Chicago’s boutiques tend to cluster in pedestrian-friendly shopping districts, so we’ve organized Boutiqueville along those lines, even when that means placing stores in sections other than their true neighborhoods.


ANDERSONVILLE
His Stuff
5314 N. Clark, (773)989-9111, hisstuffchicago.com
Goods: Men's clothing, shoes, accessories. Designers: Hugo Boss Red Line, Z-Brand, Energie, Mavi Jeans, Swiss Army, J. Lindeberg. 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. New for Fall: Tailored pieces, Hudson jeans, and their new line C'N'C by Costume National.

Eva May
5643 N. Ashland, (773)551-1875, evamay.com
Goods: Hats, scarves, bags, pins and other accessories for women. Designers: Most of the wearable art in this shop is designed by Eva May herself. Owner: Swedish-born Eva May studied at Chicago’s own Ray College of Design and after several years of hawking her goods at art shows and online, she recently opened her own shop. Vibe: With all of the impeccably handcrafted goods on display, the shop feels like an accessories gallery. Price Range: Moderate. The Look: Artsy, eclectic and slightly bohemian. Spend a fall day stocking up at the last Green City Market then head to a friend’s gallery opening. Shopper’s Perks: Nearly everything Eva May creates is one-of-a-kind. Plus, she’ll happily custom-make any of her products if you can’t find the perfect size, color or material.

Hip Fit
1513 W. Foster, (773)878-4447, hipfitandersonville.com
Goods: Women's and men's clothing, belts, jackets. Designers: Blue Cult, Kasil, Seven, Buffalo, Threadless Tees. Owner: As a child, Jennifer Rozenberg toddled around her mom's secondhand clothing store; she then spent years working in retail before opening her own shop. Vibe: With a massive wall of Polaroids behind the counter, a green shag carpet 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: The shop is known for funky belt buckles that can add pizzazz to the standard tee-and-jeans combo.

Presence
5216 N. Clark, (773)989-4420
Goods: Clothing and accessories for women. Designers: Hot Kiss, Soda Blue, Tulle and Chinese Laundry. Owners: Presence was started in 1969 by "two hippy women who opened a shop in their living room on Broadway." Today, Joanna Miner (daughter of one of the 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 what-to-pair-with-what inspiration. Price Range: Inexpensive-Moderate. The Look: Fun, girly and trend-driven. Shopper's Perks: At Presence, "It's very easy to buy an entire outfit—jewelry included—for under $120 dollars," says Joanna Miner. New for Fall: Vintage-style jackets and colored denim.

BUCKTOWN

Includes North Wicker Park boutiques; see WICKER PARK section for Division Street boutiques

Akira
1814 W. North, (773)489-0818 (women’s flagship store), 1922 W. North, (773)276-5640 (men), 1849 W. North, (773)342-8684 (shoes), 1904 W. North, (773)384-4465 (detail by Akira), akirachicago.com
Goods: Women's and men's clothing, accessories and shoes. Designers: Rock & Republic, Citizens of Humanity, 7 for All Mankind, Gold Sign, Serfontaine; dresses by Anna Sui and Betsey Johnson; sunglasses by Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana and Just Cavalli; Ben Sherman, Custo Barcelona and Scotch & Soda for men. Owner: College friends Eric Hsueh, Jon Cotay and Erikka Wang began their North Avenue domination with the Akira women's store in 2002. Now Akira encompasses several different stores all over the city, and 20,000 square feet of retail space on a single block in Bucktown. 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: With so many designers, there are so many looks. But a youthful energy shines in feminine prints, bright colors, current trends and designer denim. You can score everything from denim-focused, kick-it gear to an ensemble perfect for sipping 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. Stop by to pick out an outfit for a night out and receive complimentary club passes. New for Fall: A new men's store, opening soon.

American Apparel
1563 N. Milwaukee, (773)235-6778, americanapparel.net


Another Level
1420 N. Milwaukee, (773)235-0465, anotherlevel.com
Goods: Clothing and accessories for men and women. Designers: Affliction/Simple, One Life, Unlocal Clothing (men and women), Famous Stars and Straps, Hard 8, Puma. Owners: Zenis Stasic started out in retail as the owner of Off the Wall Records, a vinyl record shop. Vibe: The store has an upscale feel with cleanly arranged merchandise and ceramic tile floors. House and Euro beats provide a clubby soundtrack. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive, with great sales. The Look: These shoppers frequent the clubs, and they let Another Level outfit them for nights at Spy Bar or Climax. Shopper's Perks: Another Level hosts weekly club events at venues like Ruby.

apartment number 9
1804 N. Damen, (773)395-2999
Goods: Clothing and accessories for men. Designers: Clothing by Earnest Sewn, Rogan, Paul + Joe, 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 include twisted logs or flowers. Price Range: Expensive. The Look: Clean, polished and designer-driven. Shopper's Perks: Basic alterations and wardrobe consultations. New for Fall: Lots of layering, which creates a dapper, schoolboy look.

