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Crosell & Co.
1922 N. Damen Ave., 773.252.9010
Tuesday – Friday 11 to 7, Saturday 11 to 6, Sunday noon to 5
crosellandco.com
Crosell & Co. is a veritable "what's what" of wares for the house and home, offering shoppers everything from dinnerware and serving utensils to decorative lamps and handmade pottery. An online store provides convenience, while the Bucktown storefront is perfect for perusing on lazy summer days.
COUNT ON FINDING: Home goods and accessories in a variety of styles and price points, all expertly selected by owner and trained interior designer Dianne Crosell. A noteworthy bridal registry program offers brides, grooms and their guests a bevy of handcrafted products from renowned artists and purveyors such as Michael Aram, Juliska, Simon Pearce, Match, Arte Italica, Mindy Weiss and Pillivuyt.
WHAT’S NEW?This summer, look for an entire floor dedicated to designer Mackenzie-Childs, for which Crosell is the exclusive independent local carrier (artists from Mackenzie-Childs even came in to collaborate on the space's décor). The company's bright new Floral Market enamelware collection is sure to kick off those summertime bashes in style. Best of all? It won't break if you drop it. Crosell herself is
a big fan: "It's all very colorful,
whimsical and fun!"
Daniels Antiques
2062 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, 773.276.9600
Tuesday – Saturday 11 to 6; Sunday 12 to 5, or by appointment
danielsantiques.net
This oft-used source for design mavens—from collectors and decorators to Hollywood set designers—has a new Bucktown home that sports a precious
and novel mix of items that won't disappoint.
COUNT ON FINDING: Furnishings, art and collectibles ranging from the late 18th century to the newly hot 1980s, but the mind-set here is “anything goes, as long as it's great design,” says co-owner Daniel Popuch. Thanks to his discerning eye, only exceptional items make the floor. Find 20th-century Venetian mirrors that get frothier the older they are and lighting of every ilk, from drippy chandeliers to handsome lamps. But special pieces that come and go (and quite quickly, at that) can range from a courtly William and Mary oak library table or a stately mid–19th-century American secretary to cushy leather 1930s club chairs or a romantic bow-front chest. If you're looking for something specific, ask. “You never know what's in our warehouse,” Popuch adds.
WHAT’S NEW? Popuch's latest finds include a respectable collection of framed 17th- and 18th-century maps of Asia; a matched pair of cerused oak chests from the 1950s by Chicago designer Sidney Simon; a muscular wrought iron and bronze settee with a pair of matching chairs from the 1940s; and a cool little 1940s maple and aluminum watchmakers bench.
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.
Pagoda Red
1714 N. Damen Ave., 773.235.1188; 902 Green Bay Road, Winnetka,
847.784.8881
Monday – Saturday 10 to 6, Sunday 12 to 5 on Damen Ave.
Tuesday – Saturday 10 to 5 in Winnetka
pagodared.com
The uncommon reigns supreme at this spacious showroom for Asian antique furnishings, where idiosyncratic pieces are utilitarian and artifacts decoratively beguiling.
COUNT ON FINDING: The exquisitely restored, and unexpectedly singular, stock here is structurally sound, yet still possesses some of its original wear and tear for character and depth. Find chunky rustic tables and stools from the 18th- and 19th- centuries, made of gnarled rootwood, and sporting the sort of gruff, organic aesthetic that makes them eternally stylish; large-scale cabinets with their beautifully weathered mirror-andglass exteriors intact; gracefully aged architectural fragments and artifacts that range from fireplace mantels and ornamental courtyard doors to latticework screens and ornately painted panels; dense reclaimed Chinese timbers that sport interesting patinas and are ready for reuse in contemporary projects; enormous Chinese inspiration stones to incorporate into new garden and building projects; and more.
WHAT’S NEW? At a time when prime Asian pieces are hard to find, this retailer has just unearthed a large collection of pristine 18th-century cabinets and chests from Shanxi province that has been locked away foralmost two decades, with the original finishes and fittings in impeccable condition.
Radiance Fine Jewelry
2139 N. Damen Ave., 773.486.5710
Tuesday – Friday 11 to 7, Saturday 11 to 5, Sunday noon to 4
radiancefinejewelry.com
Whereas other stores may be kitschy, Radiance Fine Jewelry truly radiates a sincere sense of cheer. Featuring sunny spaces and soothing lavender walls, this oasis on Damen Avenue draws in shoppers with brilliance and warmth.
COUNT ON FINDING: The piece you've been searching for. Rings, in particular, stand out amongst Radiance's vast assortment of beautiful baubles: The store is a goldmine for engagement options including designs that eschew traditional white diamonds in favor of distinctive colored stones.
