LINCOLN PARK

Active Endeavors
853 W. Armitage, (773)281-8100, activeendeavors.com
Goods: Clothing, accessories and shoes for men and women. Designers: A sampling of men's brands includes Barking Irons, Mike & Chris and Trovata; women's clothing is by Lauren Moffat, Rag and Bone and What Comes Around Goes Around. Owner: Drew Davis began his Active Endeavors career as a sales associate in 1994, when the store was more Patagonia than Pegah Anvarian. Eventually, Davis bought the company from its original founders and gave the store a fashion overhaul. Now, he and his wife Missy own the stores and Web site. Vibe: A peppy, sporty ambiance sets a refreshingly laid-back stage for high-end merchandise. Browsing is encouraged and sales help is available but never in your face. Price Range: Expensive-Luxury. The Look: Laid-back luxury. Shopper's Perks: The online store offers several shots of each item along with an informative fit guide. Another perk: The merchandise represents an enormous number of up-and-coming designers.

Akira Lincoln Park
2357 N. Clark, (773)404-5826, akirachicago.com
Goods: Clothing and accessories for women. Designers: BCBG dresses, Rock and Republic Jeans, Marc Jacobs sunglasses. This Lincoln Park outpost of the growing Akira empire is marked for future expansion. See Bucktown section for more details on the company.

American Apparel
837 W. Armitage, (773)880-9801, americanapparel.net


Art Effect
934 W. Armitage, (773)929-3600, shoparteffect.com
Goods: Clothing for women, jewelry, hair accessories, shoes, belts, purses, wallets, home accents, bath and body products and toys. Designers: Orla Kiely, Hannoh, Michael Stars, jewelry by Alexis Bittar, Jeanine Payer and Saundra Messinger. Owner: Esther Fishman opened Art Effect twenty-three years ago as an outpost for "wearable art." Vibe: The shop has evolved into a modern-day general store, selling everything from jeans and cowboy boots to espresso machines and knitting kits. Price Range: Expensive. The Look: All dressed up with lots of trendy places to go. Shopper's Perks: Special orders are available for almost anything, free gift-wrapping. New for Fall: Cashmere sweaters by Majestic, cutesy kitchen gadgets by Pylones.

Crossroads Trading Co.
2711 N. Clark, (773)296-1000, crossroadstrading.com


Eliana Lily
826 W. Armitage, (773)281-0999, elianalily.com
Goods: Women's clothing and accessories. Designers: Jeans by Chip + Pepper and Thorn, dresses by Helen Wang and jewelry by SBG and Ilaria. Owner: Elizabeth Floersheimer, a bag designer and lifelong fashion-fiend, named the Old Town shop after her daughter. Vibe: The airy storefront boasts lavender walls and white-velvet curtains. Fur rugs, plush, comfy seating and Old Towners dropping in to say hi give the place a cozy vibe. Price Range: Expensive. The Look: Old-time glamour meets modern-day sass. Shopper's Perks: The store's famous re-styling department makes down-and-out clothes and accessories look stylish and new. New for Fall: Their new location on Armitage Avenue (opening in October), positioned above Blo salon and down the street from Lori’s Shoes, will bring a whole new meaning to one-stop event preparation.

Entendre Couture
1022a W. Armitage, (773)248-1022, entendrecouture.com
Goods: Men's and women's clothing and accessories. Designers: Hard-to-find frocks come from 1...Like No Other, denim by Chip and Pepper, accessories are by Citrine by the Stones, Kristina Fogel and Kenneth Jay Lane. Owner: Dina Mansur left a corporate job to open the Lincoln Park boutique last April. Her mission? To offer new-to-Chicago fashion and personalized service for ladies and gents. Vibe: Dark wood floors, crisp white walls, large mirrors and an elegant chandelier create a chic shopping environment; a down-to-earth and gregarious staff dispels any couture creepiness. Price Range: Expensive. The Look: Tailored, eye-catching European style. Perfect apparel for a weekend in Paris or a fashion event in the city. Shopper's Perks: Entendre offers hard-to-find items that set its shoppers apart from the tired-trend crowd. Personalized service makes shopping here feel luxurious.

Eskell
953 W. Webster, (773)486-0830, eskell.com
Goods: Women's clothing and accessories. Designers: Handmade tops, dresses and skirts by Eskell, Built by Wendy, Rachel Mara, sleek, fitted pants from Judi Rosen and jewelry from In God We Trust. Owners: Best friends since high school, Elizabeth Del Castillo and Kelly Whitesell co-design Eskell's eponymous line from a studio in back of the shop. Vibe: Rustic meets girly: old photographs hang from clothespins; an antique birdcage hangs at the back, horseshoes adorn the pink and purple walls and jewelry hangs from delicate antlers. Price Range: Expensive. The Look: Vintage-inspired, creative and just plain pretty. A DIY vixen with fashion-forward taste. This romantic girl loves to infuse her wardrobe with a touch of fairy tale (think wispy fabrics, poetic ruffles and pretty prints). Shopper's Perks: Designers Kelly and Elizabeth are on hand to dole out expert fashion advice and the store offers truly hard-to-find pieces. New for Fall: Eskell is heading west. Check out their new space in Wicker Park, set to open in mid-October.

Guise
2217 N. Halsted, (773)929-6101
Goods: Clothing, shoes, accessories, grooming products and salon services for men. Designers: Rag and Bone, Helmut Lang, Maharishi, Edun; denim by Acne, Nudie, Guilded Age and Earnest Sewn. Owner: Brad Habansky’s boutique is one-stop-style for men. Haircuts and other services are available in the small salon up front, while wardrobe and style needs are met in the back half of the store. Vibe: From Johnny Cash on the speakers to sports on the television to the simple chrome and exposed-brick surroundings, Guise is a place where almost any man will feel at home. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: Subtle yet stylish. The Guise guy is going to look well-dressed and fashionable from top to bottom, but won’t look as if he spent hours in front of a mirror. Shopper’s Perks: Customers can receive haircuts from certain stylists for twenty-five percent off before 2pm. And denim-seekers, you’re in the right place. Cargo Magazine awarded Guise “Best Denim in Chicago.” New for Fall: Outerwear of all kinds: Hunting jackets, Cashmere peacoats, parkas and herringbone coats.

Isabella Fine Lingerie
1101 W. Webster, (773)281-2352, shopisabella.com
Goods: Lingerie, swimwear and loungewear for women. Designers: Cosabella, Honeydew, Huit, Parah, Le Mystere. Owner: In 1999, Lauren Amerine came back from a trip to Italy full of inspiration: she realized that Chicago was missing a shop staffed with expert fitters and dedicated to fine European lingerie. Thus, Isabella was born. Vibe: The sun-filled, storefront shop is filled with ruffles, flutters, ribbons and silk. Pale green walls form cozy fitting rooms and help is attentive, focused and never pushy. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: This woman understands that underpinnings lay the groundwork for a great outfit. She loves classic style with bits of lace and feminine flair. Shopper's Perks: Lauren's innate size-savvy has earned her the title of Chicago's "bra psychic." (She can tell just from looking at you; really, she's a master.) A huge size selection goes way beyond the double D. Another Perk: Join Club Isabella and for every fifty dollars spent, receive five dollars back in store credit every season.

