Edition: Chicago: Straight Up
Concierges' Top 40 Shops
Author: By Molly Fergus
Whether you have 25 shopping days left until Christmas or are browsing sale racks, Chicago has an abundance of worthy shopping excursions. From world-class department stores to eclectic gift shops, Chicago concierges listed their favorites—here's what they suggest.
Supersized Shopping
For wintertime browsing, shopping malls like the 900 Shops are the most comfortable. Bloomingdale's highlights this shopping center, but venues like Gucci make the mall a fashion maven's delight. Water Tower Place offers more variety, with Macy's and Lord and Taylor anchoring the mall. Make your way down Michigan Avenue to Westfield North Bridge, a center that complements Water Tower Place with its additional designer offerings such as A/X Armani Exchange.
Buyin' in the ‘Burbs
Decent shopping isn't limited to the city: Suburban shopping malls easily rival downtown versions. Woodfield Mall is Illinois' top tourist attraction, with more than 200 storefronts. The stylish budget furniture supplier Ikea occupies a strip mall across the street from Woodfield, and consistently draws crowds. If winter in Chicago doesn't faze you, Oakbrook Center is the venue to enjoy. This fountainclad outdoor center combines the convenience of suburban shopping with the charm of city strolling. To grab steals on names like Kate Spade, look to Chicago Premium Outlets.
One-Stop Shops
Nothing satisfies a retail craving like a department store, and Chicago boasts more than its share of consumer palaces. The just-moved-in Macy's features fashionable buys for apparel, accessories and home furnishings. Nordstrom's shoes and clothes offerings easily rival Macy's style factor. If those don't satiate, head to Bloomingdale's for a Midwestern spin on the New York City staple.
Girl's Best Friends
Set off your ensemble with a sparkling gem from one of Chicago's jewelry shops. Romantics head to Tiffany & Co. for classic pieces. Lester Lampert is always worth a visit, make sure to request a tour of this cutom-designer's amazing facility. Niche Boutiques For focused buying, clothing stores make the grade. Arden B. features trendy clothes for twentysomething women and Banana Republic consistently retails classic basics for working men and women. If you lean toward international styles, look to Mark Shale. The store opened in Joliet, IL. in 1929, and boats fashions for men and women by designers from across the globe.
The Specialists
Specialty shops can be the most intriguing, and Chicago's selections are no exception. To take home a bit of culture, swing by it the The Museum Shop of the Art Institute of Chicago, which retails prints of its masterpieces. Look across the street at Poster Plus for wall options ranging from Andy Warhol prints to original vintage pieces. Imaginative decorators appreciate Salvage One, an antique store that makes garbage picking chic with its warehouse full of finds like old crown molding and used kitchen sinks. Kaehler Travel Works opened in Chicago in 1920, and provides travelers with upscale luggage and accessories. Iwan Ries for Tobacco has been in city longer, since 1857, and sells a variety of tobacco accoutrements. Pick up some footwear, clothing, and sporting goods at Niketown on the Magnificent Mile.
De-Stress
For a last bit of indulgent shopping, stop by the United Kingdom-based Truefitt and Hill, which retails lavish men's grooming products. The most relaxing bath options, though, are found at some of Chicago's spas. Bliss Spa is housed in the chic W hotel, and provides facials and manicures among its services. Mario Tricoci offers a similar range of treatments in locations throughout the metro area, while Urban Oasis focuses on massages is a great place to defrost during the cold. Once you've bypassed the street level entrance, you'll be whisked away to enjoy the dramatic interior of the downstairs restaurant, complete with a glassencased lounge for your private parties.
Sweet Tooth
For a snack, few places top Garrett's Popcorn Shop, a Chicago staple that natives and tourists each line up to buy. If you crave something sweeter, Ethel's Chocolate Lounge is a pleasant option for a mid-afternoon boost, with offerings ranging from truffles to fondue. When the chocolate hankering is severe, go for the European goods at Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland.
Leather Bound
Shoes can make or break an outfit (or budget), and Chicago offers myriad stores to fill your closet's footwear vacancies. Charles David sells wearable pieces for weekends or the office. If you want to browse more than one maker's styles, look to Nordstrom. The fashion-forward department store opened as a shoe-shop in Seattle in 1901 and its current selection testifies to that history. If Nordstrom's prices are too steep for your budget, browse its outlet, Nordstrom Rack, which has rock-bottom prices on brands such as Coach. While you're in a bargainshopping mood, head to DSW Shoe Warehouse, which houses high-end soles at up to 80 percent off.
For the Tykes
Give the kids a break from the grownup shopping, and head to Gap for Kids —a reliable source for basics. Girly girls enjoy American Girl Place, a virtual temple to the collectible dolls. Make your way to The Disney Store next, whose stuffed animals delight even the oldest of kids. And if the kids need to play, go to The Lego Store, which lets visitors test-drive its toys.
Homeward Bound
When it comes to classic furniture, it's hard to top Bloomingdale's Home Furniture Store. Housed in the Medinah Temple, the shopping experience here is as much about the building as it is the products. The Silk Trading Company brings convenience and creativity to the home decorating market with clever pieces such as drapery-in-a-box. Functionality is key at Crate and Barrel, where classic pieces are spiced up with color at affordable prices.
Teuscher
900 N. Michigan Ave., #5, Chicago, IL 60611
Teuscher Chocolate of Switzerland is at the top of the heap when it comes to fine chocolates in Chicago; and has been a top chocolate in the world for more than 70 years.
