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The 900 Shops
900 N. Michigan Ave.
312.915.3916
Monday – Saturday 10 to 7, Sunday 12 to 6
shop900.com
The most up-market of Chicago's high-rise malls, the shops at 900 N. Michigan, combine all the glamour of Michigan Avenue without the hustle and bustle of the strip. Cutting-edge design and distinctive architectural elements create an elegant setting for browsing an eclectic mix of fashion, home décor and accessories from more than 70 high-end retailers.
COUNT ON FINDING: Seven levels of sophisticated shopping, not to mention multiple restaurants, the Mario Tricoci Hair Salon and an Equinox Fitness Center. Find custom window treatments from the Silk Trading Co., European bedding at Scandia Down and adorable items to decorate a nursery at Preggers. The 900 Shops also offer a full-service concierge on levels one and six, free internet and beautifully designed and packaged gift cards.
WHAT'S NEW? At the first U.S. boutique for French homewares retailer Genevieve Lethu, boldly patterned dinnerware and bright tabletop items add a certain je ne sais quoi to the kitchen. If you find yourself hungry for more than just tasteful goods, nothing beats a cup of “only eight” frozen yogurt from King Cafe Gourmet & Co.
Armadio
1006 W. Armitage Ave., 773.477.7505
Monday – Wednesday 11 to 6, Thursday – Saturday 11 to 7, Sunday 12 to 5
www.armadioboutique.com
Chicago's newest destination for men and women who speak the same language when it comes to fashion: French and Italian.
COUNT ON FINDING: Open since May, Armadio, perched in a refreshingly airy space on Armitage Avenue, offers a well-edited selection of the best of French and Italian design for both men and women including Ungaro, Moschino, Castelbajac, Gianfranco Ferre and Just Cavalli. Armadio also carries Norma Kamali, an American designer in high demand.
WHAT'S NEW? French designs by La Cité and the beautiful Italian Costume National line; Dolce & Gabbana's hugely popular lower-priced D & G line; Bogosse shirts (Usher wears them); Cettu Italian handbags; and coming this spring, fashion designer and store owner Maira Okuleye will also offer her own line for men and women.
Bloomingdale's
900 N. Michigan Ave.
312.440.4460
Monday – Saturday 10 to 8, Sunday 11 to 7
bloomingdales.com
Known as much for its signature “brown bag” as for its elegant Michigan Avenue address, Bloomingdale's reigns as one of Chicago's retail giants. With six stories
of glorious space, shoppers have plenty to sift through including a large selection of contemporary lines and designer labels.
COUNT ON FINDING: Anyone worth her stilettos will tell you that this store is the final word in fresh designer clothing and accessories. After ogling handbags by Lauren Merkin on the main floor, head upstairs for chic sportswear by Salvatore Ferragamo. On level five, younger fashion sybarites gravitate toward excellent selections of midpriced lines such as Marc by Marc Jacobs, Alice & Olivia, and Theory. Visitors to the city can receive information about the store and other local attractions, as well as a complimentary gift with purchase when they stop by the first floor Visitors desk.
WHAT'S NEW? Want to bag something different? First Edit, a new cutting-edge retail concept, brings the unique sensibilities of a specialty shop to the storied department store. The store will stock a roster of hard-to-find labels while also serving as a launch pad for up-and-coming designers.
Christofle
900 N. Michigan Ave., Level 1
312.664.9700
Monday – Saturday 10 to 7, Sunday 12 to 6
christofle.com
Having been the preeminent supplier of fine sterling silver, crystal and china to the European aristocracy, Christofle continues to create a variety of
elegantly sophisticated products from gold and silver tableware and dining table accessories to decorative pieces of silver, crystal and porcelain.
COUNT ON FINDING: Ornate candelabrum gleam inside the softly lit space while entire sets of sterling silverware and delicate crystal pieces shine in display cases. Designs range from traditional to modern, detailed to simple, and all are painstakingly fashioned using centuries-old techniques.
WHAT'S NEW? Christofle is increasingly broadening its collection to include more gifts and decorative objects for all those occasions that call for a beautiful present. From desk, bar and smoke accessories to delicate cups and saucers for children to Adam Tihany-designed martini glasses, each is a sure treasure.
Cotélac
1159 W. Webster Ave., 773.281.2330
Tuesday – Saturday 10 to 6, Sunday 12 to 5, Monday 12 to 5 and by appointment
Also, 685 Vernon Ave., Glencoe, 847.242.6030
www.cotelacusa.com
No need to travel to Paris; this innovative French line, which epitomizes the whole French casual chic look, can be found right here in Lincoln Park.