Kaveri
1211 W. Webster, (773) 296-2141, ekaveri.com
Goods: Women's clothing, bags and jewelry. Designers: Tory Burch, Tocca, White + Warren and Edun are only a few of the lines that this well-stocked shop carries. Owner: Kaveri Satpathy, who hand-picks everything that's featured in the shop, opened Kaveri in 2006. Vibe: Modern and warm, with loads of clothes but equally large amounts of space. Indian rugs and hand-crafted furniture make the boutique feel like the living room of a well-traveled soul. Price Range: Expensive. The Look: Sleek and fashion-forward, with a splash of Bohemian-chic. Shopper's Perks: Sales help is not only friendly, but honest—always an asset in the boutique-shopping experience! When stocking her shop, Satpathy focuses on styles that flatter a wide range of body types. New for Fall: The Italian leather Olivia handbag by Gryson, and Kaveri is also excited to carry the Vera Wang Lavender line.

Lori's Designer Shoes
824 W. Armitage, (773)281-5655, lorisshoes.com
Goods: Women's shoes and accessories. Designers: Colorful flats by Franco Sarto and Jeffrey Campbell, slingbacks by Deer Stags, wedges by Sam Edelman and Natural Comfort, handbags by Carla Mancini, Juliet jewelry. Owner: A self-confessed "shoe addict," Lori Andre opened Lori's Shoes in 1983. Her business policy: customers must leave as friends. Vibe: Open, spacious and stocked with more shoeboxes and sparkly accessories than Cinderella could dream of. The store is always bustling with shoppers and shoe-fueled energy. Price Range: Inexpensive-Expensive. The Look: With pastel wedges, patterned pumps and kick-around running shoes, Lori's stocks a pair for a gal's every mood. Shopper's Perks: Lori takes biannual shopping trips to Europe, so she's always ahead of the curve on trends. Check her Web site for detailed info on what's kicking in the world of shoes—she even has a blog!

Mint Boutique
2150 N. Seminary, (773)322-2944, mintboutique.com
Goods: Locally made gifts, apparel and accessories for women. Designers: Cuff Luv cuffs, Alexis Drake jewelry, cards by La Familia Green. Owner: Melissa Tierney, a former art-school owner, is creator of the clothing lines Melissabrit and Grateful not Greedy. Vibe: Sun flows into a tiny space filled with mint green and sunflower yellow walls. A sparkly chandelier and eyelet-trimmed curtains are quaint decorative touches. Price Range: Inexpensive-Expensive. The Look: Fresh, feminine, funky, full of youthful joy and storybook charm. Anyone who shops here has tons of city pride and a desire to support local artists. Shopper's Perks: Onsite classes include bracelet-making and embroidery. Mint also offers custom jewelry services and can help out with bridal sets. New for Fall: The cute tees and hoodies by Grateful not Greedy, jewelry by Juliet and durable yet snazzy eel skin patent leather bags.

Nau
2118 N. Halsted, (773)281-1363, nau.com


Piggy Toes and O&I
2205 North Halsted, (773)281-5583, ptoes.com (for children’s shoes)
Goods: Shoes for men, women and children. Designers: Naturino, Mod 8, Camper, Moschino and L.A.M.B for kids; Alexander McQueen, 96 Hours, Coclico, Ted Baker and Ugg for adults. Owner: Husband-and-wife team Michael and Jennifer Thomas created an adjoining adult shoe store for the parents of their Piggy Toes clientele. O&I is named after the Thomas' children, Olivia and Ian. Vibe: A cute, kid-friendly (think cozy bench and rocking horse) room attaches to a sunny space with shoes adorning the walls and tree-like display racks. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: Clean, unique styles that are comfortable to wear on a daily basis. Shopper's Perks: When there are only two or three of a shoe style left, they put it on sale immediately, regardless of the season. New for Fall: Michael and Jennifer love the Coclico ballet flats, wedge boots and platform peep toes for women, and the entire Alexander McQueen fall collection for men.

Salone Capriccio
2167 N. Clybourn, (773)665-2542


(NEW) She
1024 W. Armitage, (773)380-8061, shopsheboutique.com
Goods: Clothing, shoes and accessories for women. Designers: Alvin Valley, Olga Kapustina, Fighting Eel, Jet, Crispin & Basilio; shoes by Dusica Dusica and Davis by Ruthie Davis. Owner: Fashionistas Nicolette Karney and Lindsay Madigan opened She after noticing it was harder to find boutiques that were fashion forward and offered a blend of comfort and style. Vibe: The cool, sleek, mostly metallic room is warmed up by background beats, TVs showing music videos and the cheerful, quick-to-help employees. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: She is an acronym for “she has everything,” and the shop lives up to their motto. Whether you’re suiting up for a first date at the movies or a black-tie benefit, She can outfit you in perfectly crafted clothing that is on the cutting edge of style. And the fashion-loving staff is happy to help create the perfect ensemble. Shopper’s Perks: They offer in-store tailoring, and will track down and order any wardrobe piece if they don’t carry it. New for Fall: Dusica Dusica leather riding boots and dresses by Mint and Castle Star.

ShopGirl
1206 W. Webster, (773)935-7467
Goods: Women's clothing and accessories. Designers: Trina Turk, Bailey 44, denim by Joe’s Jeans and J Brand, select pieces by owner Kate Krause Prange, jewelry by Ulia Carrella. Owner: Well before boutiques were a Chicago sidewalk staple, Kate Krause Prange founded ShopGirl to bring designer clothes and good customer service to the North Side. Vibe: Chic brown and pink walls, and fashion-forward sales associates make ShopGirl the place to bring out your inner pretty woman. Heck, Julia Roberts herself has shopped here. Price Range: Expensive. The Look: Bohemian fabulous. A stateside Sienna Miller. Shopper's Perks: Personal shoppers, in-store bachelorette parties and charity events, and—listen up, hubby—beer for the patiently waiting men. New for Fall: Graham and Spencer’s new line, which makes a seamless transition from work to play.

Underthings
804 W. Webster, (773)472-9291
Goods: Pajamas, robes, chemises, nightgowns, camisoles, bachelorette gifts and, well, under-things. Designers: Hanky Panky, Vera Wang, Eberjey, Natori and Princess Tam Tam. Owner: After working as a manager under the previous owner, Maria Ashby rose through the lingerie ranks and now owns the shop. Vibe: The small, light-flooded space sparkles with friendly staff and pretty pieces. Cherry cabinets display one of each item. Price Range: Expensive. The Look: Comfortable and chic en meme temps. Shopper's Perks: With more than twenty-five years of bra-fitting experience, Maria Ashby is a master at her craft; nobody leaves her shop sagging or stifled. Another Perk: Subscriptions to the Underthings Panty Club and the Hanky Panky club make great gifts. Customers can sign up for six- or twelve-month subscriptions and expect a panty the first week of every month.

Untitled
2707 N. Clark, (773)404-9225, 1941 W. North, (773)342-0500
Goods: Clothing and accessories for men and women. Designers: Fornarina, J. Lindeberg, Modern Amusement, Diesel, Triple 5 Soul, Corpus, WESC and Obey for clothes; Vans Vault, Schmoove, Colcci and Nike Quick Strike for shoes. Owner: Owners Candise and Luke Cho opened the shop sixteen years ago, giving it the name Untitled in reference to the evolving nature of art and fashion. Vibe: With skinny jeans and mini skirts by the dozen, there's an air of "cool" wafting through the shop. Things stay upbeat with a smiling sales staff. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: Fashion-minded hipster with the disposable income to stock up on perfectly tattered pants. Shopper's Perks: A wide array of denim features over twenty-five brands. New for Fall: Untitled is heading up north. Look for an Evanston location to open in October.

