Michigan Avenue and River North: The Chicago Collection

The 900 Shops
900 N. Michigan Ave.
312.915.3916
Monday - Saturday 10 to 7, Sunday noon 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.

Bang & Olufsen
609 N. State St.
312.787.6006
Monday - Saturday 10 to 7, Sunday 11 to 5
bang-olufsen.com
For 80 years, groundbreaking aesthetics coupled with sci-fi features have set this Danish manufacturer apart from the electronics fray. Renowned for
its distinctive, high-end electronics, products are intended to reflect cutting-edge industrial design in appearance and function.
COUNT ON FINDING: Visually stunning, supremely distinctive products. The maker unveils only four or five new products each year, such as state-of-the-art speakers, touch-screen remote controls and a plasma-screen television so striking that customers joke they enjoy watching it when it's off, too.
WHAT'S NEW? Electronics as art takes on new form with the recently launched BeoVision 8. Like most of the Danish company's products, the jaw-dropping 32-inch flexible LCD television is almost impossibly sleek and modern, but also adds new functionality at an entry-level price point.

Bloomingdale's
900 N. Michigan Ave.
312.440.4460
Monday - Saturday 10 to 8, Sunday 11 to 7
bloomingdales.com
No shopping trip is complete without an iconic “brown bag” from this bona fide fashion headquarters. Featuring six sprawling floors of apparel and accessories, as well as the Forty Carrots restaurant (formerly B' café), the trend-savvy retailer has something for everyone.
COUNT ON FINDING: Designer fashion for men, women (including an extensive plus-size selection in the Shop for Women department) and children, ranging from classic styles to “of-the-moment” looks. Peruse Level One's well-edited shoe selection, or head up to Level Five's Contemporary Sportswear department, an ideal destination for modern-minded fashionistas seeking brands like Marc by Marc Jacobs, Vince, Theory, Juicy Couture and Diane von Furstenberg. Visitors—stop by the Visitors Desk on Level One for city and in-store insights as well as information on nabbing a free gift.
WHAT'S NEW? Opposites attract this spring at Bloomingdale's, where shoppers will find edgy, unexpected pairings of classic and punk, sexy and refined and glam and sporty. Fashion-forward pieces abound including oversized boyfriend shirts (Marc by Marc Jacobs), striped cropped tees (Missoni), muted metallics (Tory Burch) and funky, chunky wristwear (Michael Kors).

Bloomingdale's Home & Furniture Store
600 N. Wabash Ave.
312.324.7500
Monday - Saturday 10 to 8, Sunday 11 to 7
bloomingdales.com
The historic Medinah Temple makes an inviting host for this elegant specialty home furnishings emporium, which stocks everything from colorful Zak! Designs silicone egg cups to the finest Tufenkian area rugs. For those without an interior design eye, “At Your Service” personal shopping specialists are on hand to help you achieve home décor nirvana.
COUNT ON FINDING: Gourmet housewares, high-end crystal and china, luxurious bed and bath products (including mattresses) and an unexpectedly extensive selection of luggage. Calphalon cookware, Kosta Boda crystal and Donna Karan bedding ensembles are standouts, but all of the wares are worth a second look. For hands-on action, try one of the weekly cooking demonstrations featuring top local chefs.
WHAT'S NEW? Attention, lovebirds: As wedding season gets into full swing, check out the fabulous Bloomingdale's wedding registry services. Or, try your hand at a
gourmet meal with a culinary demonstration from Christopher Tong, owner and executive chef of My Private Chef, on Saturday, March 27, at 2 p.m.

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.

The Goldsmith Ltd.
900 N. Michigan Ave., Level 4
312.751.1986
Monday - Saturday 10 to 7, Sunday noon to 6
thegoldsmithltd.com
With a name like The Goldsmith, you might be surprised to find that this fine jewelry boutique is actually sparkling with color. Specializing in custom design, owner Sherry Bender can certainly accommodate your precious-metal needs, but exquisitely beautiful stones (such as tanzanite) make frequent appearances in her distinctive designs.
COUNT ON FINDING: Something a little more unique. Showcasing “funky, but still pretty” designers such as Antonio Bernardo in addition to The Goldsmith's own inspiring designs, the store prides itself on staying modern—don't be fooled by its 30-plus-year run in the business.
WHAT'S NEW? Rose-gold hues are hot for spring, as is the mix-and-match trend: Dangling jewelry, multiple pieces stacked as one or costume pieces mixed with fine jewelry are all fashion-forward looks this season. Anything goes for spring 2010!