COUNT ON FINDING: Cotélac's signature deconstructed designs featuring asymmetrical hems and soft, comfortable fabrics treated with Japanese pleating or crinkling. The perfect travel clothing, most of Cotelac's pieces can be mixed, layered and even reversed. Known for its ease in care, every piece is machine washable and wrinkle resistant.
WHAT'S NEW? Flirty little slips that peek through dresses and tops (no one does lingerie quite like the French); cozy sweaters; tweed pieces and a new line of fall/winter accessories. Also coming this fall: a new Cotélac boutique on Broome Street in SoHo.
Fabrice
1714 N. Wells St., 312.280.0011
Monday – Friday 10 to 6, Saturday 10 to 5:30, Sunday 11:30 to 5
www.fabricechicago.com
This is the kind of boutique you dream of finding: cozy, intimate, chic. Goods reflect the impeccable eye of Jody Nash. Find handbags and jewelry including the Fabrice line from Paris.
COUNT ON FINDING: Devine Akeewakee candles from New Orleans. Longchamp, Chapelier and Sequoia bags. Pashmina scarves by Fragonard in all colors, and jewelry, unusual and beautiful such as an embroidered necklace by Dori Csengeri.
WHAT'S NEW? The latest French and Italian jewelry designs as well as stunning handbags by Kooba.
Florsheim
835 N. Michigan Ave., 312.335.9884
Monday – Saturday 10 to 9, Sunday 11 to 6
www.florsheim.com
Known for its attention to style, detail and only using the finest materials since its start here in Chicago back in 1892, Florsheim offers a strong selection of classic designs as well as more contemporary styles to appeal to the Renaissance men of the 21st century.
COUNT ON FINDING: Iconic styles like the Riva loafer, a best-seller since 1979, and dress shoes—many of which are crafted by hand—featuring traditional leather soles and lambskin lining. But it's not all about the office: check out sports-casual options and even sandals.
WHAT'S NEW? More variations of hip bowling-style shoes as well as easy on-and-off pairs perfect for air travel.
G Boutique
2131 N. Damen Ave., 773.235.1234
Monday – Saturday 11 to 7, Sunday 12 to 5
boutiqueg.com
Don't let the lust-worthy lingerie and playful assortment of products and toys distract. A distinctively feminine yet fun décor encourages women of all ages to shop comfortably in this Bucktown boutique.
COUNT ON FINDING: A covetable collection of Hanky Panky, practical and pretty bras by Cosabella and frilly French lingerie labels fill the open space. This is a one-stop-shop for any girly gifts or bachelorette party necessities—think toys, books and videos.
WHAT’S NEW? Eberjay returns to the racks, along with a brand-new organic cotton line by Skin. Fans of the store's parties and classes can look forward to a second store opening this season, G Soiree. The new space schools shoppers in the art of seduction with workshops such as burlesque dancing.
Haberdash
1350 N. Wells St.,312.440.1300
Sunday, Monday noon to 5, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 11 to 7, Thursday 11 to 8, Saturday 11 to 6
www.haberdashmen.com
With walnut shelving and a wall of walnut doors leading to dressing rooms that highlight stunning contemporary quarters, here's a gentleman's boutique that manages to be both elegant and informal.
COUNT ON FINDING: Chic and smart sportswear by John Varvatos Star USA, along with his stylish revamp of classic Converse sneakers. The shop always features a well-edited selection of basics and must-haves for the fashion-conscious male.
WHAT'S NEW? Update your fall wardrobe with the latest by Nicholas K, Stitch's denim, and Theory. Find new sneakers by Gola to start the season off on a good foot.
HEELZ Chicago Shoe Salon
69 E. 16th St., 312.235.0467
Monday – Friday 10 to 7, Saturday 10 to 6, Sunday by appointment heelz.net
COUNT ON FINDING: Patent peep toes, sky-high stilettos and razor-thin calfskin sandals are some of the exclusive offerings at this specialty shoe salon. "We are all about catering to our clients in a way that allows them to feel great about their purchases," says manager LaRhonda Bennett.
"We're dedicated to being an avant garde place, where one can always find those 'it' shoes." This South Loop shoe shop is pure luxury—slip on styles by Giuseppe Zanotti, Vera Wang and Claudio Merazzi while lounging on velvet ottomans with a glass of champagne.
