Categories: Shopping
How to Shop: Chicago Boutiques
Author: Elizabeth Seymour
True shopping aficionados know the value of the boutique, and Chicago has some of the best. Whether you're shopping the renowned boulevards of the city, or you've ventured into some of its eclectic neighborhoods, you'll stumble upon one-of-a-kind boutiques with plenty of Chicago flavor. Below we've highlighted some of the best, for everything from an “only in Chicago ” gift to a new outfit for your night on the town. Whether you're a boutique shopping veteran or new to the game, Chicago is the perfect setting to explore and shop.
Lincoln Park
Fun and flirty items perfect for the Lincoln Park lifestyle (dinner out, drinks, dancing) are the mainstays at Celeste Turner, although you'll probably find yourself picking up a few business casual staples as well. Across the street, Lori's Shoes bills itself as “the sole of Chicago,” and if there is such a thing, Lori's is it. Among the hundreds of shoes is everything from wedding shoes to boots and flip-flops. At Art Effect, experience what the store describes as a “modern day general store,” complete with hip clothes and accessories, plus fun items for the home and bath. For a stellar selection of high-end make-up, skin care, hair care, fragrances and more, be sure to check out ENDOexo Apothecary, long a popular destination in Lincoln Park.
Bucktown/Wicker Park
Known for a creative, non-yuppie atmosphere, Bucktown/Wicker Park attracts truly original stores. Of the fashion spots it has engendered, p.45 is a pioneer. The store has rightfully been hailed by such iconic tomes as In Style for its wares from emerging designers. Nearby, you can double your shoe fetish pleasure at City Soles/Niche, which is two stores within one. Niche is filled with high-end European imports, while City Soles carries more familiar, lower-priced brands. Penelope's blends vintage with retro with contemporary and serves it up with fun and friendliness, all inside a cheerfully painted atmosphere.
Southport Corridor
The blocks of Southport Avenue near Wrigley Field boast a burgeoning crop of boutiques and restaurants. At Jake, look for an array of denim labels like Joe's jeans, plus numerous items for men. Hubba Bubba is another new addition to the area, with “romantic” and “classic-style” clothing for women, as well as accessories and gifts. For plenty of labels and styles of denim, head to Krista K, quickly becoming a favorite among locals. Similarly popular is Red Head Boutique, which has women's number when it comes to items that add pizzazz to your closet.
Near North
While its hard to imagine the Grateful Dead browsing the wares of swanky Oak Street, Sugar Magnolia manages to strike the right laid-back, funky vibe while maintaining a stylishness suitable for its location. Up-and-coming designers and denim are its mainstays. A few streets away you'll find Josephine, a shoe boutique to tempt your wallet and blow your budget with names like Christian Louboutin, Marc Jacobs, Chloe and Pucci. To accompany your footwear purchase, head up the street to Handle With Care. For more than two decades this shop has offered an array of items such as charming dresses and office-worthy outfits.
Check out places of interest near How to Shop: Chicago Boutiques:
Argo Tea
958 W. Armitage Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60614
Argo Tea is a growing tea company that brings natural and tasty signature drinks to all those looking for healthy alternative beverages and lifestyle experience.
Green Zebra
1460 W. Chicago Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60622
A contemporary, vegetarian-focused restaurant offering small plates, Green Zebra’s menu is comprised of immaculately presented dishes listed from lightest to heaviest and features only the freshest seasonal ingredients. Rounding out the bill of fare is an inventive menu of non-alcoholic cocktails and a stellar half-bottle wine list that pairs flawlessly with the food.
Salud Tequila Lounge
1471 N. Milwaukee Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60622
Chic Bucktown nightspot Salud features authentic Mexican fare and an extensive selection of premium tequilas.
Spring
2039 W. North Ave. ,
Chicago, IL 60647
Superstar chef Shawn McClain has made this Asian-influenced seafood restaurant a must-stop when it comes to Chicago fine-dining.
Bachrach
106 Woodfield Mall,
Schaumburg, IL 60173
This 130-year-old menswear store places an emphasis on service and relationships. European designs are available in suburban Chicago.
Barker & Meowsky
1003 W. Armitage Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60614
When it comes to pet-friendly shopping in Chicago, Barker & Meowsky is a one-of-a-kind pet clothing and accessory boutique set in the shopping heavy neighborhood of Lincoln Park, just north of downtown Chicago.