Harry Winston
55 E Oak St.,
312. 705.1820
Monday - Saturday 10 to 5
harrywinston.com
If you've ogled the gorgeous diamonds worn by Hollywood starlets on the red carpet, here's your chance to try one on for size. Even if you're not up for an Oscar, the sales staff is happy to help bathe you in priceless diamonds rubies and emeralds.
COUNT ON FINDING: Harry Winston remains one of the preeminent jewelers in the world: the destination of choice for both Hollywood and high society. At his exclusive Oak Street salon, rare, museum-quality gems in diamond-encrusted watches, five-carat engagement rings and princess necklaces float like fish in the vitrines.
WHAT'S NEW? This summer, celebrate the launch of Lauren Weisberger's new novel, “Chasing Harry Winston” by discovering the storied beauty of pieces like Winston's signature seven-diamond watch and diamond cushion-cut drop earrings.

Home Element
743-745 N. Wells St.
312.787.3358
Monday - Saturday 10 to 6
Sunday noon to 5
homeelementfurniture.com
After moving from its original home at 600 N. Michigan Ave., modern home furnishings retailer Home Element has opened a brand-new space on Wells Street. A full 4,000 square feet of the new 5,000-square-foot space is dedicated to exclusive Italian furniture line Jesse. As owner and operator of the lauded contemporary line, Home Element displays Jesse's bright colors and sleek, sophisticated shapes in an open and semi-industrial environment.
COUNT ON FINDING: Plenty of low-to-the-ground designs in boldly-hued circles, squares, rectangles and ovals. Keeping in line with Home Element's distinctive
aesthetic, the pieces favor sleek and modern while keeping things interesting with one or two unique, eye-popping elements.
WHAT'S NEW? Everything! For spring, look for great new designs in the company's popular wall beds—perfect for maximizing minimal space. Or, give your home a minimakeover with a funky chair, fresh sofa or unexpectedly shaped side table.

Lester Lampert
57 E. Oak St.
312.944.6888
Monday - Saturday 10 to 6
lesterlampert.com
For more than four generations, the Lampert name has been synonymous with impeccable craftsmanship, attention to detail and one-of-a-kind jewelry.
COUNT ON FINDING: In addition to one-of-a-kind creations, the glittering Oak Street salon is home to an array of estate jewels and timepieces as well as a meticulously crafted signature collection. If you don't immediately fall in love with something in the case, keep in mind that Lampert is known for his award-winning custom-design work.
WHAT'S NEW? Who needs a suntan with a Pirouette necklace around your neck? The versatile ideal-cut diamond piece looks equally natural peaking out from behind a
collared blouse or set off by a little black dress. It's the ultimate glow-getter.

Mary Mary
706 N. Dearborn St.
312.654.8100
Monday - Saturday 11 to 7, Sunday noon to 5 and by appointment
marymarygifts.com
A cozy vintage brownstone is a fitting home for this inviting boutique, which
positively brims with unique gifts, distinctive home furnishings and quirky objets d'art, all sourced from far-flung locations across the globe. Merrily packed onto shelves, tables and any other available surface, the store's bountiful wares evoke the sense of digging into a treasure chest.
COUNT ON FINDING: Exceptional handbags, surprisingly affordable crystal chandeliers and eco-friendly mango wood bowls, which are just the tip of the iceberg. Don't miss handcrafted gifts and serving ware from Egypt, South Africa, India and beyond. The store also features a room dedicated to children's gifts and décor, where customers can find educational toys, plush backpacks and funky themed soaps.
WHAT'S NEW? Spring brings a bounty of intriguing items from all over the world. Find novelty watering cans, lamps in all shapes and sizes, exquisite crystal, lacquered condiment bowls and great hostess gifts for less than $20. As always, Mary Mary boasts a broad selection of trend-savvy handbags and unique, eco-friendly wares.

