When it comes to fashion, Oak Street proves Chicago is no Second City. Once home to the city's most prominent families, the street's chic residents now include many of the world's most important fashion houses, exclusive boutiques and luxury jewelers. This spring count yourself among the well-heeled and make a quick stop into Jimmy Choo or Prada before stepping out to explore the stylish stretch. Whether you're penchant is couture, diamonds or simply the best cupcakes in town, the high-end options are as limitless as your credit card. —Megan Baldwin
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Colletti Gallery
67 E. Oak St.,
312.664.6767
collettigallery.com
Monday – Thursday 10 to 6, Friday 10 to 7, Saturday 10 to 6, Sunday noon to 5
Find a world-class collection of antique posters from the 1890s Belle Epoque and Art Nouveau eras through the 1920s and 30s Art Deco and Modern periods. Distinctive decorative arts and furnishings from the same periods are also featured.
COUNT ON FINDING: Pristine poster works by major artists such as Cheret, Mucha, Toulouse-Lautrec, Cassandre and Cappiello. The gallery also offers exceptional examples of decorative arts by pivotal period artists such as Galle, Majorelle, Amphora, Massier and Zsolnay in addition to elegant Biedermeier, Art Nouveau and Art Deco furnishings.
WHAT’S NEW? Posters from Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, c. 1885; a 1925 burled walnut dining ensemble by Italian Futurist Giovanni Guerini, rare, very limited edition linocuts by Pablo Picasso. New shipments arrive daily.
Graff
103 E. Oak St.
312.604.1000
Monday – Saturday 10
to 5:30
graffdiamonds.com
It's hard not to be
dazzled by the gorgeous diamonds offered at the Oak Street locale of this well-respected London jeweler. Even the most jaded jewelry aficionados will be impressed by the store's stock of huge white and yellow diamonds, rare pink and blue diamonds as well as natural gemstones like rubies, emeralds and sapphires.
COUNT ON FINDING: If price is no object, Graff is one of the few places to find a 100-karat, D-flawless diamond--but rest assured, you can also buy smaller carats here. The ring styles are simple and elegant, to highlight the jaw-dropping diamonds.
WHAT’S NEW? Luminous diamond necklaces and earrings as well as highly desirable cocktail rings highlight the new Diamond on Diamonds collection. Yellow diamonds, blue sapphires, emeralds and rubies evolve the theme with a bright burst of color.
Lester Lampert
57 E. Oak St.
312.944.6888
Monday – Saturday 10 to 6
lesterlampert.com
For over 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 Oak Street salon is home to a glittering 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? The perfect proposal takes a perfect ring, and Lampert is known for just that.
At the award-winning jewelry house, a knowledgeable and courteous staff is on hand to listen to your needs and help in the process of having a custom piece created
just for you.
Trabert & Hoeffer
111 E. Oak St., 312.787.1654
Monday – Saturday 10 to 5:45
More than three generations of customers have visited this elegant Art Deco salon, specializing in unique estate, vintage
jewelry and custom designs.
COUNT ON FINDING: Outstanding jewelry collections such as Aaron Basha, Doris Panos, Gurhan and Marco Bicego. Prestigious Swiss watch brands include Bedat, Breguet, Breitling, Cartier, Franck Muller, Jaeger Le-Coultre, Piaget and Vacheron Constantin.
WHAT’S NEW? Yellow gold is slowly seeping back into the jewelry wardrobe, especially 24-karat yellow gold. Also popular is rose cut diamond jewelry and long chains with colored stones.
The Watermark
109 E. Oak St.
312.337.5353
Monday – Saturday 10 to 6
This colorful shop features brightly hued fine papers, which you can have custom printed. You'll also find cute greeting cards and notepaper that will have you toying with the idea of correspondance that doesn't involve the @ symbol.
COUNT ON FINDING: Have your invitations custom designed at this cheery space or pick from a vast selection of ready-made ones. The store also carries stylish stationery, thank-you notes and irresistible desk accessories.
WHAT’S NEW? "Irresistibles" including paper that matches the vibrant flowers in your garden—pinks, greens and yellows are all in bloom.