WHAT'S NEW? This fall, you'll find new styles in suedes and funky materials including everything from python to pony hair to patent leathers. Look for the new line, Magrit for Junbesi, to debut a warm, sexy collection of shoes at the boutique this season.
Kachi Bachi
2041 N. Damen Ave., 773.645.8640
Monday – Saturday 11 to 6, Sunday 12 to 5
www.kachibachi.com
Claudia Pareja's full-service store/studio/ gallery space specializes in creating custom window treatments, bedding, shower curtains, throws and accent pillows, but she's recently added “Kachi Bachi for her” —a collection of women's clothing from Argentina, Brazil and Chile.
COUNT ON FINDING: Embroidered fabrics for home design, handmade accouterments from tissue boxes to pillows and curtains embellished with fringe, fabric, buttons and ribbons. A seasonally rotating and well-edited collection of South American women's clothing designers that range from $18 to $1,500.
WHAT'S NEW? New South America designers like Patachou, Aha and Amissima, long, wool sweater dresses by Tacklers, embroidered coats with vintage buttons, heavy knit wool coats, every-season ruffled cotton blouses, high-waisted cigarette pants. Pareja redesigns and repaints the store to reflect her latest inspirations; this fall look for yellow, pewter and purple tones to be reflected in the store's fabrics and apparel.
LMNOP
2570 N. Lincoln Ave., 773.975.4055
Monday – Friday 10 to 6, Saturday 10 to 5, Sunday 11 to 4
This children's clothing boutique featuring ultracomfortable, yet ultrasophisticated designs sure to please both mom and child. After shopping, continue the happiness next door, with ice cream cones for the kids and a latté for mom.
COUNT ON FINDING: High-quality European children's lines (newborn to 10 for boys, up to 12 for girls) from France, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden and Holland; mostly exclusive to Chicago. LMNOP also offers a remarkable level of customer service.
WHAT'S NEW? Reversible down coats and brightly colored Thinsulate coats, wool coats from Denmark and a huge assortment of reasonably priced hats and gloves in chocolates, purples, muted greens and charcoal.
M2 Boutique
3527 N. Southport Ave. 773.248.9866
Monday – Friday 12 to 7, Sat. 10 to 6, Sunday 12 to 5
www.mboutiquechicago.com
Find fun, flirty jewelry and handbags at this affordable hotspot. Most everything is under $100, with the exception of sumptuous leather Tano handbags.
COUNT ON FINDING: Large, colorful stone pendants from Taolei, by boe delicate wiry gold jewelry, Melie Bianco handbags.
WHAT'S NEW? Silver, pewter and other metallics are favorites for fall. Oversized clutches are, literally, very big.
Malabar
1880 N. Damen Ave., 773.321.6685
Monday – Saturday 11 to 7, Sunday 12 to 5
www.malabarboutique.com
From casual to eveningwear, Claudia Kleiner's two-story men's and women's clothing boutique is stocked with her favorite Chicago apparel and accessory designers as well as hard-to-find looks from her native South America.
COUNT ON FINDING: Chicago-based designer Orlando Espinoza's entire collection, from long, dark silk evening gowns to classic men's looks, oversized sweaters by Revolver, cropped jackets by Cindy Chan, the owner's own 14-karat and sterling jewelry pieces, custom Venezuelan Zignone suits for men.
WHAT'S NEW? E-commerce on the Web site launches this fall, silver jersey dresses and knit, high-necked shirts by Brazilian designer Jefferson Kulig, shoes and handbags by Katie Kerrigan, men's sport coats by British designer Castle Star, Venezuelan designer Nicolas Felizola men's wear, silk-lined Jackie Kennedy-style jackets by Central Park West, skirts and long tunics by Buffalo.
Mary Walter
33 W. Superior St.
312.266.1094
Monday – Friday 10 to 7, Saturday 10 to 6, Sunday 12 to 5
marywalter.net
Located just off the Magnificent Mile®, Mary Walter is a one-stop shop for the chic woman in search of stylish, sophisticated clothes. Suits, blouses, sweaters, blazers, bold accessories and jewelry all come together nicely here with a helpful staff that will take the time to put together a smart ensemble for work or play.
COUNT ON FINDING: Whether your office requires business or business-casual attire, Mary Walter has the seasonal options you want. From unique Indigo knitwear by Blue Willi's to versatile workplace basics from Di Vita and People Like Frank, clothing is selected to emphasize construction, fit and design.
WHAT'S NEW? Are your basics looking tired? Freshen up your look with the new white shirt—a puff-sleeved feminine wrap blouse by Lafayette 148. Top off the look with a lightweight cropped jacket that works with everything from capris to a flirty frock.