Zone
1154 W. Armitage, (773)472-4007
Goods: Clothing for women. Designers: Pamela Vanderlinde. Owner: Pamela Vanderlinde is a women's wear designer who was trained in London. She has a penchant for rich fabrics and designs with an East-meets-West mentality. Vibe: Enter the tucked-away shop by buzzer only. Inside, find a loft-in-the-city space filled with gleaming hardwood floors, exposed pipes and a rainbow of silky, lush fabrics. Price Range: Expensive. The Look: Saville Row-worthy tailoring nips and tucks sumptuous patterns and colors. Suit jackets inspired by the movie mavens of the thirties and forties--think Katherine Hepburn in color. Shopper's Perks: Free alterations, custom-made designs.

LINCOLN SQUARE

The Dressing Room
4635 N. Lincoln, (773)728-0088, thedressingroomchicago.com
Goods: Clothing, accessories and shoes for women. Designers: Forest-pixie-esque clothing by Gentle Fawn, jeans by Fidelity, dresses and skirts by Skunk Funk. Owners: Barbara Ruiz and Sarah Sanchez opened this North Center boutique with the hopes of making shopping easy and fun again--especially for moms with tots in tow. Vibe: With easy-on-the-ears John Mayer playing in the background, funky wallpaper lining the walls and exposed pipes dangling above, The Dressing Room is something right out of Dwell magazine. Price Range: Moderate. The Look: On-top-of-it young mom who effortlessly taps into timely style (think Kate Hudson). If kids aren't in your picture, think more daring Southport dweller. Shopper's Perks: An increasingly diminishing kids' play area (sorry kiddies, the shoes had to go somewhere) and plenty of goods from local designers including Deana Rose and Eli Diaz.

LuLu's at the Belle Kay
3862 N. Lincoln, (773)404-5858, lulusbellekay.com
Goods: Mint-condition evening gowns, party dresses, cocktail attire and accessories from the 1930s to 1970s. Designers: Oscar de la Renta and Lili Ann; much-discounted shoes by Brian Atwood and Eisenberg Original jewels. Owner: Former Marshall Field's personal shopper Laurie Demma-Davis has a knack for style and an impressive knowledge of fashion history. Vibe: Even when Frank Sinatra's not streaming through the speakers, you'll hear his voice emanating from the pink walls of this plush shop. Pearl-studded gowns, 1960s turban hats, 1940s beaded bags, Victorian taffeta skirts and leather gowns from the seventies keep company on the racks. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: Cocktail party to black-tie ball. Perfectly paired with a dirty martini and a handsome young Kennedy. Shopper's Perks: Onsite alterations include complete garment redesigning.

Marky European Shoe Boutique
3919 N. Lincoln, (773)248-1500, shoesbymarky.com
Goods: Shoes and handbags for women. Designers: Missoni, Baldinini, Kalliste, Gigi Favela, Alberto Zago, Heidi Hess, Marlena Maree and Sandro Vicari. Owner: Marky Bielat is so in love with shoes that she used to sell them out of her apartment. Luckily business was good and she moved to this chandelier-lit, elegant space in Lincoln Square just over a year ago. Vibe: As if you've left Chicago and been beamed into the heart of Milan. Price Range: Luxury. The Look: Carrie Bradshaw, had she an Italian stylist and an even bigger clothing budget. Shopper's Perks: Though Marky is onsite from 11am-6pm most days; she prefers to operate by appointment, making service here true star treatment.

A Secret Closet
4617 N. Lincoln, (773)293-2903
Goods: Vintage and contemporary clothing and shoes for women and a dazzling array of new purses. Designers: A bevy of higher-end designers supply the must-have purses that could easily fit in at Anthropologie. Owner: Carmen Mooses' friendly demeanor has turned her vintage store into a neighborhood staple--friends come to peruse her latest handpicked finds or just stop by to chat. Vibe: The true definition of vintage, this tiny store is chalk full of timeless furniture lined with gently used designer swag. Price Range: Inexpensive. The Look: Perfect for grad students or aspiring actors: this shopper knows how to stand out in a crowd while on a budget. Shopper's Perks: The secret in this closet? Walls of affordable, stylish purses that seem to have found their way off Madison Avenue.

(NEW) Stellar 26
4164 N. Lincoln, (773)388-2626, stellar26.com
Goods: Clothing, shoes and accessories for men and women and a small selection for babies. Designers: Free People, Amy Tangerine and jeans by Genetic for women; 55, Penguin and Quicksilver for men; flip-flops by Reef. Owner: Carrie Bowers designed this shop to mimic the stress-free, beachy feel of her South Haven upbringing. Vibe: Comfortable, laid-back and easy—just like the clothing. The eclectic displays give it a vintage-store vibe, while the folksy music in the background contributes to the no-stress shopping experience. Price Range: Moderate. The Look: The perfect blend of comfort and style. Just right for the shopper who wants to look good but doesn’t want to spend hours getting there. Take a walk down one of the boulevards, hit up the Double Door for a concert and finish off the night next to the fireplace at Moody’s Pub. Shopper’s Perks: Carrie and crew have won the hearts of this family-friendly neighborhood by offering “Mom Nights,” which offer an after-hours shopping experience enhanced by champagne, appetizers and twenty percent off. New for Fall: Anything with a hood, including sweaters, sweatshirts and vests, and other cozy winter gear.

Traipse
4724 N. Lincoln, (773)275-5511, traipseshoes.com
Goods: Shoes for men and women as well as a select line of CYDWOQ bags. Designers: CYDWOQ, Cordani, Tsubo, Camper, TN 29 and Trippen. Owner: Margaret Jung had her heart set on opening a clothing store until she tried on a pair of CYDWOQ shoes. Now she travels the world to handpick shoes for her Lincoln Square boutique. Vibe: The small, sparsely decorated space can seem intimidating since there is no room for the salespeople to hide, but browsing is highly encouraged. Price Range: Expensive. The Look: A touch from Traipse would elevate a pair of sweats to the look of a laidback hipster. Shopper's Perks: Since Jung was one of the first to carry CYDWOQ shoes in Chicago, she can custom order a pair in any style and color. New for Fall: Chie Mihara’s dainty, lady-like heels.

LOGAN SQUARE

(NEW) Mia Mora
2639 W. Fullerton, (773)772-2007
Goods: Men's and women's designer resale and vintage clothing, jewelry, hats, shoes, coats and gift-y items like soaps and lotions. Designers: Marc Jacobs, Prada, Franco Sarto, Armani and dozens of vintage labels. Owner: Maria Morales took her personal collection of vintage items and filled a vacant storefront in her Logan Square building. Vibe: The hundreds of items are displayed in an organized clutter. Gorgeous pieces pull your attention from all corners, but Morales helps narrow the search for those on a mission. Price Range: Moderate. The Look: Like you just stepped out of a 1940's fashion magazine. Head-to-toe vintage makes a splash at a cocktail party, while an old-time purse or necklace is eye-catching anywhere you go. Shopper's Perks: Morales will begin taking consignment in a few months. New for Fall: With the patent-leather trend continuing into the fall, expect their wide selection of patent-leather purses to be displayed front and center.

