza Schouler.
Owner: Ikram Goldman has run her eponymous Gold Coast boutique for over five years.
A famous champion of emerging design talent, Goldman's killer eye earns her frequent mentions in the pages of Vogue.
Vibe: Serene and upscale. A series of arches in the walls, swatches of gold and ornately carved wooden screens create the feeling of an haute fashion temple.
Price Range: Luxury.
The Look: Sophisticated fashion editor. Italian movie star. Jet-setting heiress. This woman has a weakness for glamour and a keen, intellectual understanding of fashion.
Shopper's Perks: Despite her status as couture queen of Chicago, Ikram Goldman is warm, open and charismatic. She lavishes attention and expert sartorial advice on each of her clients--plus, she throws the most fabulous parties in town.

Jake
939 N. Rush, (312)644-5553
shopjake.com
Goods: Clothing and accessories for men and women.
Designers: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Sass and Bide and Sue Stemp for women; Band of Outsiders, Kasil denim and Rogues Gallery for men.
Owners: Lance Lawson, an attorney, keeps the business pegs in place while Jim Wetzel applies his merchandising background to the biz.
Vibe: Clean and chic with a lodge-in-Aspen edge--small antlers decorate the walls and a cowhide rug rests on the wood floors. The staff doesn't do the snooty thing, and they know all the regulars by name.
Price Range: Expensive-Luxury.
The Look: A tasteful, impeccably pulled-together look that blends megawatt and off-the-beaten path designers. Outfits for uber-exclusive cocktail parties or for sipping wine in your Nate Berkus-decorated living room.
Shopper's Perks: All the salespeople have a background in luxury retail. Onsite trunk shows offer shoppers the chance to mingle and sip champagne with fashion-world stars.

ps: accessories
1127 N. State, (312)932-0077
ps-accessories.com
Goods: Shoes and accessories for women.
Designers: Vintage-inspired jewelry by Eda and Betty, precious stone necklaces by To Be A Diva, platform shoes by Steven, leather bags by Sharon Elaine and shoes by Carlos Santana, Tribeca, Restricted and Elle.
Owner: Shelly Meekma, a former jewelry buyer, celebrates her boutique's third anniversary this fall.
Vibe: There's not a drop of Gold Coast `tude in this dream accessories closet. Shoe boxes are stacked for DIY service (though the staff is on hand to help), leopard couches create cozy places to perch and magazine clippings on the wall inform on the latest accessory trends (and this month's horoscope!)
Price Range: Moderate.
The Look: From pink python ankle boots to bohemian-luxe slouchy leather bags, and from pink-and-green ribbon belts to downtown-flavored newsboy caps, this shop feeds every stripe of accessory craving.
Shopper's Perks: Frequent onsite jewelry trunk shows.

Samantha Chicago
64 E. Walton, (312)951-5383
samanthachicago.com
Goods: Clothing, lingerie, swimwear and accessories for women.
Designers: C&C, Ya-Ya Love, Vince, True Religion, Joe's Jeans, Hanky Panky, Citrine by the Stones.
Owner: Samantha Mittelman opened the California-cool boutique in an effort to infuse the Midwest with West Coast style.
Vibe: Samantha channels Barbie's dream house with a white ostrich-skin couch, slick pink chairs and shaggy pink rugs. The walls boast a girly flower print and mod white lamps illuminate the space.
Price Range: Expensive.
The Look: Trend-driven and youthful. Beach babe by day, party girl by night. Gold Coast girl with California dreams.
Shopper's Perks: Starlets love this place, so you may just have a celebrity sighting. Also, the store's Web site allows online shopping.

Sugar Magnolia
34 E. Oak, (312)944-0885
Goods: Women's clothing and accessories.
Designers: Susanna Monaco, Velvet, Michael Stars, Stitch, Wrangler, Ella Moss
Owners: Husband and wife duo Jeffrey and Leslie Gersten (the most fashionable Deadheads you'll ever meet) opened this Gold Coast staple thirty-three years ago.
Vibe: Techno-y beats pulse in the background of this bright and cheery storefront. The sales staff is knowledgeable yet unobtrusive, and the racks of clothing are neatly organized, making it easy to spot your favorite fall sweater from across the room.
Price Range: Expensive
The Look: Classic pieces with a trendy edge. Run errands all day, meet your guy at Avenue M and look classy, fresh and fabulous all the while.
Shopper's Perks: The Gerstens' priority is educated service--they're constantly ensuring their staff is in the know by educating them on the best designer for each body type.