(NEW) Belmont Army Surplus
1318 N. Milwaukee, (773)384-8448, belmontarmy.com
Goods: New and vintage clothing and shoes for men and women. Designers: Clothing by Ben Sherman, BB Dakota, Paul Frank and Bobi; shoes by Vans, Camper, Converse, Gravis and New Balance. Owner: Chang Yoo, Kuthe Yoo, Tony Lee and Craig Scholla moved the legendary Belmont store over to the West Side early this year. Vibe: The upstairs stock is completely new, while the vintage goods are in the basement. The clothing (yes, even the vintage) is neatly arranged and the staff is completely hands-off (unless you need them, of course), which makes for a totally no-pressure shopping experience. Price Range: Inexpensive-Moderate. The Look: Trendy hipster upstairs, thrift-store devotee downstairs. The person who shops on both floors has a personal style that is completely their own, and thrives on blending pieces to create a unique look. Shopper’s Perks: Massive amounts of both new and used clothing in one place? Perfect for fashionable friends with dueling shopping styles. New for Fall: Look for a Belmont Army Surplus to open back on Belmont this fall, just a half block from the original location.

Beta Boutique
2016 W. Concord, (773)276-0905, betaboutique.com
Goods: Discounted designer clothing, bags and accessories for women. Designers: The list of designers is long and always growing, with everything from Betsey Johnson to Charlotte Ronson to Ya-Ya. Owner: After building her fashion clout working in the offices of Ann Taylor in New York, Janice Moskoff moved to Chicago to avoid the daily corporate grind. Vibe: Hidden away on a side street, the shop feels like a well-kept secret you're proud to have stumbled upon. The interior is bright, and help is outgoing without being overbearing. Price Range: Inexpensive-Moderate. The Look: Casually dressed to impress and effortlessly on top of trends. Shopper's Perks: Sign up on the Web site to get emails on new designers and shipments.

City Soles/Niche
2001 W. North, (773)489-2001 (City Soles), 1566 N. Damen, (773)489-2001 (Niche), citysoles.com
Goods: Shoes and accessories for men and women. Designers: Shoes by Camper, Biviel, Chie Mahara and CYDWOQ, handmade bags by (H(om)e). 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 catch the El without spraining an ankle; but slipping on an old pair of Reeboks (and wearing 'em with dress pants) is out of the question. Shopper's Perks: Buy ten pairs of shoes and get a $100 gift certificate. New for Fall: Granny boots and oxfords.

Clothes Minded
1735 N. Damen, (773)227-3402
Goods: Women's clothing and accessories. Designers: James Perse, Sanctuary, Design History and Kensie. 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.

Crossroads Trading Co.
1519 N. Milwaukee, (773)227-5300, crossroadstrading.com


D. Marie
1867 N. Damen, (773)489-3220
Goods: Accessories and handbags for women. Designers: Elliot Luca, Retrodelic, Latico, Sabina, Aleyal, Bulga; 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. Best of all, the shop allowed her to spend more time with her daughter Therese, who co-owns the girly shop. 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. 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. New for Fall: Jewel-toned handbags and oversized clutches.

John Fluevog Shoes
1539-41 N. Milwaukee, (773)772-1983, Fluevog.com


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, Tankfarm, Hard 8, Salvage, Affliction and Drifter. 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 decor 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 their jeans. Futurgarb is rife with unique but casual men's and women's wear. Shopper's Perks: Futurgarb constantly has sales going on, so you'll almost always be able to find a sweet deal.

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, On Gossamer, Madame V and Jane Woolrich. 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 with deep red and gold hues, old armoires, chaise lounges 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." New for Fall: New classes include “Burlesque Dancing” for women and “How to Please a Woman” for men.

Gem
1710 N. Damen, (773)384-7700, gemchicago.com
Goods: Women's and men's jewelry, non-traditional wedding rings. Designers: Laura Kitsos' mixed-metal creations with 18K gold and blackened silver, Swallow's gold and silver jewelry with cast birds, old favorites like Jeanine Payer and Arik Kastan and new designers such as Becky Kelso and Melissa Joy Manning. Owner: Jewelry designer Laura Kitsos. Vibe: The Tinkerbelle-sized boutique surrounded in pale blue walls feels like a walk-in jewelry box. The Look: Aglitter with colorful, Indian-influenced or nature-inspired gems. The Gem femme wears timeless pieces with trendy nuance and loves delicate but eye-catching accessories. Shopper's Perks: Kitsos can custom-design jewelry. New for Fall: Bangles by Jessica Kagan Cushman.