Wolfbait & B-Girls
3131 W. Logan, (312)698-8685, wolfbaitchicago.com
Goods: Men’s, women's and children’s clothing and accessories. Designers: Owners Shirley Novak and Jenny Stadler's respective lines--Bruiser and Brazen Judy--plus eighty-five other local designers. Owner: Novak and Stadler opened the shop to showcase made-in-Chicago wares. Vibe: This DIYers' wonderland is decked out with hardware draped in homemade accessories like charm necklaces and origami earrings. Browse through tie-dyed jean skirts, ransom-note-style-patched tees, camo winter coats with hot-pink lining, embroidered paintings and bike-chain chokers. Price Range: Inexpensive-Moderate. The Look: The sort of lady who sports embellished bottle caps as earrings and a Che Guevara button on her lapel. Shopper's Perks: Evening classes in topics like fabric-printing and jewelry-making. New for Fall: Printed cotton collared tops, bandolero pants and couture hats.

LOOP/NEAR SOUTH

Akira
122 S. State, (312)346-3034, akirachicago.com
Goods: Shoes and accessories for men and women. Designers: Ted Baker, Creative Recreation, LAMB, Chinese Laundry, Schutz, Adidas and Converse. In 2006, the Akira folks took their game up a notch by opening this independent shoe store among the chain-store giants of State Street. With thirty-foot ceilings and graffiti-painted walls, the store is bringing a new edge to the Great Street. See Bucktown section for more details on the company.

Florodora
330 S. Dearborn, (312)212-8860, florodora.com
Goods: Clothing and accessories for women; also home goods, stationery and candy. Designers: Dresses and separates from Twinkle by Wenlan, Nougat London, Sita Murt, Sofada and Ulla Johnson. Owner: Michael Blossom opened Florodora in the Monadnock Building, where his grandmother worked as an office girl in 1917. He named the store after the famously beautiful chorus girls in Florodora, a musical comedy from 1899. Vibe: With silk, tasseled lamps, a red-velvet chaise lounge, floors shellacked in floral paper and a display of sweet-smelling soaps perched in an antique sink, the shop feels like it could be the apartment of a turn-of-the-century temptress. The Look: The clothing selection--defined by silky, touchable fabrics, dainty bits of lace and velvet and fine tailoring--is perfect gear for a modern Florodora girl. Shopper's Perks: Preferred customers are privy to special discounts. Get discounted alterations on Florodora merchandise at the dry cleaners across the hall. New for Fall: Sweaters with crochet detail and a unique array of winter coats that you won’t find anywhere else.

Heelz
69 E. 16th, (312)235-0467, heelz.net
Goods: Italian shoes, accessories and apparel for women. Designers: Claudio Merazzi, Casadei, Giuseppe Zanotti, Luciano Padovan and Francesco Sacco. Owner: James Newsome spent years in retail management before opening the doors to his own foot-friendly boutique. Vibe: Shoes are meticulously showcased in spotlighted white shelving along the walls. Polished wood floors look none the worse for stiletto test-drives. Pink sofas invite shoppers to sink in and slide their feet into Italian leather. Price Range: Luxury. The Look: This Midwestern Imelda would rather forsake her rent than leave the house in flip-flops; she does her laundry in stiletto heels. Shopper's Perks: Complimentary champagne brings an element of soiree to the shopping experience.

House of Sole
1237 S. Michigan, (312)834-0909
Goods: Shoes and accessories for women. Designers: Shoes by Chie Mahara, Corso Como, Cydwoq, Camper and Paco Gill; handbags by Cate Adair; candles by Seda France. Owner: Tiffany Bullock ditched a fifteen-year career in finance to open a shop devoted to her true passion. Vibe: Uncluttered, organized and full of joy. Bullock’s enthusiasm and knowledge make this a fun, easy shopping experience. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: Shoes from this collection are for the gal who wants to rock the current trends, but isn’t willing to sacrifice comfort. Luckily, the naked eye can’t see bonuses like the extra padding near the toe of a Corso Como heel. Shopper’s Perks: Bullock makes a point to stock shoes that will flatter all types of feet, so both wide-soled and narrow-footed shoe lovers can find something that looks and feels great.

NEAR WEST

Bess & Loie
1015 W. Lake, (312)226-2247, bessandloie.com
Goods: Bags and accessories. Designers: Well-loved labels like Hayden-Harnett, as well as lesser-known designers like Laura Mathews. Owner: After years among Paris and New York's most fashionable, Allyson Holleb decided it was time to come home and run her own business. And there's no question this is HER business. Only brands she loves make it to the shelves, and Allyson's inviting personality and extensive knowledge of the industry separate her shop from the crowd. Vibe: The loft-like space is decorated like a grandmother's living room, complete with vintage sofas, family pictures and chocolate-chip cookies. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: Not your classic bags, but never over-the-top. These are statement pieces, but the statement isn't about the size of your bank account. Shopper's Perks: An onsite kitchen stocked with snacks. New for Fall: Makeup artist Abbe Silverman has taken up residence in the back of the store, offering customers onsite custom lip care.

Koros
1019 W. Lake, (312)738-0155, korosartandstyle.com
Goods: Clothing, shoes and accessories for women, bath and body products. Designers: Hoss, Strenesse, Ports 1961, denim by Jean Shop NY and Earnest Sewn, stylish separates by Hugo Boss Orange, jewelry by Aris Geldis. Owner: Former model and current stylist Kristen Skordilis stocks her shop with handpicked confections from New York, Paris and London. Vibe: Hardwood floors, exposed brick walls and vintage chandeliers fill the spacious boutique. Antique furnishings include washbasins from a nineteenth-century convent (which Kristen uses to store accessories) and a 200-year-old church altar that's used as a cash wrap. Price Range: Expensive-Luxury. The Look: Creative, innovative and edgy. Always stands out in a room. A gallery-hopper and upscale-lounge dweller. Shopper's Perks: Kristen has a passion for undiscovered lines, and constantly updates the store's selection. A rotating art display features painting and photography by local artists; an in-house espresso bar keeps customers energized. New for Fall: The clean, chic, go-anywhere line by Ports 1961.

Lissa on Maxwell
729 W. Maxwell, (312)563-9470, Lissaonmaxwell.com
Goods: Clothing and accessories for women. Designers: Coven, Loeffler Randall, Borne, Castle Starr, Jarbo. Owner: Melissa Shipley (aka Lissa) is a former CPA who's had a fashion addiction (and a WWD subscription) since she was a kid. She opened Lissa on Maxwell in late 2006. Vibe: The sleek, carefully organized shop makes shoppers feel at home with a comfy seating area; a flat-screen TV broadcasting fashion shows, extra-private dressing rooms, offerings from an espresso machine and Diet Coke-stocked fridge and uber-welcoming and knowledgeable sales staff. Price Range: Expensive. The Look: Impeccably pulled-together. Ladylike and edgy. Oozing chic but never baring brand names. Shopper's Perks: Lissa tends to showcase designers' debut collections, so browsing through her collection will acquaint you with up-and-coming fashion-world stars. New for Fall: Lissa is excited about her selection of beautifully structured outerwear, which she describes as “pieces of art in and of themselves.”