ultimo
114 E. Oak, (312)787-1171
ultimo.com
Goods: Women's clothing, shoes and accessories
Designers: Stella McCartney, Roberto Cavalli, Christian Lacroix, and exclusive-in-Chicago Elie Saab and Josef Statkus. Shoes? Almost entirely Manolo Blahnik.
Owner: Sara Albrecht--artist, designer and Hubbard Street Dance Company director--continues the thirty-year tradition of one of Chicago's most established high-end boutiques.
Vibe: From the rich colors to the plush carpets, the soft lighting to the metal sculptures, this store is lux-u-ri-ous. But don't let the impeccably dressed staff fool you--they're welcoming, attentive and willing to go the extra mile.
Price Range: Luxury
The Look: The society pages. Flip through In Style and see your new shoes on the red carpet.
Shopper's Perks: Best selection of Manolos in the city. The boutique's four hand-drawn sketches by Blahnik himself demonstrate the close relationship Ultimo has with the designer.

HYDE PARK

Alise's Designer Shoe Salon
5210 S. Harper, (773)667-0929
alisesshoes.com
Goods: Men's and women's shoes, handbags, jewelry, belts.
Designers: Men's shoes by Twenty, Liza and Forte, women's shoes by Parisi & Naldini, Ciga and Massimo Dogano.
Owner: The husband-and-wife team Mario and Shawna Kendall met at church, when Shawna took notice of Mario's stylish blue suede shoes and the two struck up a conversation. Named after Shawna's daughter, Alise, this shoe boutique recently relocated from Lakeview to Hyde Park.
Vibe: This shoebox of a boutique blushes with head-to-toe red--from the crimson walls to the cushy, cherry-hued velvet benches. Shelves display shoes like works of art.
Price Range: Expensive.
The Look: A few ankle-wobbling (but very fashionable) steps from the taxi to your table at Reserve.
Shopper's Perks: The boutique's anniversary sale, each February, goes beyond sales with community events and doors-open celebrations.


LAKEVIEW

Clothes Optional
2918 N. Clark, (773)296-6630
myspace.com/clothesoptionalchicago
Goods: This vintage resale shop features goods from the 1950s-1980s. There's clothing for men, women and children alongside home goods.
Designers: Polyester disco shirts, Levi's bellbottoms, Member's Only jackets, "plaid anything and everything" and--hold onto your hats, children of the nineties--NKOTB bed sheets. A special designer rack proffers goodies from local artists like Choke and KATE.
Owner: Jamie Issler owns up to an "obsession" with items from the fifties through the eighties and opened the boutique three years ago to "create a nostalgic flashback into time."
The Vibe: The shop is decorated with old Zenith radios, orange diner booths and well-worn mannequins. Children's bicycles dangle from the ceiling and oldies waft from the speakers. Owls--the store's signature motif--show up everywhere.
Price Range: Inexpensive-Moderate.
The Look: Casual, funky and retro-flavored.
Shopper's Perks: Bimonthly, onsite art openings feature complimentary beer and discounts on clothing.

Flirt
3449 N. Southport, (773)935-4789
shopflirt.com
Goods: Women's clothing and accessories.
Designers: Charlotte Tarantola, Saja, 525 America, To The Max, Rock and Republic, Hobo International.
Owner: Owners Channing Blair Hesse and Lynn Ellenberger met while working as partners at a Chicago law firm and opened Flirt to combine their interests in fashion and business.
Vibe: An artsy loft apartment, with racks of clothes lining the periphery and a zebra-striped sofa strewn with hot pink throw pillows taking center stage. Exposed brick walls and an elaborate chandelier, along with a vintage vanity piled high with belts, add to the homey feel.
Price Range: Expensive.
The Look: Frilly, cheeky duds for an evening of drinks in the Southport corridor
Shopper's Perks: Check the boutique's Web site for regular sidewalk, trunk and end-of-season events and pick up a Frequent Shopper card, which rewards big spending with a hefty discount.

