Chicago store openings and relocations: The Chicago Collection

RECENT OPENINGS, MOVES AND OTHER CHANGES

GREATER NORTH
MICHIGAN AVENUE AREA

Andora Gallery (new), 77 W. Huron St.,
312.274.3747: Nothing seems more foreign to contemporary art than a vision of approachability, play and tactile delight. But it exists at Andora Gallery, home to one of the country’s most distinguished collections of contemporary fine craft. Originally founded in Carefree, Arizona, the gallery recently relocated to Huron Street and focuses on contemporary three-dimensional works by emerging and established artists working in clay, fiber, glass, metal, wood and jewelry. Whether you are a collector or simply appreciate the beauty of artful objects, the exciting collection is an engagement of the senses.

Dismero (new), 50 E. Oak St., 312.380.6590: A refined gallerylike space provides the setting for Italian sportswear line Dismero’s premiere U.S. flagship. Recessed lighting and satiny wood accents create a cool tranquility, showcasing sophisticated togs suitable for a trip abroad. Designer Andy D'Auria offers well-tailored, chic separates in casual styles that verge on preppy: crisp white blazers, slim-fitting black Capri pants as well as the line’s signature well-fitting stretch jeans. Ready, jet-set, go!

King of Hearts (new), 670 N. Clark St., Suite 1, 312.337.1801: If Ozzy Osbourne opened a jewelry boutique, it would probably look like King of Hearts, the exclusive outpost for Michael Binder’s King Baby line. A favorite among celebrities and rock gods alike, the bold, eye-catching pieces reflect Binder’s hard-edged Southern California aesthetic. Skulls, crowns and traditional crosses are dominant motifs, with most of the rings, bracelets and pendant necklaces showing a unique combination of silver, leather and semiprecious stones. King me!

Gallery KH (Formerly Mary Bell Galleries), 311 W. Superior St., 312.642.0202:
Vibrant artworks beckon one into Gallery KH’s ambient Superior Street gallery. Three dramatic street-facing windows illuminate the new 3,000-square-foot space, filled with an exciting selection of contemporary works for a variety of tastes and price points.

Pistachios (second location), 750 N. Franklin St., 312.640.9052: Venture into this eclectic retail-cum-gallery space for a distinctive collection of artisan-made jewelry, scarves and handblown glass. Offerings tend to be tactile, colorful and crafty, made by a group of 120 contemporary artists—Eric Silva, for instance, who creates sculptural jewelry from organic ivory, semiprecious stones and rustic metals. Other standouts include the large glass installations and luxurious velvet scarves with W. B. Yeats’ poem embossed on the surface.

LINCOLN PARK, LAKEVIEW
AND OLD TOWN

C’est Moi (move), 904 W. Blackhawk St., 312.944.2116: Moving from Bucktown to its new location in the Vintage Pine space, C’est Moi is the only location in Chicago to find Pine Cone Hill bedding and pajamas. Other signature lines include American Company, Sabre French Cutlery, and Le Jacquard Français. Owner Anne Chalesle specially selects each item for shoppers in search of distinctive and exclusive products to adorn their homes.

Guise/Chic (new), 2128 N Halsted St., 773.929.6130: Boy meets girl at this bifunctional store featuring clothing, accessories and a salon for both men and women. Girls will look demure in dresses by Project Runway alum Kara Janx and Iro, a line carried exclusively by Guise. For the guys, check out shirts by Steven Alan.

His Stuff (second location), 3162 N. Broadway Ave., 773.281.6111:
Guys in search of more than a plain shirt and tie flock to this boutique’s original Andersonville outpost for a distinctive selection of au courant men’s garb. At the much expanded Lakeview space, expect a similar range of clothing, shoes and accessories for the urban professional who likes to be in fashion, but not overtly trendy. Slip in for a pair of Tom’s shoes, Argentinean-made slip-ons that have everything it takes to be the perfect summer shoe—and for each pair sold, the company gives another away to a child in need.

Shoe Addixion (new), 651 W. Armitage Ave.,
312.642.0400: If kicks are your habit, the first step is acknowledging that you can always use a new pair, especially heels. The next step is a stop at Shoe Addixion, Lincoln Park’s new boutique for the self-professed fashion junkie. Get your fix with colorful pumps, cork wedges, sexy patent leather sling-backs and strappy sandals from a variety of well-established brands. And there’s a well-edited selection of jewelry and handbags, too. You may walk out with more than a few pairs, but in heels, you’ll be too high to care.

WICKER PARK, BUCKTOWN AND UKRAINIAN VILLAGE

Bullfrogs and Butterflies (new), 2124 W. Division St., 773.661.1632: Is your babe born to be styled? Enter Bullfrogs and Butterflies, a cornucopia of petite chic, brimming with colorful gifts and accessories for the haute tot. Take home cute tees and cashmere sweaters as well as an array of everyday items including crib bedding, strollers, slings and custom changing tables. And if you’re shopping for a birthday or shower, you’ll find Trumpette Baby Ballerina socks, or Baby Einstein DVDs, all of which make precious presents.

Club Monaco (new location), 1731 N. Damen Ave., The mecca for crisp white shirts and black sheath dresses moves into Bucktown this summer. Stock up on cult favorite basic tees and summer staples for the office, as the latest location of this chain store will no doubt have an ample stock to choose from.