Ouest
1063 W. Madison, (312)421-2799, shopouest.com
Goods: Clothing, accessories and a small selection of body products for women. Designers: Sonia Rykiel, Barbara Bui, Rozae Nichols and Vena Cava; jeans by NFY and jewelry by Coco Plumb and Amy Draper. Owner: Kelly Bry became the sole owner in early 2007. Vibe: Sumptuous, cosmopolitan glamour: mosaic tiles cover the floors, the fitting rooms are like private cabanas and a plate of truffles rests on the cash wrap. Despite the high-end mystique, the staff is warm, welcoming and down-to-earth. Price Range: Expensive-Luxury. The Look: Sophisticated and feminine, pretty and Parisian, utterly in vogue. This is the kind of store that the young Catherine Deneuve would frequent. Shopper's Perks: Alterations and free delivery in the city. New for Fall: Tons of patent-leather bags and plenty of clothing and accessories in bright, jewel-tone colors.

(NEW) Pivot
1101 W. Fulton Market, (312)243-4754
Goods: Women's clothing, bags and jewelry from eco-conscious labels. Designers: Bahar Shahpar, Linda Loudermilk and Ashley Watson are just a few of the designers collected for the shop. Owner: Jessalyn Brinkmeyer left a career in fashion journalism when she saw the quality of material and design in green fashion. Vibe: Even the fixtures in the store are made from recycled materials, but Brinkmeyer refuses to sacrifice design. The "tree-hugger" shop has no problem fitting in with the hip stores and restaurants in the area. Price Range: Moderate. The Look: Most of the clothing falls into the twist-on-a-basic category, which means hipsters, yuppies, hippies and preppies can all find something green to fit their wardrobe. Shoppers Perks: Brinkmeyer is extremely knowledgeable about fabrics and production, and while entirely unpretentious, she is very willing to explain what makes a piece special.

Self-Conscious
1021 W. Lake, (312)633-4000
Goods: Men's and women's footwear; baseball caps, zip-up hoodies and tees. Designers: The shop features sneaks from Self-Conscious by V Dot. Owner: A self-proclaimed sneaker-head, South Side-born Lavelle “V-Dot” Sykes has designed shoes for major sneaker brands like Nike and Reebok. Price Range: Expensive-Luxury. Vibe: The store is tricked-out bachelor pad meets upscale boutique. The front is filled with high-end footwear displayed like art, a big-screen TV, couches and a well-kept bar waits in back. The Look: Sneaker-head heaven--the walls are even decked out in autographed hip-hop photos.

(NEW) 2 Sisters
1167 W. Madison, (312)226-6677, shop2sisters.com
Goods: Women’s clothing and accessories. Designers: Tulle, Miss Me, Sirali, Sugar Lips, Lucca and denim by Vigoss. Owner: Sisters Gina O’Donnell and Elania Bonacci opened up a Chicago outpost of their successful Park Ridge boutique. Setting up shop in the exciting, up-and-coming Near West neighborhood was a no-brainer. Vibe: Friendly and totally unpretentious. Gina and Elania’s clientele include many regulars (they amazingly remember names and client info), and the owners are often heard conversing with customers about family and work while helping them pick out a gorgeous leather clutch. Price Range: Moderate. The Look: No loud patterns or complicated detailing here. Instead you’ll find pieces that catch the eye with their flattering cuts rather than their bright colors or added extras. Shopper’s Perks: Sign up on their website to receive info on their sporadic, any-occasion sales. New for Fall: The sisters are excited that grey is the new black, and love the easy, breezy, incredibly-put-together look of a good sweater paired with almost anything.

OLD TOWN

Gray
1361 N. Wells, (312)573-0750, Grayboutique.com
Goods: Women's clothing and accessories. Designers: Jewelry by 2SisterDesigns; jeans from Serfontaine, Anlo, J Brand; women's clothing from Cynthia Steffe, Lily McNeal, Julie Brown and Poleci. Owner: Laura Schoch, a former English Composition major (she's writing an e-book on the store's Web site!) and owner of Gray's two suburban locations. Vibe: Decor is sophisticated and subtle. The walls are splashed in the store's signature hue and spruced up with arched mirrors and modern light fixtures dangle from the ceilings. The Look: Contemporary and right on-trend. Laura says that Gray strikes the ideal balance between urban and suburban chic. Shopper's Perks: Preferred customers are privy to bonuses like private sales. New for Fall: Slightly dressy Poleci wide-leg denim; upcoming fall trunk and fashion shows from Cynthia Steffe.

Haberdash
1350 N. Wells, (312)440-1300, haberdashmen.com
Goods: Clothing, accessories, shoes and grooming supplies for men. Designers: Clothing by Duncan Quinn, John Varvatos Star USA, Est. 1887, Converse by John Varvatos, Cool Hunting People, Troglodyte Homunculus, sunglasses by Mosley Tribes and grooming goodies from Billy Jealousy. Owner: Adam Beltzman, a former lawyer, set up this Old Town shop as an alternative to the cookie-cutter men's store. Vibe: Sleek, masculine decor includes polished wood and oversized leather chairs. The totally clued-in staff has the scoop on each item and designer in the store. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: Polished, confident and cool. Shopper's Perks: Cocoa Room candy's on the house--and so is the eye-candy: All the guys who work here are simply dashing. New for Fall: Plenty of military-inspired outerwear.

Handle With Care
1706 N. Wells, (312)751-2929, shophwc.com
Goods: Women's clothing, accessories, lingerie, perfume, candles, cards, baby blankets, toys and clothes. Designers: Three Dots, Nanette Lepore, Theory, Hoss, Rozae Nichols, Trina Turk, Diane Von Furstenberg. Owner: John Liberty opened this Old Town mainstay twenty-five years ago; today, the shop continues to expand. Vibe: The rooms are bright and elegant, with delicate chandeliers and exposed brick walls. The sales staff is dressed adorably and an upbeat mood prevails with eighties and nineties hits in the background. Price Range: Moderate-Luxury. The Look: Each room increases in price and dressiness, so there's something for any occasion. Wear to drinks on a friend's patio, your college roommate's wedding or dinner at NoMi. Shopper's Perks: Client books kept by the staff remind them to alert you when your favorite designers come in. A classy handwritten note thanks customers for purchases. New for Fall: Wide leg pants from Theory, multi-textured fall dresses from Rozae Nichols.

Josephine
1405 N. Wells, (312)274-0359, josephineonline.com
Goods: Women's shoes and bags. Designers: Chloe, Missoni, Giuseppe Zanotti, Sergio Rossi, Tania Spinelli, Etro, Diana Broussard, Laurence Dacade, Jil Sander, Giambattista Valli and Martin Margiela. Owners: Twin sisters Nicole Shockley and Danielle Rego named the shoe salon after their glam grandma Josephine, whose motto was always leave the house looking amazing; you never know who you'll meet. Vibe: Josephine feels like a straight-out-of-Beverly-Hills shoe salon from a bygone era. In the marble-paved, circular lounge, leopard-print pillows rest on a pink tasseled sofa; an elegant antique ashtray stands nearby and a crystal chandelier hovers above. Help is Old World, too (read: polite and attentive). Price Range: Expensive-Luxury. Shopper's Perks: Stop by at sale-time to stock up on designer shoes for fifty-to-seventy-five percent off. New for Fall: Sleek hidden platforms from Giambattista Valli and high-heel ankle boots from Tania Spinelli.

