Categories: Men's Shopping
Men's Shopping: Lincoln Park
Author: Danny McCullough
Lincoln Park can seem more like a section of San Francisco than a quaint Chicago neighborhood and nearby De Paul University only contributes to the pulsing, youthful feel. The true treasure in this district isn't the clean streets or the friendly faces--it's the fashion. Lincoln Park is home to a number of specific-to-Chicago boutiques along with some uncommon national stores that could only thrive in this hip-conscious climate. Any self-respecting man with a Metro pass would be amiss for avoiding this small, well-clothed town.
The moment you step off the Brown line “L” at Armitage Avenue, you're introduced to Ralph Lauren's newest label, Rugby, intended for the post-college fashion-conscious and self-described as "nostalgically athletic." Instead of the iconic polo player, Rugby shirts have a skull-and-crossbones motif; this instantly qualifies them as worthy of a closet slot, if only for the pirate appeal.
Trek eastward on Armitage Avenue and you run into downtown-L.A. staple American Apparel, renowned for its comfy cotton and simple, inexpensive shirts and pants, situated right next door to United Colors of Benetton and a rare male-division on the upper floor. UCB is known for classic European styling with sizes running a tad smaller than you're probably used to (be sure to ask store manager Tatiana for help).
The intersection of Armitage Avenue and Halsted Street is the focal point for all things couture. Heading north on Halsted introduces you to a bevy of shops that are normally considered off-the-beaten-path. Art/fashion/music fusion store Metropark is worth a peek: it appeals to the punkier tastes in all of us, with graphic tees, jeans and hoodies from brands like Obey, Affliction, Ed Hardy and Monarchy for designer fits with funky looks. Speaking of fusion stores, nearby is Chicago's very own Guise | Chic, which combines working professional designer brands like Rag and Bone, Theory, and Earnest Cut and Sewn with a salon tailored to a man's coifing as much as the store is tailored to his clothing. If all this foraging has you famished, grab a bite at Nookie's Tree Diner close by, whose cheap food and quick service should leave you with ample shopping money and a full stomach.
The most prolific item available in the Lincoln Park area has to be blue jeans, with all of the branded stores carrying their own pairs and the boutiques carrying a multitude of brands. Fashion-forward fixture True Religion has a store on Halsted offering large-logo pockets in a variety of cuts, from relaxed to skinny. If you don't get your denim fix there, try unique boutique The Blue Jeans Bar right down the street. The friendly staff and tavern decor rope you in, but their denim deals and charity work get you to stay. Try moseying in when they're having a charity denim drive, and you can get up to 30-percent off any pair of jeans for donating your old ones, regardless of their brand, to the less fortunate.
Fundamental prep outlet Club Monaco graces the area with its smart-casual, clean-cut offerings, adding more to the style diversity of the area, and shoe-haven O & I has some of the only men's shoes you'll find in the locale. One-stop shoppers and designer dabblers on monkish budgets need not feel left out. New York offshoot Barneys New York CO-OP has all the labels you know and love in prices you may not recognize. Specializing in men's casual wear and carrying ever-popular Jack Spade bags, it's the best place to start purchasing regardless of the sale season because it already has reduced prices, even when clothes aren't on sale.
Despite its focus, clothing actually covers one of the most important factors of your appearance (no, not that): your skin. Don't fret, because Lincoln Park has the necessary elements to care for the centerpiece in your biological tableau. The skin-care options are varied, as shown by the presence of the lab-coat-wearing attendants at Kiehl's, a brand known for their men's shaving line. If the organic storefront is more your forte, try classic French brand L'Occitane en Provence, who can trace all of the ingredients in their products back to five farms and prides themselves on their skincare knowledge and history. Even if you don't find something to suit you, the helpful staff is more than willing to mix up a sample and answer any skincare questions you may have. For a selection of different types of men's brands, like Art of Shaving, Acqua di Parma and Anthony Logistics for Men, Barneys New York CO-OP is your store. Whether you need a shirt to go with your new suit, or a moisturizer to go on your birthday suit, Lincoln Park has more than enough options to suit your tastes.
Check out places of interest near Men's Shopping: Lincoln Park:
Bloomingdale's
900 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Six floors of designer clothing, cosmetics, shoes and more.
Nookie's Tree
3334 N. Halsted St.,
Chicago, IL 60657
Good, clean diner food at low prices.
Shochu
3313 N. Clark St.,
Chicago, IL 60657
Named after the famed Japanese liquor, Shochu, this restaurant is trendy in nature with their Asian-inspired small plate recipes.
American Apparel
837 W. Armitage Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60614
L.A. Clothing staple focused on simple, comfortable fabrics with inexpensive prices and an indie flair.
Barneys New York CO-OP
2209 N. Halsted St.,
Chicago, IL 60614
The casual side of classy New York outlet Barneys. Slightly less expensive, but just as stylish.
Bloomingdale's
4963 Old Orchard Center,
Skokie, IL 60077
The high-end retail outlet brings its trends to Skokie, with name-brand products for men, women and kids.
Club Monaco
2206 N. Halsted St.,
Chicago, IL 60614
Classically cut and styled European clothes for the chic individual.
Guise | Chic
2128 N. Halsted St.,
Chicago, IL 60614
Combination boutique/salon offering classy designer apparel and extensive styling.
Kiehl's
907 W. Armitage Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60614
New York pharmacy brand specializing in skin and beauty care products for both men and women.
L'Occitane
846 W. Armitage Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60614
French brand of organic skin and beauty care products, featuring lines for both men and women.
Lord & Taylor
4 Woodfield Mall,
Schaumburg, IL 60173
Eas-coast department store specializing in designer brands.
Metropark
2042 N. Halsted,
Chicago, IL 60614
A combination art/fashion/music store, offering punky apparel and designer labels.
Nordstrom
6 Woodfield Mall,
Schaumburg, IL 60173
Designer department store brand that's part of the Woodfield Mall complex.
O & I Shoes
2205 N. Halsted St.,
Chicago, IL 60614
A trendy shoe boutique in Lincoln Park, specializing in stylish kicks for both men and women.
Rugby
1000 W. Armitage,
Chicago, IL 60614
Ralph Lauren's newest concept store, dedicated to vintage-looking athletic apparel and classically American styling.
The Blue Jeans Bar
2210 N. Halsted St.,
Chicago, IL 60614
Bar-themed denim store featuring designer labels and faded athletic tees.
True Religion
2202 N. Halsted St.,
Chicago, IL 60614
Famous designer denim brand store.
United Colors of Benetton
833 W. Armitage Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60614
Europe's hottest fashions straight from the runway.
Theater on the Lake
2401 N. Lake Shore Dr.,
Chicago, IL 60614
The creative theater masterpieces performed at the Theater on the Lake each summer for the last 56 years attract a diverse crowd of art appreciators. Eight plays are performed over a period of eight weeks every Wednesday through Sunday from early June until early August. Take in the striking sight of Lake Michigan at night while enjoying contemporary plays put on by esteemed theater troupes.
Days Inn Chicago
644 W. Diversey Pkwy.,
Chicago, IL 60614
Winner of the 2004 Days Inn Hotel of the Year Award!
Enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast including fresh waffles, as well as a free copy of 'USA Today.' Guests have free access to Bally’s Total Fitness located next door. Other hotel amenities: include high-speed Internet access throughout the property, expanded cable TV with in-room movies and games, valet, and guest laundry facilities. Within walking distance of the historic Wrigley Field, Lincoln Park Zoo, and Chicago Beaches and a short cab ride from the Loop, McCormick Place, Navy Pier, and Merchandise Mart.