Funkshion Clothing (new), 2121 W. Division St., 773.697.4119: Never mind the influx of big-chain boutiques—to find something completely different, Funkshion is a shopping haven. Inside the modern, light-filled space, the racks are brimming with eclectic, international lines that are exclusive to Chicago. Confident women will gravitate toward daring pieces by L.A. label Tied Up, while standouts for men include dressy fitted shirts by Turkish brand TWN Black and jeans by Fortune Denim. The fun atmosphere, complete with a DJ booth and lounge area, might inspire your next outfit, or at least provide a place to show it off.

Grasshopper 510 (new), 1944 N. Damen Ave., 773.292.0510: Unlike the majority of shops that sell cute miscellany for the home and body, Grasshopper 510 is a lifestyle store that really does improve your life and the world at large. That’s because the eco-friendly store stocks products made in a way that values the three Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. But banish thoughts of burlap—the store smartly carries products of equal style and sustainability including jewelry, bath and body products, stationery and home accessories.

Hunny Jewelry Boutique/She She Clothing Boutique (new), 2027 N. Damen Ave., 773.292.1120: They say two heads are better than one, but is the same true with boutiques? Co-owners of Hunny Jewelry Boutique and She She Clothing Boutique must think so since they’ve combined forces and styles to open a joint store in Bucktown. Inside, look for a selection that showcases each of their unique sartorial strengths: a dizzying selection of designers as well as show-stopping jewelry by Lulu Frost, Love Heals and Jill Alberts.

Kinga European Children’s Shoes/Babydreams (new), 1858 N. Damen Ave., 773.342.7724: Looking for the perfect pair? Kinga European Children’s Shoes and Babydreams have been a boon to suburban parents looking for well-made shoes and clothing for their brood. Now the tot-friendly shops have opened a shared space in Bucktown so that city dwellers can partake. For tiny toes, a range of soft and flexible European kids’ shoes come in a variety of styles including classic clogs, sandals, sneakers and slippers. And every pair features orthopedic arches and breathable soles for maximum comfort. Not to be outshined, Babydreams is filled with adorable clothing, baby gifts and repurposed furniture.

Spotland Yard (new), 907 N. Damen Ave., 773.698.6087: At Spotland Yard, it’s all bone appetite. The new Ukranian Village pet bakery and boutique is chock-full of tail-wagging treats including lick-your-chops biscuits, organic shakes and teas. At the cute shop, customers can sniff out their favorite or sit and stay at Chicago’s first Barkista Bar for calming elixirs like Down Dog Lemon Serenity Drink. If you’re having a ruff time finding Westminster-worthy products for your prized pooch, there’s also a good selection of four-legged essentials like organic, raw pet food, toys and the requisite “princess” doggie tees.

Strut (new), 1744 W. Division St., 773.227.2728: With impressive stockpiles of hot, of-the-moment designer items, Strut is a must for flirty tops, denim and runway-fresh dresses, skirts and accessories. Find a range of fun ready-to-wear pieces from Miss Sixty mixed in with L.A. labels 213, House of Gods and Robin’s Jeans. For guys, offerings include swimwear by Nergie and thermals by House of Howe featuring motifs based on Japanese motorcycle gangs. The store’s design mimics a runway, so don’t be afraid to strut your stuff.

The Boring Store (new), 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773.772.8108: psst. The secret is out: The Boring Store is NOT a secret-agent supply store. It does not sell secret camera glasses, dissolving paper, moustache disguise kits or underwater voice amplifiers. So what is the obscure outpost’s true identity? Our sources say that behind the floor-to-ceiling shelves bearing grappling hooks, spy briefcases and fingerprinting kits, a secret door reveals headquarters of 826CHI, a nonprofit that runs free after-school tutor and mentoring classes for children. Drop by ever so stealthily to support the organization and pick up the necessities for your next Mission Impossible.

OTHER NEIGHBORHOODS

A Cooler Planet (new), 2211 W. Roscoe Ave., 773.248.1110: Practice an eco-conscious lifestyle from your bed to your head with a visit to this Roscoe Village store. Owners Krista and Heidi stock the space with all the essentials from planet-friendly bedding to sustainable clothing and toiletries.

Knee Deep Vintage (new), 1425 W. 18th St., 312.850.2510: Selling clothing for men, women and children, as well as home accessories, this brand-new vintage boutique is well worth the extra travel. Located just off the Pilsen stop, shoppers can expect to score epic pieces from all eras.

Little Green Baby (new), 4654 N. Rockwell Ave., 773.505.2066: It’s not always easy being green, especially if you have kids. But it doesn’t always have to be nature vs. nurture. Stock up on sustainable sundries at Little Green Baby, Lincoln Square’s coolest new kids’ store. From the nursery to toddler, the eco-conscious boutique wants to share products and help parents make choices that are good for their families. Growing sprouts will love the organic clothing and nontoxic toys, while nontoxic “green” household cleaners and strollers are a boon for both moms and Mother Earth.

The Oprah Store (new), 37 N. Carpenter St., 312.633.2100: The first store of its kind, find products featured on the Oprah show and the pages of Oprah publications. Best-selling books, hard-to-find favorites and even items direct from Oprah’s closet all fill the West Loop boutique.