(NEW) Grace
1917 N. Damen, (773)384-7223, shopgrace.com
Goods: Shoes and handbags for women. Designers: Anya Hindmarch, Elizabeth Brady, Gwendolyn Carrie; Wellingtons by Hunter; purses by Cate Adair. Owner: Kristi Ryan left her position as an executive recruiter to open a store that puts sophistication back into everyday footwear. Vibe: Modern and breathtakingly uncluttered, Grace showcases each shoe prominently, giving each sole room to shine. Shoe expert Ryan is nearly always on hand to offer advice and designer info. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: Just because you’re going to the office doesn’t mean you have to wear dowdy, uninspired footwear. Ryan stocks chic, classic, long-lasting shoes that you can take from the office to dinner to dancing without losing a stylish step. Shopper’s Perks: Many of Grace’s designers aren’t well known in the US, and several of their lines are Chicago exclusives.

Hejfina
1529 N. Milwaukee, (773)772-0002, hejfina.com
Goods: Men and women's clothing, shoes, accessories, art and architecture books, custom-design furniture and home accessories. Designers: Vena Cava, A.P.C, Vanessa Bruno, Isabel Marant, Jasmin Shokrian, Adam Kimmel, Nice Collective and Cloak. 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 art-related events including collaborations and drawing parties. New for Fall: Hejfina has added a few lines that are exclusive to the store in Chicago including Preen and Karin Wester.

Helen Yi
1645 N. Damen, (773)252-3838, helenyi.com
Goods: Women's clothing and accessories. Designers: Derek Lam, Chloe, local designer Vatit Itthi and Barbara Bui. Owner: Helen Yi worked in retail since she was 16 and opened her 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 Derek Lam leather handbag while dining at Alinea with friends. Shopper's Perks: Wardrobe consulting and personal shopping.

Jade
1557 N. Milwaukee, (773)342-5233, jadechicago.com
Goods: Women's clothing and accessories. Designers: M Missoni, Mara Hoffman, T Bags, IIsli, Dear Cashmere and 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 is outfitted with a Japanese teahouse facade, 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; artisan jewelry, bedding home items. Designers: The store represents several South American designers including Brazilian lines Patachou and Tacklers, Chilean line Amen and jewelry from Amazonian artisans. 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 sumptuous bed dominating the store and a shelf full of pillows, fabrics and sewing tools against one wall. The renowned-for-fabulous-home-items store also carries unique women's clothing. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: Feminine, flowing and glinting with 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. New for Fall: Sexy Brazilian dresses by Aha.

Language
1537 N. Milwaukee, (773)772-5744, language-chicago.com
Goods: Clothing, shoes and accessories for women. Designers: Mackage, Ilana Moses, Debra Rodman, 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 decor. The sales staff is full of fashion-savvy advice on how to creatively combine pieces. Barber is a pro at piecing together unusual, but dead-stylish outfits. Price Range: Expensive. The Look: Ladylike but funky, with a weakness for a forties cut. As Barber 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 each piece is truly stylish.

(NEW) Leaders 1354
1400 N. Milwaukee, (773)489-1900, leaders1354.com
Goods: Clothing and shoes for men. Designers: Ice Cream, BBC and Ten Deep for clothing; Reebok, New Balance, Puma and Adidas for shoes. Owner: There is no singular owner at this shop, as the entire crew behind this operation functions as a team. Riding the heels of their successful, 5-year-old Bronzeville operation, they opened a North Side outpost earlier this year. Vibe: Artwork both hangs and is painted graffiti-style right on the walls, hip-hop music plays overhead and a DJ booth sits in the back, which is occupied a few times a week by local spinners. This place is so chilled out, it seems worlds away from the bustle of Milwaukee Avenue. Price Range: Moderate. The Look: A fusion of skater meets hip-hop meets Average Joe. The clothing here is streetwear, and the selections cater to those who are heavily influenced by the growing sneaker culture. Shopper’s Perks: There’s just something about shopping at a trendsetter: Leaders 1354 was the very first streetwear boutique in Chicago. Plus, they have the Chicago exclusive on several lines, including Lemar & Dauley, Mighty Healthy, Ice Cream, BBC and Ten Deep.

