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RECENTLY OPENED
Flor
This Elmhurst-based maker of modular carpet tiles (pictured) loved by apartment dwellers, eco-obsessed homeowners and design geeks alike, has opened its first retail store next door to Jayson Home & Garden in Lincoln Park.
Piazza Sempione
This upscale Italian retailer has taken up residence in the former Sugar Magnola address on Oak Street.
BADC - Borrow A Dress Couture
Ever wear a fancy dress to special event with the tag tucked in -- and then return it to the store when it's over? The questionable practice of "wardrobing" is popular, but with stores cracking down on the practice, it's no fun to be stuck buying something you couldn't afford to begin with. Guys have their tux rental shops. It's about time ladies had the same luxury, thought Bree Lara and Teonna Ingram, and so they've opened this dress rental shop in Lakeview.
Mr. & Mrs. Digz
This store's bright turquoise facade and funky name will surely draw you in after brunching at nearby M. Henry. Andersonville resident Emilia Dlugolecka opened up shop in her own neighborhood, selling vintage and recycled clothing and accessories for both men and women. Browse everything from funky vintage tees to upholstered pet beds to paintings by local artists.
Cram
Marc Engel of Oak Street store Chasalla is behind this Boystown boutique specialzing in casual menswear -- in fact, the store name is his first name spelled backward. Browse deep, dark Japanese denim by Canadian line Naked & Famous, Australian underwear line Teamm8, PanAm bags and status sunglasses from Tom Ford, Gucci, Diesel. Yes, this is Boystown, but Cram hasn't left the ladies out of the party. Shop a small selection including skinny jeans, rhinestone-embellished tops and daytime dresses.
Sofia
Ashley Zisook and Allison Goldstein, two fashion-obsessed sisters and granddaughers of legendary local retailer Morrie Mages, own this fourth-floor vintage boutique. Every piece in this three-room shop has been hand-picked from estate sales and auctions by one of them, from sequined cardigans to jumpsuits for ladies to bowties and leather bombers for guys.
Thread Lounge
This shiny black lacquered storefront is different from any other shops you'll find along Armitage Avenue in Lincoln Park. It's a designer sample sale that's set up camp permanently, stocking its rolling racks with an always-in-rotation selection of women's clothing and a smattering of accessories. By virtue of the concept, it's hit or miss, but on a recent visit, we spotted teeny-weeny sizes of Joe's Jeans, dupioni silk bridesmaids' frocks and flowery chiffon one-shoulder tops.
MORE RECENT OPENINGS
Lisa Arnett is the Metromix shopping producer. Share your shopping news, raves and rants by e-mailing lmarnett@tribune.com.