Hubba Hubba
3309 N. Clark, (773)477-1414
hubbahubachicago.com
Goods: Women's clothing and accessories.
Designers: Tops by Michael Stars, jeans by Red Engine and Level 99, jackets and sweaters by Tulle, sweaters by Free People, and dresses by Voom.
Owner: Julie Schneider opened Hubba Hubba in 1988, with the aim of creating a unique atmosphere filled with romantic outfits
Vibe: A sunny, dress-heavy boutique, bursting with ribbons and lace. The fragrance from loose rose potpourri travels throughout the shop.
Price Range: Moderate-Expensive.
The Look: Classy-romantic, headed to a high-school reunion or friend's wedding.
Shopper's Perks: Shoppers get 20 percent off during their birthday month. Make sure to check out the stylish fitting rooms, each with a crystal chandelier and vintage chair.

Jake
3740 N. Southport, (773)929-5253
shopjake.com
See description in Gold Coast/Near North section.

Krista K. Boutique
3458 N. Southport, (773)248-1967
kristak.com
Goods: Women's clothing and accessories.
Designers: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Rebecca Taylor, Milly, Tibi, jeans by Genetic Denim, Citizens of Humanity, TAG, meli-melo.
Owner: Drawing on her MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management--and her considerable experience with shopping--Krista Kaur Meyers opened Krista K. Boutique in 2002.
Vibe: This two-story, window-lined boutique boasts fully stocked floors, an approachable staff and plenty of catch-your-breath seating.
Price Range: Expensive.
The Look: Take these crisp, sophisticated, and full-of-feminine-charm pieces from a picnic by the lake to an evening of $10 martinis.
Shopper's Perks: With an oversized leather couch, a basket of kid's toys and a stack of magazines, this shop is well-equipped to occupy antsy family members. Each January and July, the Shop Around the Clock sale allows shoppers to score an additional fifty percent off already-reduced items.

Red Head Boutique
3450 N. Southport, (773)325-9898
redheadboutique.com
Goods: Women's clothing and accessories.
Designers: Cynthia Steffe, Charlotte Ronson, Genera, Alice & Olivia, Wendy Hil, Julie Haus
Owner: Redheaded owner Kerry Judy handpicks everything in her boutique, generally stocking only one item per size.
Vibe: The striped gold-and-green walls, sparkly chandeliers and vintage fitting rooms make the shop's ambiance every bit as girly-glam as its clothes.
Price Range: Moderate-Expensive.
The Look: Colors, prints and personality define the pieces here; the shop is aimed toward the, hip urbanites you'd expect to find window shopping on Southport.
Editor's Pick: Large oval belt buckles by North Shore's Hip Threads ($66).
Shopper's Perks: Spend more than $300 in the store and receive a $50 gift certificate by mail.

Shane
3657 N. Southport, (773)549-0179
shopshane.com
Goods: Men's and women's clothing and accessories.
Designers: Three Dots, Joe's Jeans, Michael Stars, Trunk, FCUK.
Owner: A Michigan native, Shane Limbacher moved to Chicago and opened a showroom in the Merchandise Mart (remember Studio Elle?) before founding this Southport boutique nearly two years ago.
Vibe: It's easy to hit sensory overload in this narrow, stocked-to-the-brim space. Radio pop playing overhead keeps the shopping peppy.
Price Range: Moderate-Expensive.
The Look: Bar-ready weekend wear, more suited to hitting the dancefloor than the barstool.
Shopper's Perks: The email list will give you a heads-up on regular parties, where cheese and cocktails are paired with a twenty percent discount.

Trousseau
3543 N. Southport, (773)472-2727
Goods: Women's lingerie, sleepwear, bathing suits, gifts.
Designers: Marie Jo, Chantelle, Eberjey, La Perla, Simone Perele.
Owner: A former investment banker, Christy Horton opened Trousseau to explore her passion for lingerie.
Vibe: This girlie paradise--think pastel walls, deep red carpet and lacy window displays--has little nooks and corners devoted to different themes, from bridal gear to tropical bathing suits, and themed fitting rooms to match.
Price Range: Moderate-Luxury.
The Look: From mother of the bride to scandalous bridesmaid.
Editor's Pick: Cleavage Cupcakes, gel bra inserts that are "just like homemade" treats ($44).
Shopper's Perks: The largest range of bra sizes in Chicago, from 30A to 52J, as well as fittings, a gift registry and a new VIP customer plan: $500 in purchases will earn you a discount for the rest of the year. (2006-09-20)

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