Lenny & Me
1463 N. Milwaukee, (773)489-5576
Goods: Vintage and contemporary clothing and accessories for men and women. Designers: You may find items from Luxe, BCBG, Marc Jacobs, Just In Case, See by Chloe or Miu Miu. Accessories include jewelry by Tony B. and Vera scarves. 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. Price Range: Inexpensive. 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. Except 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, and racks are filled with items for $20 or less.

The Levi's Store
1552 N. Milwaukee, levisStore.com


Malabar
1880 N. Damen, (773)321-6685, Malabarboutique.com
Goods: Women's clothing and accessories, a small section of clothing for men. Designers: Orlando Espinoza, Angel Sanchez, Betsey Johnson, Penguin Black Label for men. Owner: Claudia Kleiner, a Venezuela native, opened her boutique to introduce Chicago to South American style. Vibe: The bi-level shop is flooded with sunlight and clean, neutral colors. Decorative accents like a photo of Claudia's grandmother make it clear that she put a lot of heart into Malabar—the shop sparkles with warmth and personality. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: Subdued and striking at the same time. The Malabar gal is on top of fashion, but doesn't succumb to trends. Perfect gear for a young, creative professional who dabbles on the cocktail circuit—picture an off-duty architect or gallery owner. Shopper's Perks: Claudia's quartz-and-silver jewelry designs are sold exclusively at Malabar. Claudia learned to make jewelry in Brazil, where quartzes are believed to bring healing power. Look out for anything in black coral—it may just bring you prosperity.

Michelle Tan
1872 N. Damen, (773)252-1888
Goods: Women's clothing and accessories. Designers: Separates and handbags by Michelle Tan, recycled Cashmere from Mothballs, jewel-studded Italian bags from Gigil Franco and imported necklaces from Tokyo and Hong Kong. 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 Tan's merchandise dangles from floating racks. But there's none of that pretentious "gallery vibe" here; Tan 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. Shopper's Perks: If you see something you need, but it isn't in your size, Tan will custom make it for you. New for Fall: Jewelry by local designer Asia.

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, Sugar Lips and 1921 Jeans. Owner: Michon Stuttley, who worked as a stylist and probation officer before opening her cute-as-candy boutique. Vibe: Peppy decor (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.

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, Lorun, Deener Jeans and Lara Miller; jewelry by Toki Collection and Sarah McGuire. 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, recycled rubber floors and steel table frames 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. 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 Myla, Love Tajane and Eberjey, skincare by Caudalie and Mario Badescu. 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 a 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 Monica Jones 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. 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. Shopper's Perks: With an onsite optometrist and optician, you're sure to find your peepers' perfect match.

Riley
1659 N. Damen, (773)489-0101
Goods: Clothing and accessories for women and men. Designers: Jet Lag, Industry, Michael Stars, Flux, Ichabod, jeans by Hudson. Owner: Stephanie Riley, who's been in retail since she was 13 years old, revamped Daffodil Hill. The new boutique is named after her journalist father. Vibe: Calm, neutral hues and hardwood floors let an uncluttered vibe prevail despite a wall covered in newspapers and scripts from Stephanie's father. Price Range: Moderate. The Look: Modern classics and easy separates are perfect for warm Friday night happy hours on the bar patio. Shopper's Perks: New merchandise arrives every week, so shopping's always a surprise. The back wall showcases one of every t-shirt Riley stocks, making it easy to find and try on the perfect shirt. New for Fall: Wide leg denim.

Robin Richman
2108 N. Damen, (773)278-6150
Goods: Women's clothing, shoes and accessories. Designers: Marc Le Bihan, Gary Graham, Hussein Chalayan; 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. In an upstairs studio, the staff makes hand-sewn accessories that are sold in the shop. Price Range: Luxury. The Look: Heavily textured and layered, dressed for a midnight art party. 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 shopping surprise. New for Fall: Richman is now featuring an exclusive line by Turkish designer Umit Unal.

Roslyn
2035 N. Damen, (773)489-1311
Goods: Men's and women's clothing, accessories. Designers: Nicholas K, Bensoni, Christina Hattler, Rowena Sartin, Liz McClean. Owner: Former clothing buyer and merchandiser Rosie Dulyapaibul's Bucktown boutique focuses on up-and-coming designers out of New York and LA. Vibe: Clothing is divided by designer, and a framed bio hangs next to each rack, giving the room an art-gallery feel, while a comfy couch and paint-splattered chairs add a dose of cozy living room. Price Range: Expensive. The Look: Clean, simple pieces that flatter the frame. Comfortable yet sophisticated. Dinner at DeLaCosta, followed by drinks at Hotel Victor. Shopper's Perks: Individuality. Many of the designers carried here are exclusive in Chicago to Roslyn. Dulyapaibul also orders no more than four of each piece, and brings in new items every three weeks or so. New for Fall: All shades of purple in pieces from Thread Social, Toni Cohen, Collection K and many others.