Only She
710 N State St., 312.335.1353
Monday – Friday 10 to 7, Saturday 10 to 6, Sunday 12 to 5
www.onlyshe.com
High-end and hard-to-find collections perfect for the sophisticated shopper looking to create and celebrate her individual style. Trunk shows, private sales and designer appearances are added bonuses to exceptional everyday customer service.
COUNT ON FINDING: Full collections from European, global and local designers as well as stylish staples and accessories to complete any luxe look. Featured European designers include Ivan Grundahl and Marie Saint Pierre. Dresses from Australia's Leona Edmiston and New Zealand's Trelise Cooper are stocked exclusively at the boutique as well as designs from Chicago's Alice Berry.
WHAT'S NEW? Look for the return of menswear influence this fall, with many collections pushing the pant to the front of their lines. New designers will include Toronto's Linda Lundström and Louda out of Paris. Trunk shows will feature Lorain Croft in September, Marie Saint Pierre in October and multiple designers in November in celebration of SOFA Chicago.
Pratesi Linens
67 E. Oak St.
312.943.8422
Monday – Saturday 10 to 6
pratesi.com
You'll never know what you've been missing until you've spent the night on a bed fitted with Pratesi luxury. The Chicago store—the only U.S. location to be remodeled to reflect the classic elegance of the brand—offers some of the most beautiful cotton confections around in a soothing contemporary setting.
COUNT ON FINDING: Peerless linens that will keep you in bed. Known for superior thread count and softness, the Italian maker also offers lavish bathrobes, beachwear, wool and cashmere blankets and accessories.
WHAT'S NEW? A day at the beach becomes a luxury experience when you dry off with Pratesi's famous collection of beach towels. Beach bags and accessories add to the experience. Exclusive items also include exceptional Egyptian linens in several new styles, colors and thread counts.
Preggers
900 N. Michigan Ave., 312.943.MAMA
Monday – Saturday 10 to 7, Sunday 12 to 6
www.preggersmaternity.com
The one-spot mom-and-tot shop for everything from maternity slacks to baby bedding.
COUNT ON FINDING: Closet staples like Paper Denim & Cloth jeans and Belly Basics to get the mother-to-be through nine months of sartorial challenges as well as urban-sophisticate takes on classic items like diaper bags and baby blankets. For the fashionable infant, there are colorful Trumpette baby shoes, “Rock Star” bibs and adorable-chic nursery furniture by Angel Line, Oeuf and Green Frog.
WHAT'S NEW? Maternity clothes from T-Bags and Three Dots as well as lots of clothes in gray— fall's new neutral.
Red Eye Eyewear
1869 N. Damen Ave., 773.782.1660
Monday, Thursday 12 to 6, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 12 to 7, Saturday 12 to 5
www.redeyeoptical.com
The coolest red-hued optical shop around, Dr. Matthew W. Gifford offers comprehensive eye exams, a stylish frame selection, all types of contacts and more.
COUNT ON FINDING: Fashion-forward frames for faces of all ages in brands like DKNY, Gucci, Ogi, Steve Madden, Adrienne Vittadini and Emporio Armani. Sunglasses by Ray-Ban.
WHAT'S NEW? New styles from the Italian line Menizzi including colorful, fun shapes and designs.
Riley
1659 N. Damen Ave., 773.489.0101
Monday – Saturday 11 to 7, Sunday 11 to 5
shopriley.com
An inviting loftlike look and easy-going aesthetic at this Bucktown boutique complement the assortment of comtemporary apparel and accessories for men and women.
COUNT ON FINDING: An amazing selection of jeans and tops. Brands for men include Joe's, Hudson, Mavi, Rufus and English Laundry. Women can choose from Red Engine, David Kahn, Mynk, 1921, Lu Lu Lame and Diane Samandi. Gals in-the-know appreciate the impressive assortment of Michael Stars tees and local jewelry designers. Guys in-the-know come here for a shirt other guys don't have. The selection ranges from professional to rock-star edge.
WHAT’S NEW? Women will love all the bold, colorful additions for summer including scarves from Love Quotes, dresses from Akiko and Larsen Gray's organic dresses. Men can expect to find 1921 denim and shirts by Ted Baker and Arbitrage.
Sansappelle
34 East Oak St., 312.642.9642
Monday – Friday 10 to 4, Saturday 11 to 4
Haute couture in and from Chicago? Mais oui, if it's evening, bridal and cocktail gowns by Margo Ten Eyck. The creative designer showcases her gorgeous custom creations here on the seventh floor.
