New on the shopping scene

Photos:

Zara

RECENTLY OPENED

M4 Men
Melissa Nelson, owner of women's accessory haven M2, is behind this men's gear store next door. "Let's just say that if M2 is baubles for babes, M4 Men is gadgets for guys." Shop cufflinks, man bags, watches, belts, ties and hats plus a smattering of basic clothing such as jeans and basic dress shirts. 

Zara
It's finally here! Shop stunning wool coats, tailored pants and punky leather coats at this moderately priced, trend-centric Spanish import.

Fix
Owners (and sisters) Jennifer and Maggie Gelber have filled the place with trendy yet wearable threads for both guys and girls. or men, check out thermal tees from Converse by John Varvatos, affordable Paste graphic tees, and plenty of laid-back button-downs, jeans and henleys. Ladies clothing boasts basic shapes with fun flourishes, such as a charcoal gray long-sleeve T-shirt with a cut-out back or a little black dress with feather trim.

A'Gaci
This cheap-chic clothing store opened its first location in Texas back in 1975 and now has more than 40 locations around the country; this store in the Palmer House Hilton building is the first in Illinois, opening Aug. 29. Similar to other young women's clothing chains such as Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe,  A'gaci focuses on trendy pieces at an inexpensive price point. Accessories start at $3, shoes start at $10.50 and nothing tops $100.

Workshop
This Pilsen storefront also serves as the work-in studio for local designer Annie Novotny and her women's clothing line, Frei Designs. Eco-friendly dyes and fabrics, sustainable practices and local production are all key factors in Frei Designs, which make every top, dress and skirt in her studio a feel-good investment.

Greenheart
This popular fair-trade gift shop recently upgraded to a larger space (with more foot traffic) in the former Porte Rouge space on Division Street.

Event Studio
Myca Smith and Stephanie Hlinak are the brains behind this wonderfully girly boutique, which stocks home accessories and gift-worthy finds as well as serves as the home base for their event planning business. Attractively packaged lotions and soaps, picture frames, candlesticks and initial-clad cheese boards and wine stoppers all make smart last-minute host or hostess gifts.

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.

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.

Lisa Arnett is the Metromix shopping producer. Share your shopping news, raves and rants by e-mailing lmarnett@tribune.com.