Saffron
2064 N. Damen, (773)486-7753, saffronchicago.com
Goods: Women's clothing and accessories, gifts, home items and body products. Designers: Silk dresses and separates by Saja, tailored shirts by Alara, 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 ten 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 covered in 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. New for Fall: Saffron’s got the Chicago exclusive on hand-forged glass jewelry line Magma.

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 Visvim and Converse Red Line. 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 is tricked out with 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 kickshawaii.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-decor pieces, candles and lotions. Designers: The array of designers is vast, as consignment clothing and accessories come from estate sales. New arrivals come in every day. Owner: David Ginople, owner of home-decor store Findables, opened this high-end vintage clothing store four 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 housewares and new pieces from Vivienne Westwood, and a wide selection of vintage bridal gowns. Designers: Vivienne Westwood and vintage. Owner: Liz Meyer, stylist for the rockin' likes of Aerosmith's Steven Tyler. 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. Picture 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; for about $90, you'll look like a pinup girl.

The Silver Room
1442 N. Milwaukee, (773)278-7130, thesilverroom.com
Goods: Silver jewelry, watches, hats, purses, messenger bags, sunglasses and other accessories for men and women. Designers: The Silver Room carries mostly small jewelry designers, like B. Tiff, Nixon watches and Tivi wood. They also carry the very cool and eco-friendly iWood sunglasses. Owner: Eric Williams has owned and operated The Silver Room for over nine years. Vibe: A large open space 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: Missoni, Acme Made, Wendy Mink, Adina, Kooba. 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 loads of personality. Shopper's Perks: Shoppers can create a wish list or wedding registry. New for Fall: Large clutches by Hobo and Shih.

Tangerine
1719 N. Damen, (773)772-0505
Goods: Women's clothing, shoes and accessories. Designers: Cloak & Dagger, Dace, James Coviello, Tibi New York, Mint, Manoush and Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent. 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. 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. 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
Goods: American Apparel t-shirts for women, men, 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. Owner: Ninel Pompushko, a former copywriter for beer companies. 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: Clothing by Cash Lords, King Baby, J. Lindeberg and Stitches; 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: TK Men is your spot if you’re looking for unique pieces. They specialize in hard-to-find, underground labels.

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 unique skirts and dresses. The store's stock also includes new designer clothing. Designers: In the non-vintage apparel, you'll find Copy, Boxfresh, Orthodox, Tulle and Gentle Fawn. Owner: Nancy Becker, now the sole owner, founded the shop in 1997 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
Goods: Clothing and accessories for men and women. Designers: Fornarina, J. Lindeberg, Modern Amusement, Diesel. This is the second location of the popular Lincoln Park boutique. See Lincoln Park section for more details.

Veruca Salt
1937 N. Damen (773)276-3888
Goods: Women's clothing, shoes, accessories. Designers: Laundry by Shelli Seagal, Voom, dresses by Frenzy, bags by matt & nat. Owner: Fashion wholesaler Amber Warren opened this spot to give Bucktown shoppers a place to find trendy, versatile clothing that won't break the bank. Vibe: Gorgeous antique chandeliers and dark wood floors are all class, while the bright colors of the clothes (plus the bowls of candy by the register) are fun and sassy. Price Range: Inexpensive. The Look: Versatile, easy and trendy. Start with a backyard BBQ; then throw on some heels and jewelry for vodka tonics at Landmark. Shopper's Perks: The layout of the shop is very stroller-conducive, and the in-store happy hours give shoppers free drinks on top of ten-percent discounts.

Vive La Femme
2048 N. Damen, (773)772-7429, vivelafemme.com.
Goods: Clothing and accessories for women size twelve and up. Designers: Svoboda, Kiyonna and Dianne Kennedy. Owner: Stephanie Sack 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. The Look: Grabs life by the horns. Loves color, partying and anything with panache. Girly with a sophisticated side. Shopper's Perks: Frequent onsite networking events allow girls to get together and gab; they also offer pilates classes for plus-size women. New for Fall: Super-soft tees with fashion-forward designs from Vanilla Sugar.