COUNT ON FINDING: A smashing bridal or breathtakingly original ball gown as well as custom separates for black-tie occasions.
WHAT'S NEW? Jewel tones rocked the runways, so step out in a sophisticated style in the latest hue—blackberry. Designs here come out bi-annually, so silhouettes are always au courant for any special occasion.
Soutache
2125 N. Damen Ave., 773.292.9110
Tuesday – Saturday 10 to 6, Sunday noon to 5, Monday by appointment
Whether you're seeking a specific satin or an elegant appliqué trim for your sewing project, heading here proves that the difference really is in the details.
COUNT ON FINDING: From ribbons to rosettes, this Bucktown store is teeming with trimmings. Revive an old outfit with an extensive selection of buttons, feathers, flowers and embroideries. And if the 20-foot wall of hundreds of ribbons isn't enough, owner Maili Powell is open to and experienced with special orders. She's also available for customized alterations, done on a worktable in the back of the store.
WHAT’S NEW? Aspiring seamstresses will be “sew” excited to note the upcoming in-store classes. This summer, Powell teaches clients how to design flowers out of ribbon and also will offer programs in silk ribbon embroidery.
Spare Parts
2947 N. Broadway Ave., 773.525.4242
Monday 12 to 7, Tuesday – Saturday 11 to 7, Sunday 12 to 5
www.sparepartschicago.com
For 20 years, Spare Parts has specialized in high-quality leather goods and handmade designer jewelry. Owners Donte and Vanessa Mearon focus on independent lines and bags sporting strong shapes and colors.
COUNT ON FINDING: Buttery leather handbags, lightweight nylon backpacks, computer bags that look anything but corporate as well as jewelry, men's and women's accessories and Donte's artwork.
WHAT'S NEW? Bringing fun to the workplace with bags that reveal bright splashes of interior color.
Stinky Pants
844 W. Armitage Ave., 773.281.4002
Monday – Friday 10 to 7, Saturday 10 to 6, Sunday 11 to 5
stinky-pants.com
Everyone's happy at this stroller-friendly shop—your little one gets to ride on the outdoor carousel or play inside while you peruse the latest in kid's clothing, toys and tees.
COUNT ON FINDING: Fashion-forward pieces such as rock-inspired tees by Junk Food and Rowdy Sprout to fit infants to size 14. From stylish Banana Cabana swimwear for girls to a wide variety of children's footwear (including child-sized versions of Converse All-Stars and Vans), this Lincoln Park store is a one-stop shop for your tot.
WHAT’S NEW? This summer check out trendy looks from the newest designers including flouncy princess tutu dresses by Ooh! La, La! Couture and fun pieces from Purepensee.
Store B Vintage
1472 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773.772.4296
Tuesday – Friday 11 to 6, Saturday 10 to 6, Sunday 11 to 5
Owner David Ginople stocks his store with an intent to “preserve a piece of history”—think quality, wearable vintage clothing for both men and women.
COUNT ON FINDING: A boutique that specializes in items from the 1940s to '70s including a well-edited selection of vintage and designer shoes, handbags, jewelry and items for the home. Recent finds include Ferragamo boots, shoes by Roger Vivier and Stuart Weitzman as well as vintage and contemporary looks from Giorgio Armani. While the pieces you'll find here are always in pristine condition, shoppers can bring in their vintage items to be repaired and restored in-store.
WHAT’S NEW? Ginople is always shopping, so the merchandise is changing all the time. For summer, try a vintage wicker handbag from the 1950s or '60s.
Yolanda Lorente
900 N. Michigan Ave., Level 5
312. 867.0900
Monday – Saturday 10 to 7, Sunday 12 to 6
yolandalorente.com
Best known for her sumptuous hand-painted silk gowns, local designer Yolanda Lorente epitomizes glamour. With a dynamic line of daytime as well as signature eveningwear, her breathtaking pieces are made with uncompromising attention to detail and quality, giving the wearer an air of elegance and uncompromising taste.
COUNT ON FINDING: Dresses that embody what it means to be feminine in colors to match anyone's taste. Not only are her unique, colorful pieces easy to wear, but they are designed to compliment almost any woman's figure.
WHAT'S NEW? Got silk? Make a splash this summer in a breezy hand-painted silk chiffon tunic top. Simple yet sheer and sexy, the tropical colors brighten any wardrobe.