Mary Walter
33 W. Superior St.
312.266.1094
Monday - Friday 10 to 6, Thursday 10 to 8
Saturday 10 to 6, Sunday noon to 5
marywalter.net
Catering to the “successful woman,” Mary Walter offers a selection of classic but far-from-boring pieces for the sophisticated professional. Integrating vibrant prints with traditional solids and light, sheer textures with thicker, heavier materials, the boutique appeals to multiple generations. Shoppers range from 30 to 100 years of age, and Mary Walter excels at accommodating their inevitably diverse tastes.
COUNT ON FINDING: The perfect work ensemble. Younger fans of the store will appreciate original pieces from former “Project Runway” contestant Ping Wu, while the shop's more mature audience is likely to gravitate toward wildly popular and professional designer Marc Cain.
WHAT'S NEW? Look for fresh collections from the store's favorite labels. The focus is on dresses and a refreshing selection of vibrant hues; even neutrally toned pieces will be infused with a splash of color at Mary Walter this spring.

MARINA RINALDI
900 N. Michigan Ave., Level Three
312.867.8700
Monday - Saturday 10 to 7, Sunday noon to 6
marinarinaldi.com
Owned by MaxMara, this luxury brand caters to a niche nearly all its own: plus-sized designer wear. Stocking sizes 10 to 22, the silk and cashmere staples found here keep the full-figured woman stylishly outfitted for any occasion. Simple suits and cotton button-ups are great for the office, while the brand's Marina Rinaldi Sport line offers perfect polos for a day at the golf course. COUNT ON FINDING: Classic, pretty designs for a more mature shopper. Jackets, blouses, slacks, bags, boots and pumps complete the plus-sized woman's wardrobe—and you'll find it all under one roof. WHAT'S NEW? Purple, a widely popular hue for both fall and winter, carries over to spring with a feminine appeal. White is also key to Marina Rinaldi's spring collection, providing clean contrast to the store's sweet pastel palette.

P.O.S.H.
613 N. State St.
312.280.1602
Monday - Saturday 10 to 7, Sunday 11 to 5
poshchicago.com
Savor a taste of European style at this cozy storefront brimming with all the spirit of an off-the-beaten-path French boutique.
COUNT ON FINDING: A skillfully edited selection of charming home accessories, one-of-a-kind serveware and sweet Parisian curiosities (like antique keys and vintage French coloring books), all brought back from frequent travels to France, Belgium, England and beyond. Vintage china and silver sourced from historic hotels and restaurants are housed between quirky flea-market finds, while a sprinkling of new treasures, such as decorative file folders adorned with French maps, adds a fresh touch of modernity.
WHAT'S NEW? March ushers in P.O.S.H.'s anticipated annual “the dish ran away with the spoon” storewide sale, where shoppers will find significant discounts on all manner of charming odds and ends. Also look for a gleaming selection of vintage, never-been-used glassware from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, unearthed from a recent raid of a long-abandoned restaurant supply warehouse on the south side.

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.

Thos. Moser
607 N. State St.
312.867.4900
Monday - Saturday 10 to 6, Sunday 11 to 5
thosmoser.com
Thos. Moser brings the lost art of fine woodworking to Chicago with clean-lined, distinctive handcrafted furniture that celebrates the natural beauty of hardwood. Appropriately housed in the historic Tree Studios, the showroom displays a broad selection of its award-winning designs, and a friendly and knowledgeable staff is on hand to assist in your selection every step of the way.
COUNT ON FINDING: Well-crafted furnishings that epitomize understated elegance made of American black cherry. Moser furniture ties the discipline of classic Japanese joinery to the functionality of other styles such as Arts & Crafts, American Shaker and German Bauhaus.
WHAT'S NEW? Summer brings new additions to Moser's well-established Edo collection with pieces such as the Edo Rocker and Edo Cantilevered Side Table. Like what you see? The showroom's exclusive “Take It Home” policy allows eager customers to purchase and carry away nearly every piece currently on the floor.

Whitney Abrams
9 E. Huron St.
312.337.6687
Tuesday - Saturday 11 to 6
whitneyabramsjewerly.com
More than a jewelry designer, Whitney Abrams is a goldsmith known for extraordinary gemstone pieces that reflect the rich aesthetic of Renaissance paintings. Everything is done on site and is personally, uniquely designed—something truly just for you.
COUNT ON FINDING: Classically inspired jewels of high-karat gold accented with intensely hued stones and pearls handcrafted by a talented group of artisans including Abrams herself. The warmth of this artist-owned atelier creates a unique Chicago shopping experience.
WHAT'S NEW? There's always something new here, as each piece is a one-of-a-kind treasure.

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.