Barneys New York
25 E. Oak St,
Chicago, IL 60610
This upscale store showcases new and emerging designers.
Belly Dance Maternity
1647 N. Damen Avenue,
Chicago, IL 60647
Soon-to-be moms can still be stylish at this Bucktown boutique that sells maternity clothes and diaper bags.
Ciao Bella
3829 N. Southport Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60613
A boutique for men and women with travel inspired accessories and jewelry.
Clever Alice
750 N. Franklin,
Chicago, IL 60610
Selling women's fashions from hard to find designers. Free shipping within the U.S.!
Colletti Gallery
67 E. Oak St. #1E,
Chicago, IL 60611
This Oak Street art gallery purveys a strong collection of antique posters and art-accompanying furniture.
Furla
1211 W, Webster,
Chicago, IL 60614
Italian handbags and accessories imported from Bologna.
Haberdash
1350 N. Wells St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
Schedule a one-on-one fashion experience at this high-end men's fashion shop in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood.
Habit
1951 W. Division St.,
Chicago, IL 60622
This boutique is dedicated to new and up-and-coming designers.
Hanig's Footwear
660 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Men's and women's shoes in a variety of styles and brands make the multiple locations of this store a must when it comes to looking for shoes in Chicago.
House of Kahn Estate Jewelers
60 E. Walton St.,
Chicago, IL 60611
This Gold Coast jeweler trades in all types of high-end jewelry, from engagement rings to necklaces and antique jewelry. Visit their boutique studio set in one of the country's most densely populated shopping districts.
Hubba Hubba
3309 N. Clark St.,
Chicago, IL 60657
Selling women's romantic/classic styles of clothings for day or evening.
Isabella Fine Lingerie
1101 W. Webster,
Chicago, IL 60614
This fine lingerie boutique has all your undergarment needs. From bras to underwear to robes, Isabella's can help you find what's right for you.
Language
1537 N. Milwaukee Ave,
Chicago, IL 60622
This boutique sells eclectic women's clothing and accessories.
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.
p45
1643 North Damen Avenue,
Chicago, IL 60647
An intimate women's clothing boutique in the fun and funky Wicker Park neighborhood.
Red Head Boutique
3450 N. Southport Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60657
Selling women's clothing and accessories from numerous designers.
Rochester Big & Tall
840 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Premier clothing for the bigger, taller man is available at this iconic Mag Mile shop for those who don't always color inside the lines; they won't shoehorn you in at this shop!
Ruehl
5 Woodfield Mall,
Schaumburg, IL 60173
Abercrombie up-and-coming brand casual wear designed for college students and young professionals.
Saffron
2064 N. Damen Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60647
Clothing made with natural fabrics, jewelry, and bath products is available at this Bucktown boutique.
Saks Fifth Avenue
700 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Situated on the Mag Mile and synonymous with high-end, department store shopping, Saks Fifth Avenue offers a wide range of mostly high-end, if not straight out luxury, items.
Saks Fifth Avenue Men's
717 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60611
This top-notch menswear store calved off from its big sister department store and offers a range of high quality men's products: apparel, shoes, men's jewelry, belts, and more.
SEE Eyewear
835 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Selective Eyewear Elements are the key at SEE, a shop dedicated to original and stylish sunglasses that are celebrity-worthy, but still affordable for anyone. Choose from any of their five locations in the Chicago area.
Spa Space
161 N. Canal St.,
Chicago, IL 60606
Specialists in massage therapy and skin care, this Chicago spa offers a wide range of services.
The Blue Jeans Bar
2210 N. Halsted St.,
Chicago, IL 60614
Bar-themed denim store featuring designer labels and faded athletic tees.
TK Men
1909 W. North Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60622
A place where men look like rock stars!
Urban Shop Guide
815 W. Dickens Avenue,
Chicago, IL 60614
Urban Shop Guide offers guided, customized shopping tours of Chicago’s trendy neighborhoods, providing visitors access to small boutiques and the essence of Chicago shopping.
Salud Tequila Lounge
1471 N. Milwaukee Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60622
Chic Bucktown nightspot Salud features authentic Mexican fare and an extensive selection of premium tequilas.
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.