One Yellow Shoe
1543 N. Wells, (312)337-1800, oneyellowshoe.com
Goods: Shoes and accessories for women. Designers: Shoes from oh…DEER!; Dollhouse, Me Too, Joseph Griffin L.A., Aerosoles, Blowfish. Owner: Old Town resident Tammy Brody, a former commercial producer, grew tired of traveling for her job. So she opened a shoe shop in her own back yard. Vibe: Tammy enlisted a set-decorator friend to bring a Shabby Chic vibe to her garden-level shop. Mismatched crystal chandeliers hang from white pipes; flowers sit in the windowsills, old, black-and-white photographs are framed on the walls and old, bluesy tunes spill out of the speakers. The Look: This shopper is expert at accessorizing on a budget, and she expertly pulls outfits together with a splash of color. Price Range: Inexpensive-Moderate. Shopper's Perks: Almost nothing in the shop costs more than $100.

Sara Jane
1343 N. Wells, (312)335-1962, shopsarajane.com
Goods: Clothing and accessories for women, a small section of baby gifts. Designers: NU, Yumi Kim, Alice & Trixie, Rebecca Beeson, Billy Blues, Akiko, Orion, Hannah Jo, Single. Owner: Sara Jane, who worked in wholesale before opening her own girly boutique. Vibe: A clean display of merchandise with careful spotlighting. Fitting rooms are tucked behind swooping cream curtains topped with chocolate fringe. At Sara Jane, fun with fashion prevails: “We try not to take ourselves too seriously in here,” says Sara. Price Range: Expensive with some moderate accessories. The Look: A taste for off-the-beaten path designers. Retro cuts mixed with modern accessories. Old-fashioned and girly--think lacy collars and silky, pastel camisoles. Shopper's Perks: The staff prides itself on honest feedback.

Trend for Men
1551 N. Wells, (312)867-7700, trendformen.com
Goods: Clothing, shoes and accessories for men. Designers: Triple 5 Soul, James by Vigoss, Edward Dada, Report, Joe Ghost, Brandolini, Caffeine. Owner: Trend for Men is co-owned by five trendy men who boast over twenty-five years of combined retail experience. Vibe: Like a SoHo boutique in the center of Old Town. Price Range: Expensive. The Look: From pinstripe suits to cheeky ties, expect this stylish guy to be the spontaneous type. Shopper's Perk: In addition to alterations and wardrobe consultations, expect one-of-a-kind pieces from William Rast, Edward Dada and Report. New for Fall: The staff is excited about color detailing on button-down shirts. They love how it complements this season’s great-fitting denim.

(NEW) Uri
1445 N. Wells, (312)475-9002
Goods: Clothing and a small selection of accessories for women. Designers: Alvin Valley, Heike Jarick, Ardistia, Liquid; denim by Brown Label; coats by Mackage. Owner: Former stay-at-home mom Kim Woodward left the nest to return to her retail roots after she “got the courage to finally do it.” Vibe: The small room’s sparse decor, bright lighting, R&B beats and simple displays give the room a minimalist chic feel, but the elegant clothing will take your attention so fast, you’ll hardly be concerned about anything outside of the attire. Price Range: Expensive. The Look: Clothes that transition flawlessly from the office to dinner at Boka to drinks at Violet Hour. Uri is for the shopper who prefers a few perfect pieces rather than lots of almost-perfect ones. Shopper’s Perks: Woodward has the exclusive-in-Chicago on several designers, including Heike Jarick and Ardistia. New for Fall: Woodward’s love for the winter coat is apparent through the multiple racks of wool and leather pieces. Many have extra detailing--metal buttons or belts--but all are exquisitely tailored for a fit so perfect you won’t want to take it off.

Wildflowers Lingerie
1407 N. Wells, (312)654-0482, shopwildflowers.com
Goods: Lingerie, pajamas and a small assortment of erotic toys. Designers: Cosabella, Huit, Simone Perele, Elle Macpherson, Arianne and Lise Charmel. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. Owner: Gretchen Reachmack was shopping for lingerie with her cousin, an ex-nun, when she had the idea to open a lingerie boutique where women could browse and be comfortable. Vibe: Visitors must buzz to enter and then pass through a brick-paved, gated courtyard. The tucked-away boutique feels like a secret lingerie garden. Inside, staff is gracious and warm. The Look: Underneath-it-all sass. Zebra prints one day and Victorian corset tops the next. Shopper's Perks: Couples appointments are encouraged and men are welcome to lounge in the big leather man-chair outside the ladies' fitting room. New for Fall: Reachmack raves about the fall line from Lise Charmel.

ROSCOE VILLAGE

Cinnamon Boutique
2104 W. Roscoe, (773)281-2466, cinnamonboutique.com
Goods: Women's clothing and accessories. Designers: Jeans by Mavi, Red Engine and J Brand; dresses by Liquid, pieces from Puella. Owner: A former school social worker, Emily Helfrich dreamt of opening her own boutique for years before finally taking the plunge. Vibe: Amidst the deep pink walls and sea of wooden hangers, you'll find plenty of classy staple pieces and enough colorful creativity to keep your heart rate up. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: These sleek and stylish basics will let you head straight from the office to a meal at Green Zebra. Shopper's Perks: Cinnamon features four local jewelry designers, including Dana Wadas and Ulia Carrella. New for Fall: Cropped jackets from Central Park West and Tulle; fingerless gloves from Qi Cashmere.

The Denim Lounge
2004 W. Roscoe, (773)935-2820, thedenimlounge.com
Goods: Men's, women's and children's clothing and accessories. Designers: Rock and Republic, Joe's Jeans, Antik Denim, Serfontaine, 1921 Denim, True Religion. Owner: David Shelist modeled this full-size boutique after the original Denim Lounge--a store-within-a-store in his Gold Coast Madison and Friends shop--because he wanted to bring a family-friendly denim store to Roscoe Village. Vibe: Denim Lounge takes its name seriously, with a massive wall of jeans overlooking an overstuffed blue couch, stacks of magazines and a large-screen plasma TV. The mirror mosaic counter, saltwater fish tank and dogs-welcome policy round out the laidback lounge atmosphere. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: Rock-star cool, headed to the Empty Bottle for a show or the Cobra Lounge. Shopper's Perks: Watch for regular Bag Sales, when $250 will get you whatever you can stuff into a drawstring bag.

Glam To Go
2002 W. Roscoe, (773)525-7004, glamtogo.com
Goods: Women's clothing, jewelry, stationery, kid's clothes, kid's books and toys, body products. Designers: Language, 525 America, KG Design, Mistral, Topin, Sweetees, Weston Wear; bags by Shiraleah, Maruca Designs and Tano. Owner: With a strong background in retail, Jenny Flynn opened Glam to Go with a mission to build a beauty deli. Vibe: With every surface covered in glitter, ribbons or frills, one could easily lose track of time taking in everything this small shop has to offer. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: Feminine and whimsical. Perfect gear for visiting the Butterfly Sanctuary at the Notebaert Nature Museum. Shopper's Perks: The complimentary gift-wrapping confirms that this place is perfect for grab-and-go gift shopping.