RIVER NORTH

River North and the Near West Side are sprawling districts just a short distance west of North Michigan Avenue, yet they are worlds away from the glossy high-rise glamour of the Magnificent Mile®. Instead of posh designer flagships and luxury malls, the area is peppered with chic but independent retail establishments, kitschy tourist attractions, new residential developments and acclaimed eateries.
The area is dominated by the Merchandise Mart, which is the world's largest wholesale design center for residential and commercial furnishings. The Mart boasts hundreds of to-the-trade showrooms and an innovative 90,000-square-foot retail center on its first floor for high-end kitchen, bath and home building products, called LuxeHome.
Those in the market for engaging and singular home furnishings also will find nearby plenty of antiques dealers and retailers that provide a wide range of choices. Because shopping for furniture can be a pain, River North, with its densely packed stash of sources, is the perfect place to negotiate the task.

Champagne Furniture Gallery
65 W. Illinois St.
312.923.9800
Monday - Friday 10 to 6, Saturday 11 to 5
champagnefurniture.com
The upscale furniture gallery specializes in traditional-style furnishings. Its exclusive selection is often sought out by independent interior designers looking for magnificent European-style pieces such as library bookcases, large dining tables and sofas custom-made in silks, mohair and leather.
COUNT ON FINDING: A collection of handcrafted Italian furniture, namely Provasi, which is exclusive locally to the showroom. Offerings also include accessories from across the world in porcelain, bronze, crystal and rare varieties of stone.
WHAT'S NEW? New items are constantly arriving, and hot sellers for summer include a new collection of original Impressionistic oil paintings by a variety
of artists, and stunning porcelain and bronze accessories.

Design Inc.
1359 W. Grand Ave.,
312.243.4333
Wednesday and Friday 10 to 6, Thursday 10 to 9, Saturday and Sunday 11 to 6, or by appointment
designinchicago.com
Art lovers of all tastes are drawn to Bill Bruss' near west side boutique for its eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary fine furniture, sculpture, art and creative home accessories. A force in residential and commercial interior design as the founder of BBD Design, Bruss's talent for transforming dreams into reality is showcased via offerings that feature exotic upholstering, rich colors, and unique works of art in all mediums.
COUNT ON FINDING: Unique, artfully-designed pieces in an accessible, customer-centered retail environment. Art collides with function in a diverse stock that draws on design talent worldwide including multifunctional modular sofas, whimsical chaise lounges and sculptural wine racks.
WHAT'S NEW? Put a twist on the traditional interior with a unique sofa systems designed to be taken apart and put back together in a myriad of functional ways. As Bruss prepares to move into a larger storefront in the fall of 2008, he has expanded his range to include new estate lighting that can be customized to any size and shape.

Hydrology
435 N. LaSalle St.
312.832.9000
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9 to 5, Thursday 9 to 7, Saturday 10 to 4
hydrologychicago.com
As a preeminent interior design experience, Hydrology offers commercial and residential builders, designers, developers and architects creative kitchen and bath solutions. Located in Chicago's esteemed interior design district in the River North neighborhood, its 6,000-square-foot showroom features mostly exclusive designs that complement the artful nature of water.
COUNT ON FINDING: Hydrology's collection of inventive concepts including a diverse selection of kitchen and bath fixtures, faucets, sinks, bathtubs, showers and vanities that are pure, original and authentic. Many of the concepts originate from global designers from Belgium, Italy, Germany, Spain and other countries that exhibit the highest benchmarks of fine design.
WHAT'S NEW? Hydrology continues to make extraordinary discoveries each day. Clients will find unique designs that complement the urban living experience, no matter how they define it.

P.A. Larkin
118 W. Kinzie St.
312.527.1217
Monday - Saturday 10 to 5 or by appointment
palarkin.com
Sleek Asian furnishings of enduring design and detail are handcrafted here using authentic methods that have withstood the test of time. Owners Anne Larkin and Peggy Jones sell one-of-a-kind antiques and an expanding group of furniture collections in the store.
COUNT ON FINDING: High-end bedroom, living room and dining room furniture that include both antiques and new collections from contemporary Asian furniture designers. Each of the solid wood pieces are made using traditional tongue-and-groove methods and are available for customization in a number of finishes, sizes and different woods.
WHAT'S NEW? Bring the unique design elements of the Far East to your home and get picky with cabinets, tables and multimedia entertainment centers. The options don't end there—after you've selected your piece, choose the size, wood and finish.

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