Edition: Summer Times
Chicago Shopping
Author: Audarshia Townsend
Chic Boutiques
Fashion isn't as complicated as we make it out to be.
After years and years of shopping, you'd think we'd have a formula by now. But some of us still need help getting our style game in top form. Here's a look at where to snap up great looks in Chicago.
Bess & Loie (1015 W. Lake St., 312-226-2247). You'll find affordable and pricy arm candy (bags range $200-$800) in this clever little West Loop shop named after proprietor Allyson Holleb's two grandmas. You'll spot classic (Bess) and urban sophisticated (Loie) handbags from local, stateside and international designers. What you won't find are the usual suspects, as Holleb has painstakingly selected items you won't see on every girl on the street.
TK Chicago (1909 W. North Ave., 773-342-9800). Guys are just like girls: Sometimes they need a little pampering, too! And while TK feels more like an ibanker's swaggering weekend digs than your average bachelor's pad, the staff immediately makes you feel at ease. Feel free to grab a Pabst while rifling through racks of denim, t-shirts, dress shirts, coats and accessories. You'll feel like you're raiding your best friend's closet. Or, if you're just along for the ride, they won't mind if you watch the 55" plasma, shoot a few games of pool, or check out the Xbox.
Lissa on Maxwell (729 W. Maxwell St., 312-563-9470). In an area made famous for catering to the bargain shopper, Lissa certainly stands apart. The minimalist store spotlights upscale wear from emerging designers all over the world. Owner Melissa Shipley loves to discover new talent-when they're at their most creative in their first or second seasons.
Heelz (69 E. 16th St., 312-235-0467). For girls who like their gams to look leaner, this South Loop, lounge-style boutique specializes in a fabulous selection of designer shoes and boots. Most of these styles you won't find in the luxury department stores, but get ready to pay a pretty penny for names like Giuseppe Zanotti, Casadei, Delman and Katia Lombardo.
Guise Chicago (2217 N. Halsted St., 773- 929-6101). It's a man's world at this masculine boutique that also includes spa treatments, a lounge/bar and flatscreen monitors showing the news and sports. From "The Old Town Shave" to sleek, nononsense gear, Guise caters to the guy who looks good effortlessly. Collections vary from everyday denim and hard-tofind labels to shoes and accessories.
Intermix (40 E. Delaware, 312-640-2922; 841 W. Armitage Ave., 773-404-8766). This boutique situated in a former high-end wine shop continues its great taste with apparel that rivals Barney's and Bloomie's. But what sets it apart is that it's incredibly reasonable, with designer dresses starting at $150. The denim, however, is a bit on the expensive side ($199-$300), but they're featuring some of the most tailored styles around.
IRIDESSE Pearls (Oakbrook Center and Woodfield Malls). While diamonds are a girl's best friend, pearl's are a lady's best friend-specifically I R I D E S S E Pearls. It's one accessory that never goes out of style, and fashion forecasters are pairing them up with some of fall's hottest looks. From wide-legged menswear-esque pants to dresses in deep charcoal, they're recommending that fashion plates pair them with Tahitian round pearl stud earrings in 18kt white gold, black baroque pearl hoop earrings in sterling silver or the pearl "woven" bracelet in sterling silver.
SHE (1024 W. Armitage Ave., 773- 880-8061). Short for She Has Everything, this Lincoln Park boutique is surprisingly unassuming. Located in a popular shopping district that's also home to Lori's Shoes, Celeste Turner and Cynthia Rowley, SHE features clothing by up-and-coming and famous designers for every price point. And even though most styles are pretty fashion forward, most can be worn at any age, especially their dress, pants and shoe collection. Oversize plasmas showcase the latest in pop and hip-hop, but you won't feel like you're at the club.