EVANSTON

American Apparel
950 Church, (847)424-0063, americanapparel.net


Crossroads Trading Co.
1730 Sherman, (847)492-9400, crossroadstrading.com


The Levi's Store
808 Church, (847)733-2914, levisStore.com


GOLD COAST/NEAR NORTH

(NEW) Alternatives
900 N. Michigan, (312)915-3916
Goods: Men and Women's shoes and accessories. Designers: Most of the shop's stock is its own label, but the store prides itself on carrying a few other designers that they are sure you've never heard of. Owner: Sandro Ciurcina left Florence to be with his wife, a native Chicagoan. Using knowledge he gained from his father's shoe factory in Tuscany, Ciurcina has kept Chicago customers happy for the last twenty years. Vibe: A new location for this long-time inhabitant of Rush Street, the store at the 900 Shops uses a bright red carpet to stand out from the other stores. Price Range: Moderate. The Look: Everything from super-pointy stilettos to peep-toe heels are represented, but only the fashion forward will have what it takes to pull off these looks, which have a decidedly quirky flair. Shopper's Perks: Because of Ciurcina's close relationship with the designers and manufacturers of his shoes, conversations with customers often show up in next season's line.

American Apparel
46 E. Walton, (312)255-8360, americanapparel.net


Chasalla
106 E. Oak, (312)640-1940
Goods: Clothing and accessories for men and women. Designers: Diesel, Versace Jeans Couture, D&G by Dolce & Gabbana and Just Cavalli by Roberto Cavalli. Owner: Marc Engel stocks goods from the younger, slightly-more-affordable lines of high-end designers. Vibe: Minimalist, yet cozy. The simple interior gives the clothes some extra showcase room, while the friendly staff adds an extra dose of warmth. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: These style-philes may not be making their millions yet, but they’re not going to let a little thing like money stand between themselves and the runway. Dinner at Mirai or Sushi Wabi followed by drinks at Underground. Shopper’s Perks: Their new location and expanded space have added a little more inventory, so plan to spend some extra time browsing next time you stop in.

Clever Alice
750 N. Franklin, (312)587-8693, cleveralice.com
Goods: Clothing and accessories for women. Designers: Grey Ant, Dallin Chase, Covet, Nicole Farhi, Plastic Island, 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 Herrera, Givenchy, Jil Sander, Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Hermes, Gucci, Prada; purses by Judith Leiber, Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo, Moschino and Bottega Veneta; vintage costume jewelry by Kramer, Weiss, Eisenberg and Schreinerl. Owner: Barbara Nell founded the shop thirteen 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. 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.

(NEW) Havilah Boutique
869 N. Larrabee, (312)202-0012
Goods: Clothing, accessories and a small selection of shoes for women. Designers: Dresses and tops by Voom, Madison Marcus, Karoo and Rebecca Taylor; shoes and boots by Frye, Dolce Vita, Jeffrey Campbell. Owner: Rachel Kim fulfilled a life-long dream by opening the type of boutique where she'd like to shop. Vibe: The simple color scheme here--hot pink and black--coupled with elaborate chandeliers give the room a sophisticated feel while allowing the bright, colorful clothing to take your attention. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: Forever 21 meets Neiman Marcus. Havilah stocks uber-feminine gear that ranges from trend-of-the-moment to classic pieces that will eternally live in your closet. Perfect for both the gal who can’t spend too much on a dress for Friday night and the one who is looking for a chic coat that will last for many winters to come. Shoppers Perks: As soon as clothing and shoes arrive, the shop marks certain designers down twenty percent. New for Fall: Sweater cardigans, ruffles and pleats and vintage-y pieces worked into any ensemble.

G'bani
72 E. Oak, (312)440-1718, gbani.com
Goods: Women's and men's clothing, shoes and bags. Designers: Patrizia Pepe, Roberto Cavalli, 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 pomegranate martinis 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 to see the politically inspired window displays. New for Fall: Covered platform shoes by Giuseppe Zanotti.

Ikram
873 N. Rush, (312)587-1000, ikram.com
Goods: Clothing and accessories for women. Designers: Junya Watanabe, Rick Owens, Alexander McQueen, Christopher Kane, Lanvin, Thakoon and Jonathan Saunders. 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 a 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. New for Fall: Rich, vibrant colors from Duro Olowu, elegantly casual clothing from Nina Ricci.

Jake
939 N. Rush, (312)664-5553, shopjake.com
Goods: Clothing and accessories for men and women. Designers: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Barbara Bui and Erin Featherston for women; Band of Outsiders and Tim Hamilton 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. New for Fall: Barbara Bui oversized cardigans, python handbags by Pauric Sweeny and anything and everything in the color grey.