WHAT’S NEW? Find fresh looks from Coast Diamond Jewelry and Mark Patterson, two recent additions to Radiance's roster of designers, as well as fun, stackable pieces from Rebecca Claire, owner Rebecca Dohe's jewelry line. Shopping is especially fun during the holiday season: Minimum purchases of $500 and $1,500 will earn you a free iPod shuffle or iPod nano with multi-touch, respectively (while supplies last).
See website for details.
REarrange
2064 N. Damen Ave., 773.904.8604
Monday by appointment, Tuesday – Saturday 11 to 6, Sunday noon to 6
rearrangeyourhome.com
Update your home this winter with a little help from the pros—owner Jeff Shuler puts years of design expertise to good use in this Bucktown boutique bursting with intriguing and often one-of-a-kind furniture and décor.
COUNT ON FINDING: The finishing touch for any home. Whether you fancy an updated version of a vintage lampshade or sofa or a local piece of art to punch up your living room, REarrange's distinctive selection always seems to include that perfect piece.
WHAT'S NEW? Rid your space of clutter with a custom-closet consultation. Working with supplier Proclosets, Shuler and his team will design your closet and have it installed in about 10 days—for a third of the price of other major closet-design companies. If you're already an organization aficionado, check out the store's expanded collection of window coverings, particularly the natural blinds and woven drapes.
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.
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.
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.
Virtu
2034 N. Damen Ave., 773.235.3790
Tuesday – Friday 11 to 7, Saturday 11 to 6, Sunday 11 to 5, closed Monday
virtuchicago.com
Virtu's unique collection of odds, ends, trinkets and treasures makes it one of the city's best destinations for gift giving—even if your intended recipient is one of those maddening folks who seem to have everything. Breathtaking jewelry lines from designers Anne Sportun and Margaret Solow add sparkle and shine, while Orla Kiely purses wow with color and pattern. Home décor buffs will enjoy the modern-twist placemats, doilies and coasters as well as the beautiful hand-blown glass ornaments owner Julie Horowitz favors.
COUNT ON FINDING: The perfect gift for just about anyone. The shop runs the gamut from bridal gifts to registries for every occasion, and Horowitz is always happy to be of assistance. She'll even schedule phone conferences for online customers in need of aid.
WHAT’S NEW? Renowned paper company Snow & Graham rolls out a spring-perfect collection of decorative candles adorned in fresh blossom prints and designs; modern-twist experiments with shapes, debuting a home accessory line dedicated to ovals and oblongs; and Orla Kiely integrates diaper and computer bags into her celebrated line.
Wow & Zen
1912 N. Damen Ave., 773.269.2600
Tuesday – Wednesday noon to 6, Thursday – Friday 12 to 7, Saturday 11 to 6, Sunday 12 to 4
wowandzen.com
Wow & Zen's affable owner, RJ Seidel, has a knack for keeping his small, intimate shop filled with Asian Country antiques, cultural objects and decorative accent pieces. For eight years, Wow & Zen has set itself apart by offering these authentic and unique items at unusually affordable prices.
COUNT ON FINDING: Original country-styled cabinets and tables from rural parts of China, Tibet and Mongolia; Buddhas of assorted sizes and materials; hand-carved jade figurines and expressive Thai marionettes. There's also a varied selection of vintage, hand-wrought painted boxes perfect for stashing those precious keepsakes and water and grain buckets for those who wish to create a unique place for magazines, towels or anything else their imagination can dream up. For the most part, antiques range between the years of 1850 to 1950.
WHAT’S NEW? Blending original Asian styles with contemporary needs, Wow & Zen now offers their customers the opportunity to create something all their own. Incorporating reclaimed elm wood and traditional Chinese joinery, Wow & Zen will create a one-of-a-kind piece specifically for a customer's size and use requirements. Additionally, you can now also find a wonderful selection of jewelry—at prices that reflect Wow & Zen's commitment to making every item they sell accessible to just about everybody.
Zaraz Collection
2036 W. Division St., 773.486.8283
Monday – Saturday 11 to 8
Sunday 11 to 6
This bright, sunny space on Division Street is an absolute haven for all things "accessory." Family owned and operated, Zaraz Collection brings together bags, jewelry, scarves, belts and hairpieces from local artists who hail from all across Chicago.
COUNT ON FINDING: Exactly what you need to complete any outfit, whether you're heading to work or out on the town—all for less than $100. Cleverly displayed chunky rings and bangles add instant flair to any ensemble, while pretty he-adbands, clips and barrettes lend the finishing touch to a perfectly coifed 'do.
WHAT'S NEW? Zaraz's staple collection of scarves expands with new prints, colors and lengths; its gold and sterling-silver jewelry selection will also grow to include higher-end designs. Be sure to stop by on the second Friday and Saturday of every month, when Zaraz holds trunk shows for its new and popular local designers.