Revolver
2135 W. Belmont, (773)832-4866, Rrclothing.com
Goods: Clothing and accessories for men. Designers: Christian Audigier (celebs love his hoodies), Juicy Couture for men, 1921 Denim, Plain Jane Couture and Royal Underground. Owners: Between the five of them, buddies Patrick Draut, Andy Mullady, Cee Sanchez, Chris Poole and Bob Brown have experience as club owners, designers and real estate investors. They opened Revolver in late 2006 as a way to combine their interests. Vibe: The upscale men's boutique features Godfather-blaring plasma screens, video games and cold brewskies for shoppers (21-plus shoppers, that is). Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: Relaxed, confident, young, cheeky and a bit rebellious. This guy has a great sense of humor, but he's got a tough side to him too. Think Turtle from Entourage. Shopper's Perks: Customers who spend $200 or more are given free CDs loaded with current hits. Customers who are feelin' lucky will appreciate this: free condoms are also doled out. New for Fall: The fall hats and tees by All Night and a Day are designed by local graffiti artists.

WICKER PARK/UKRAINIAN VILLAGE
See Bucktown section for North Wicker Park boutiques.

Alcala's Western Wear
1733 W. Chicago, (312)226-0152, alcalas.com
Goods: Boots, hats and Western garb for men, women and cowboys--and cowgirls-in-training. Designers: Boots are by Frye, Lucchese and Durango; hats are by Stetson and Shady Brady. Owner: Luis Alcala founded the store in 1972. Luis' son Richard and family manage the store. Vibe: A lit-up, braying pony beckons shoppers to one of the largest retailers of Western wear this side of Texas. Inside, there's a dizzying array of cowboy gear including everything from boots to lassos. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: A beer-swigging, line-dancing, red-blooded American. Shopper's Perks: The store offers free alterations, hat-shaping and onsite boot repair.

Amisha Boutique
2019 W. Division, (773)227-7878
Goods: Clothing and accessories for women and men. Designers: Morgan, Basil & Maude, Etc., Johnny Wash. Owners: Twin sisters Iesha and Amina Kandeh fled West Africa when they were fifteen years old. Vibe: “It's like a modern, hip version of Victoria's Secret,” says Iesha of her pink-walled boutique. Price Range: Inexpensive-Moderate (the great majority of merchandise is under $100). The Look: Iesha describes the store's inventory as chic and down-to-earth. “Our clothing is hip and nice--we want the younger generation to look classy, not trashy.” Shopper's Perks: A boyfriend-friendly lounge offers football on flat-screen TVs. New for Fall: Stop by to check out Amisha’s new men’s section, debuting this season.

Andina Buenos Aires
1740 W. Division, (773)227-6225, shopandina.com
Goods: Women's purses, belts, shoes, scarves and jewelry, all imported from Argentina. Owner: Argentina native Gonzolo Barenas' boutique was inspired by the street fairs and bazaars in Buenos Aires. Vibe: Posters of Argentina dot the walls, while Argentinean music plays overhead. Plants decorate the displays, and the goods provide punches of color in an otherwise black and wood room. Price Range: Moderate. The Look: From the office to Lumen, spice up any outfit with buttery leather or rich suede bags and belts, then shine it up with some sterling silver jewelry. Shopper's Perks: Shopping at Andina will give you a distinctly unique look--you can't find these accessories at H & M.

Bonnie & Clyde's
1751 W. Division, (773)235-2680, bonnie-clydes.net
Goods: Women's clothing, jewelry and graphic art. Designers: Bonnie & Clyde's has the Chicago exclusive on Cosa Nostra (the line from Project Runway winner Jeffrey Sebelia); European Culture, Faith Connection, 10 Feet, Horyoshi III and KBD. Owners: Artist and former Columbia College student Stephen Naparstek began his shop to combine his two passions: art and fashion. Vibe: The store is inspired by the gallery-boutique hybrids of Miami and Paris and showcases cutting-edge clothing alongside pop surrealism art. Price Range: Expensive. The Look: Edgy and eye-catching with punk-rock flair. Shopper's Perks: Shoppers are treated to champagne and espresso. New for Fall: Super-cozy Cashmere sweaters from Cosa Nostra.

Casa de Soul
1919 W. Division, (773)252-2520, casadesoul.net
Goods: Art, accessories and clothing for men and women, home items from Nigeria and an assortment of gifts. Designers: Men's items include JC Rags, 101 apparel, Caste, Grn Apple Tree, Tylho, Report Collection and Rzst; women's clothing comes from Yoga Army, Ori'en by Cyndi Chan, Rojas, Sworn Virgins, Choye Toi, Sweet Soul, Dept and BB Dakota. Owner: Kennedy Ashinze, a Nigerian native who moonlights as a DJ. Vibe: Afrobeat tunes are sometimes slung out by a live DJ, local artwork spruces up the walls and a plexiglass accessories wall is backlit in cherry red. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: Funky with an urban, global sense of style. Loves unique, hard-to-find items. A city dweller with an artistic curiosity, an active social life and a passion for travel. Shopper's Perks: This is one of the only spots in the city where shoppers can score Nigerian imports to spruce up the home. New for Fall: Ashinze is now carrying Ikks, an LA-based line, and expects his Nooka watches for both men and women to go fast.

d/vision
1756 W. Division, (773)489-4848, dvoptical.com
Goods: Eyewear for men and women. Designers: In addition to offering the largest selection of Oliver Peoples and Paul Smith frames in the city, the store sells Alain Mikli, Face a Face, Lindberg, I.C. Berlin Owner: Chris Foreit and Brian Hofmeister opened the shop as an outpost of hard-to-find, high-style eyewear. Vibe: The corner boutique has a sleek and minimalist feel, with local artists' work hung on the walls. Glass cases showcase two-tone plastic and titanium frames in every color of the rainbow, leopard-print Jackie O. frames and barely there eyewear by Orgreen. Price Range: Expensive-Luxury. The Look: From contemporary, classy specs to futuristic statement pieces. Shopper's Perk: It's a one-stop shop. Go for a checkup at the doctor's office in back and then select your new favorite accessory.

Espace
1205 N. Milwaukee, (773)252-6994
Goods: Men's and women's clothing, shoes and bags. Designers: Puma, Lacoste, Adidas, Miss Sixty, Penguin and exclusive-in-Chicago Cop Copine and United Nude. Owner: Neighboring City Sports recently took the reigns from original owner Drew Ee. Vibe: Sleek yet comfortable. The store is easy to navigate, with neatly organized racks and displays. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: Sporty, urban and stylish. Fit for an impromptu party in a studio space followed by drinks and dancing at Ohm. Shopper's Perks: Espace purchases only three-to-four of each item, so each purchase here feels like a real find. The wide array of price points accommodates everyone from financially challenged fashionistas to professional shoppers.

Gamma Player
2035 W. Division, (773)235-0755, gammaplayer.com
Goods: Clothing and accessories for men and women; music and books. Designers: International designers include Firma from Berlin, and Iben Hoj from Denmark. Owners: Jeff Mills, an international music celebrity and founder of Axis records, co-owns the shop with his wife Yoko Uozumi, a music-industry executive. Vibe: Mills' soothing, futuristic music plays in the gallery-like space, wrapped in black walls. The store's ambiance changes seasonally to bring out the mood of that season's collections. Price Range: Expensive-Luxury. The Look: Jet-setting artiste with a love for unusual detail and a propensity for risk-taking. Shopper's Perks: Apart from the opportunity to mingle with celebrity store owners, shoppers will find clothing from international designers not sold anywhere else in the US. New for Fall: Pauric Sweeney bags, crocheted metallic jewelry by French designer Flos ad Floren and a new selection of clothing from Chicago designer Agga B.