The Levi's Store
600 N. Michigan, (312)642-9613, levisStore.com


ps: accessories
1127 N. State, (312)932-0077, ps-accessories.com
Goods: Clothing, 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 Solas and shoes by Carlos Santana, Oh Deer, Faryl Robin and Elle. Owner: Shelly Meekma, a former jewelry buyer. Vibe: There's not a drop of Gold Coast `tude in this dream accessories closet. Shoeboxes 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. New for Fall: The shop just started carrying shoes by Vince Camuto, and his hidden platforms and ankle boots are flying off the shelves.

Samantha Chicago
64 E. Walton, (312)951-5383, samanthachicago.com
Goods: Clothing, lingerie, swimwear and accessories for women. Designers: Milly, Smythe, Kenneth Jay Lane, Ya-Ya, Vince and Genetic denim. 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 are dressed in 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 for online shopping. New for Fall: Great-fitting Smythe jackets, Vince sweaters, and super-soft Genetic denim.

Sugar Magnolia
34 E. Oak, (312)944-0885
Goods: Women's clothing and accessories. Designers: Susanna Monaco, Velvet, Michael Stars, Ella Moss, James Perse, jeans by James and J brand. Owners: Husband and wife duo Jeffrey and Leslie Gersten 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. New for Fall: Sweaters in every form—long, short, bulky and tailored—and wide-leg denim.

Ultimo
116 E. Oak, (312)787-1171, ultimo.com
Goods: Women's clothing, shoes and accessories. Designers: Stella McCartney, Roberto Cavalli, Nancy Gonzales, 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, originally owned by Joan Weinstein. 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, made by Blahnik himself, demonstrate the close relationship Ultimo has with the designer. New for Fall: Their recent renovation has created a more inviting, open and friendly space with four floors of new fall inventory.

HYDE PARK/SOUTH SIDE

Alise's Designer Shoe Salon
5210 S. Harper, (773)667-0929, alisesshoes.com
Goods: Men's and women's shoes, handbags, jewelry and 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. The store is named after Shawna's daughter, Alise. 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, held each September, goes beyond sales with community events and doors-open celebrations.

(NEW) Leaders 1354
4351 S. Cottage Grove, (773)285-1067, leaders1354.com
Goods: Clothing and shoes for men. Designers: Ice Cream, BBC and Ten Deep for clothing; Reebok, New Balance, Puma and Adidas for shoes. Chicago’s pioneering streetwear shop’s original location. See Bucktown section for more details on the company.

Phli
5210 S. Harper, (773)493-7454
Goods: Sneakers for men and women. Designers: In-house line Phli. Alife, Nike, K Swiss. Owner: Dave Jeff designs his own line of Phli sneakers. Vibe: Manager Jay describes the shop as an "Urban Gap." Price Range: Shoes ring in at anywhere from $65-$350. The Look: "Some guys come in here looking for a 5X shirt; and some of the skateboarders come in looking for a medium shirt," Jay says. "We have a range of people." New for Fall: Casual shoes by Royal Elastic.

Sole II Soul
1007 E. 43rd, (773) 336-8614, soleiisoul.com
Goods: Shoes for men and women. Designers: Hard-to-find labels such as Giovanni and Red Tape for men; Ce Fou Shoo for women. Owner: Shoe-lover Antwan Henry spends tons o’ time traversing the globe in search of one-of-a-kind shoe designers. Vibe: As hard-core shoe devotees know, organization is essential to preserving the soles. That’s why Henry’s store is immaculately organized, with shoes divided into three different areas (9-5, After 5 and Relaxed) based on both fashion and function. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: The Sole II Soul shopper fills his/her closet with shoes that command so much attention, they walk in five steps ahead of the person wearing them. Shopper’s Perks: Pick up shoes from here and you’re nearly guaranteed not to see them strutting into a party ahead of you. New for Fall: Boots, boots and more boots. Responding to customer demand, Henry will be carrying several glamorous styles in both navy blue and classic black.

LAKEVIEW

American Apparel
3126 N. Broadway, (773)248-6580, americanapparel.net


(NEW) Cerulean 1
3657 N. Southport, (773)525-6870
Goods: Clothing and accessories for men and women. Designers: Big Star, Joe’s Jeans, Rebecca Beeson, Michael Stars and 525 American. Owner: Jennifer Dulhanty took over the old Shane space after a twenty-two-year, fashion-filled career. Past gigs include a sales-directing stint for the Stylemax show at the Merchandise Mart. Vibe: Taking a cue from its name, the vibrant cerulean walls give shoppers an instant uplift. Price Range: Moderate. The Look: Comfy and airy, yet still uber-stylish. With a focus on premium denim, Cerulean 1 is a great spot to pick up a new pair of soon-to-be-favorite jeans. Shopper’s Perks: Former fans of Shane will be delighted to see the store hasn’t changed too much, while newcomers will enjoy the addition of more high-end tops. New for Fall: Metallic thread dresses by Michael Stars.

