Bucktown: The Chicago Collection

Crosell & Co.
1922 N. Damen Ave., 773.252.9010
Tuesday – Saturday 11 to 7, Sunday 12 to 5, Monday by appointment
crosellandco.com
Find an ideal lineup of European designers for the home inside this quaint Bucktown two-story cottage.
COUNT ON FINDING: Shoppers should look here for refined yet distinctive home entertaining items and décor. Owner Dianne Crosell stocks unique furniture finds, decorative accessories, tableware and glassware and gifts for all occasions to adorn and enhance the home.
WHAT’S NEW? Handcrafted by skilled artisans, the marbelized glass-and-pewter serving ware from Arte Italicia balances function and art and creates a one-of-a-kind table. Juliska’s new addition to its pottery line, Jardins du Monde, features intricate detailing that celebrates the splendor of the most beautiful gardens in Italy, France, Spain and England.

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
Monday by appointment, Tuesday – Friday 11 to 7, Saturday 11 to 6,
Sunday noon to 5
radiancefinejewelry.com
Local jewelry designer Rebecca Gutermuth’s gem of a boutique sparkles with pieces from her namesake Rebecca Claire collection along with looks from other lines exclusive to Chicago.
COUNT ON FINDING: Expanded offerings from Fana, another line exclusively found here in downtown Chicago and specializing in slick yet modern diamond and 18-karat gold designs. Meanwhile, make room in your jewelry box for new summer looks: Gutermuth will buy old jewelry (broken chains and damaged pieces included) and holds a special interest in gold and platinum designs.
WHAT’S NEW? One-of-a-kind designs from Mark Patterson’s Aura collection are added to the shop this summer. The look features large colored gemstones accented with diamonds.

Red Dog House
2031 N. Damen Ave., 773.227.7341
Tuesday – Friday 11 to 7, Saturday 11 to 6,
Sunday 12 to 5
reddoghouse.com
The owners’ red dog Stella serves as smiling muse of this friendly Bucktown boutique for those whose pup rules.
COUNT ON FINDING: Organic dog treats, personalized leather name collars, fashion-forward beds, quirky doggie tees, tough and plush toys, a great selection of collars, leashes and harnesses as well as many lines of tail-wagging wares found nowhere else in Chicago. A portion of the proceeds from every event hosted at Red Dog House benefits animal-related organizations.
WHAT’S NEW? Unique Pet Revolution designer dog beds with sleek micro-suede covers; Cocojor cooling mats, vests and bandanas from Hawaii to help keep your canine cool; and Orijen biologically correct high-protein, grain-free, low-carb dog and cat food.

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 – Sunday 10 to 6, closed Monday
virtuchicago.com
Owner Julie Horowitz-Jackson believes that “a gift should be as thoughtful as friendship” and stocks her shop accordingly. Expect personalized, hands-on service and a well-edited collection of jewelry, textiles and housewares.
COUNT ON FINDING: The largest collection of Snow & Graham stationery, notebooks, candles and wrapping paper in the city, meticulously illustrated botanical ceramic bowls, mugs and vases by Laura Zindel and an intimate selection of Beth Mueller vases.
WHAT’S NEW? Stitched fabric pictures from renowned folk artist Chris Roberts-Antieau. The nationally celebrated artist cuts her designs freehand from collected vintage country quilt fabrics and finishes the detail with a sewing machine.

Wow & Zen
1912 N. Damen Ave., 773.269.2600
Tuesday – Wednesday 12 to 6, Thursday – Friday 12 to 7, Saturday 11 to 6, Sunday 12 to 4
wowandzen.com
With frequent shipments from Asia, owner RJ Seidel keeps his store filled with a well-edited inventory of Asian-inspired decorative accessories as well as antiques and cultural objects that range from the 1850s to the 1950s. All are at prices that attract wholesale buyers as well as retail.
COUNT ON FINDING: Jade and horsehair calligraphy brushes, lovely hand-painted Chinese document boxes, old wooden window screens and lattice doors, wedding boxes, grain baskets and Buddhas as well as an assortment of fine country furniture from China and Mongolia.
WHAT’S NEW? Recently added to the mix are one-of-a-kind items from Burma and Thailand such as old ox cart ornaments, a 4-foot tall Singha and large hand-carved teak horse heads.

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