Habit
1951 W. Division, (773)342-0093, habitchicago.com
Goods: Women's clothing and accessories by independent artists. Designers: Designers have included Superficial, Inc., Nature vs. Future, Abigail Glaum-Lathbury and Suzabelle. Owner: Lindsey Boland, designer of the line Superficial, Inc, opened this boutique to showcase independent designers. Vibe: The small storefront feels like a forest of progressive design: handmade frocks hang amidst painted white trees climbing silvery walls and sinuous branches are suspended from the ceiling. The back of the store houses a studio where Lindsey whips up playful clothing for women. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: Fashion-forward. Downtown. Creative and addicted to self-expression. Whimsical. Young at heart. Shopper's Perks: Now's your chance to stock up on up-and-coming designers, so you can say you knew them before Barneys did. New for Fall: C Differently handbags, delicate jewelry by Twig Design and any piece that can be layered.

Noir
1726 W. Division, (773)572-6084
Goods: Women's and men's clothing, shoes, accessories. Owner: Eight years ago, Clara Pilault changed her vintage store, Le Garage, into one of the first Division Street boutiques. Vibe: If Noir stayed open past 10pm, it could be a small club. There is space for a DJ in the back, and the attention-grabbing tops beg for dimmer lights. But Clara's gentle nature and genuine assistance make you feel like you're shopping with family--if your family helped you buy halter-tops and mini skirts, that is. Price Range: Inexpensive-Moderate. The Look: A girl on the prowl. Clubby. European. Eye-catching. Shopper's Perks: While current styles dominate the upper level, Noir has a bargain basement full of discounted finds.

Penelope's
1913 W. Division, (773)395-2351, penelopeschicago.com
Goods: Clothing and accessories for men and women, home items. Designers: Women's clothing is by Built by Wendy, Plastic Island and Anzevino & Florence; Men's designers include BrownSound, Crate Denim and Dunderdond; men and women can both stock up on pieces from A.P.C. and Wesc. Owners: Husband-and-wife team Joe Lauer and Jena Frey opened Penelope's in 2002. Vibe: The store is flooded with cheery, retro touches: look for sunny-sky-blue walls and colorful-as-a-box-of-crayons merchandise. Also check out home items and stationery like millimeter/milligram from South Korea. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: Hipster with a sunny outlook. Clean lines, spunky prints, a splash of vintage and a dash of cheek. Shopper's Perks: Hang out with the two in-house pugs.

Plein Aire
2036 W. Division, (773)227-3772, shoppleinaire.com
Goods: Women's clothing and accessories Designers: Hale Bob, Joe's Jeans, Paige Premium, Velvet, Poleci, Rebecca Beeson. Owners: Jacquie Barrios and Jill Carroll are former flight attendants who'd always dreamed of having their own shop. Vibe: The airy storefront is soaked in sunlight and capped with classy touches--look for chandeliers in each of the spacious fitting rooms. The approachable sales team never makes shoppers feel overwhelmed or pressured. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: You're the ultimate flirtatious femme: somehow, you manage to make basics look stylish and sexy. Shopper's Perks: Around holiday time, a select few highest-volume shoppers receive a very generous gift certificate. New for Fall: Plein Aire is now carrying lines from Madison Marcus, Dallin Chase and Corey Lynn Calter.

Public i
1923 W. Division, (773)772-9088, publicifashion.com
Goods: Clothing and accessories for men and women, travel accessories. Designers: Agave Nectar, Grassroots, Ogle, Isda and G1 Basic Goods for women; Agave California, Robert Graham and 7 Diamonds for men. Travel accessories are by Rimowa, Lexon, International Traveler and Ellington. Owners: Married couple Julia and Brian Knier share a passion for style and environmental causes. Every box that's delivered to the shop is recycled, and Julia's a master at finding eco-friendly clothing lines that don't scream “douse me in patchouli.” Vibe: Daisy-yellow walls surround a tidy, sunny space fragranced with lit candles. In back, look for a tented travel lounge full of for-your-suitcase essentials. Be sure to take advantage of the expert customer service: The sales folks here are wardrobing pros. Price Range: Expensive. The Look: Impeccably pulled-together, even in jeans. Career-driven and well-traveled. Shopper's Perks: An exceptional list of services includes wardrobe consultation, travel planning and shopping parties. New for Fall: Gone is the summer casual vibe-- their fall selection is bringing sophistication back. Look for clean lines, tons of dressy trousers and new labels Shades of Gray, Wellenstein and Bobi.

Pump Shoes and Accessories
1659 W. Division, (773)384-6750, pumpshoeschicago.com
Goods: Shoes and accessories for women. Designers: Jeffrey Campbell, Betsey Johnson, Miss Sixty, Michael Kors and Fornarina. Owner: Maureen Longua, who adores hard-to-find heels from sultry locales like Spain and Argentina. Vibe: Pink ribbons climb the walls, a crystal chandelier sparkles overhead and a round ottoman is strewn with shoeboxes as shoppers fancy up their feet. Longua showers visitors with friendly energy and accessorizing-savvy. Price Range: Mostly moderate, with a few expensive items. The Look: A girly-girl who knows how to dress adorably without spending a fortune. Shopper's Perks: Fabulous sales and onsite cocktail parties. New for Fall: “It’s all about suede,” says Maureen, whose store is chock full the super-soft leather in every style.

(NEW) Renegade Handmade
1924 W. Division, (773)227-2707, renegadehandmade.com
Goods: Handmade jewelry, t-shirts, tote bags, buttons, some skin care; vintage tops and jeans for both men and women. Designers: Renegade carries handcrafted products from participants in the annual Renegade Art Fair, as well as skin care by Biggs & Featherbelle. Owner: Sue Blatt and Kathleen Habbley originally planned to open a vintage clothing store, but decided upon this quirky storefront after their Renegade Art Fair took off. Vibe: Bright and clean, like an art classroom before the kids run in and start playing. Price Range: Inexpensive. Shopper’s Perks: These artisans are ready to share their talents—they’ll take a moment or two to show you how to make your own art. New for Fall: Handmade scarves.

Thr3ee Boutique
1632 W. Division, (773)227-8200, thr3eestore.com
Goods: Clothing and accessories for men and women. Designers: Chii Clothing Culture, Rebel Spirit, Edward Dada, Smet and Christian Audigier. Owner: Chii Clothing founder Rich Santo had great success hawking his line at fashion shows and in local bars; in April 2006, he opened Thr3ee Boutique to give the urban-chic brand a home of its own. Vibe: Graffiti and hand-painted skulls plaster the walls while hip-hop and house beats pulse aggressively from the speakers. City-side staples like jackets, hoodies and caps fill the space. Price Range: Moderate. The Look: Armed with a vodka-Red Bull and a hot honey, you're ready to kick it till sunrise in the VIP lounge. Shopper's Perks: Using one of the prints from Chii clothing, they will create your own one-of-a-kind tees and hoodies in just twenty minutes. An in-house service called Famiglia Entertainment offers in-the-know guides who can show you a good time on the club circuit.

(2007-10-02)

about Newcitychicago | about Newcity magazine | advertising | privacy policy | FAQ | employment