City Soles
3432 N. Southport, (773)665-4233
Goods: Shoes and accessories for men and women. Designers: Chie Mahara, Bivieo, Tsubo, Faryl Robin, CYDWOQ. Years after relocating from Lakeview to Bucktown, City Soles returned to its roots, sort of, when it opened a second location on Southport. See Bucktown section for more details.

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 bell-bottoms, Member's Only jackets, "plaid anything and everything." Local designers, including Kate and Squirrely Gee, are included on a rotating basis. Owner: Jamie Issler owns up to an "obsession" with items from the fifties through the eighties and opened the boutique over 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. New for Fall: Their brand new basement expansion has doubled their retro inventory.

(NEW) Encore
3941 N. Sheridan, (773)477-4007
Goods: Sneakers for men and women. Designers: Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Creative Recreation and several labels from Germany and Japan. Owner: Lavelle Sykes, the man behind downtown shoe shop Self-Conscious, seized the space of his former employer, Tony’s Sports, after it closed down. The Lakeview location was perfect, as Sykes views the neighborhood as “an open market.” Vibe: A pulsing, high-energy room with bright lights and hip-hop beats to accompany your shoe shopping. No shoe racks here; each sneaker is given it’s own display space, making it easy to marvel. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: The Encore client may seem laid-back and sporty, but don’t be fooled. This shopper is going to sidestep even the smallest puddle, as they think of their shoes as works of art. Shopper’s Perks: Encore carries hard-to-find shoes and Sykes only stocks a few in each size, which means these are more than shoes--they’re collector’s items. You can also get one-of-a-kind sneakers made, as Encore will happily custom laser any pair of shoes. New for Fall: Sykes will be stocking up on several boot versions of his most popular sneaker lines.

(NEW) Exhibit
2961 N. Lincoln, (773)880-0448
Goods: Clothing, accessories and shoes for women. Designers: Be Mine, Aubergine, BB Dakota, Glam, Soda Blue. Owner: Heather Ronkoske’s boutique showcases her two passions: art and fashion. She also has a second location in Champaign, home of her U of I alma mater. Vibe: The hanging artwork, the brightly colored clothing and the lime green walls combine to make Exhibit a fun, stylish explosion of color. Price Range: Inexpensive. The Look: Bright, fun and breezy. For the girl whose personal style makes a splash when she enters a room. Perfect for a night cruising the Pilsen galleries followed by beers and a photobooth session at the Skylark. Shopper’s Perks: The jewelry here is locally designed, and Exhibit usually has a promo going on such as buy-two-get-one-free sales or discounts for paying in cash. New for Fall: Wide-leg trousers.

Flirt
3449 N. Southport, (773)935-4789, shopflirt.com
Goods: Women's clothing and accessories. Designers: Charlotte Tarantola, Saja, To The Max, Rock and Republic, Hobo International, Puella, Kenzie, Porridge and Ranahan. 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: Moderate. 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 spenders with a hefty discount. New for Fall: Jackets and flowy tops from Kenzie, the fall line of Rock and Republic denim.

Hubba Hubba
3309 N. Clark, (773)477-1414, hubbahubbachicago.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 Hype, Voom and Weston Wear. 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. 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 twenty percent off during their birthday month. Make sure to check out the stylish fitting rooms, each with a crystal chandelier and vintage chair. New for Fall: Short dresses that can be worn over jeans, and hats by Deluxe.

Jake
3740 N. Southport, (773)929-5253, shopjake.com
Goods: Clothing and accessories for men and women. Designers: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Erin Featherston for women; Band of Outsiders, Tim Hamilton for men. This is the store that started it all for the growing Jake empire. See Gold Coast section for more details.

(NEW) Kreative Soul
3744 N. Broadway, (773)975-8199, kreativesoulsbypilar.com
Goods: Shoes, tops, dresses and skirts for women; jeans for both men and women; handcrafted jewelry. Designers: Most of the clothing is vintage, and the jewelry comes from both Shadows of Ebony and owner Pilar Audain-Reed’s own line. Owner: Audain-Reed walked away from her career as an epidemiologist to open this store and design jewelry. Vibe: Not a spot in this store is e (2007-10-02)

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