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LeSportsac (pictured)
Prepare for an onslaught of bright colors and perky prints at LeSportsac's first standalone boutique in Chicago. The head honchos at this iconic handbag company consider this new Bucktown store a flagship in that it stocks the full range of the brand's offerings. That includes everything from utilitarian messenger bags for guys to girly beach totes to bunny-shaped backpacks for kids. You'll also find the coveted collection by guest designer Stella McCartney, which ranges from a zippered travel clutch to rolling suitcase in a spunky orange-and-blue start-spangled print.
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Michelle Levelle
Stylist and Paris Fashion Institute grad Michelle Levelle sees her posh women's boutique as more of a personal styling and shopping service. Make an appointment to visit her Japanese-inspired, gallery-like shop, hidden away on the second floor of a Loop office building, and she'll attend to your wardrobe needs, whether it's amping up your 9-to-5 look with a few special pieces or outfitting you in a couture cocktail dress with custom-designed jewelry for a black-tie event. "I don't dress by trends," says Lavelle, who says she gravitates toward timeless looks with a retro-meets-modern, jet-setter flair.
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SuccezZ
This South Loop store opened June 21 with urban flair to spare, stocking a range of sneakers, T-shirts and sportswear for men, women and teens. And there's no question two forces behind this store know a thing or two about what to put on your feet: Lavelle Sykes is well-known for his stylish sneaker shops Self-Conscious and EnCore, while co-owner Bobby Sykes plays b-ball for the Milwaukee Bucks. They're aiming for this venture to cast a wider net, offering everything from running shoes for weekend joggers to aerobic shoes for gym-goers -- though sneaker enthusiasts can still get their fix by designing custom kicks with in-store service SuccezZ Labs. A black-tiled denim bar caters to guys only, with pairs from Levi's all the way up to more luxe labels like True Religion. A line of 18 different T-shirts featuring positive messages like "Will work for success" will change seasonally, and a lounge area equipped with magazines, a DJ and Sony Playstation might just convince you to stay a while.
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Hunny/SheShe
Barrington's loss is Bucktown's gain: This dual storefront featuring stylish jewelry and clothing for women recently relocated from its longtime northwest suburban digs to a new space on Damen Avenue. On one side of the store, find accessories hand-picked by Hunny owner Charyl Witz; on the other, find women's clothing selected by SheShe owners Jennifer Nielson and her mother-in-law Karen. In the jewelry department, check out wax seal-inspired brass and silver pendants by Pyrrha, watches by IKE and unique pieces such a chunky topaz cocktail ring by Safia. You'll also find scarves by Sir Alistair Rai (spotted on everyone from Cameron Diaz to Angelina Jolie) and stylishly retro Jee Vice sunglasses. As for clothing, expect a selection of designer denim classics (Seven, Joe's, Joie and J Brand), fun tops and tunics, bright jeweled dresses and casual yet polished T-shirts.
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Minx Parlor
A sparse but lovingly selected sampling of shoes and modern clothing for women take center stage at this luxe gallery district boutique, decorated with gold chandeliers, sumptuous leather benches and shiny glass shelves. Shoe mongers will remember owner Marky Bielat from her self-titled Lincoln Avenue shop, Marky, shuttered in 2007. Now she's at it again with this new venture in River North, partnered with fashionista Jenni Guarascio.
As she did at Marky, Bielat aims to carry a very limited quantity of timeless, lady-like shoes by lesser-known Italian designers specializing in painstakingly detailed craftsmanship. "There are women who don't need to be wearing Prada or Manolo Blahnik," says Bielat. "They want something new and innovative." A small range of jewelry and clothing will include New York-based designers, plus local label Marlena Maree. The owners chose the shop's slinky name with their smart, fashion-savvy customer in mind. "A minx can be 20 or 95, as long as she's got the attitude," says Bielat. To snag a primo shoe at a marked-down price, look for what Bielat calls "onesies" -- the last straggling pair of otherwise sold-out styles.
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Grasshopper 510
This stylish Bucktown shop focuses on eco-friendly gifts -- not just for the new homeowners, married couples and hostesses in your lives, but yourself, too. Husband-and-wife team Jean Taylor and Mike Roberts are the brains behind this biz and it's clear that their earth-friendly intention has permeated every facet of this boutique. Organic cotton thread ties on pricetags, soothing beige low-VOC paint covers the walls, and a recycled glass chandelier hangs from the ceiling. In true reuse-reduce-recycle fashion, they chose to preserve the bevy of built-ins left by the former tenant, beauty and lingerie boutique Raizy, so you'll find colorful vases, serving platters, bubble bath and stationery on shelves where lacy camisoles and lipstick once sat. The jewelry stocked here has taken shape from myriad reclaimed materials, including sea glass, vintage pottery and recycled gold and silver. Paper-wrapped soaps have already become a favorite hostess gift among locals, while recycled glass lamps with tin shades will up the eco-friendly factor of any living room.
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Juicy Couture
You might know Juicy for its gothic calligraphied logo or bright terry tracksuits, but this standalone Gold Coast boutique will remind you there's a lot more to this designer brand. "A mix of California fantasy with English eccentricity" is how manager Garrett Werner describes the brand, adding that every detail of the store's interior -- from wall-mounted antlers to paintings with hand-stitched pearls in gilded frames -- was coined uniquely for this location. On the first floor, you'll find one and two-piece swimsuits in bright prints, complete with matching cover-ups, plus the brand's full collection of separates, including women's jackets, girly tops and breezy linen khakis. Bright leather handbags, watches and sunglasses round out the accessories collection. And as for those bright terry tracksuits, you will find them on the store's second floor, along with Juicy goodies for babies, kids and dogs -- including everything from pacifiers to leashes to a $55 onesie, all bearing the Juicy name.
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le Dress
Sisters-in-law Eva and Robyn Anderson are the brains behind this all-dress boutique on Division Street. With weddings, showers and other dressy events on their agenda, friends were always asking this fashionable pair where to shop for a much-needed frock. And though they preferred the individuality of boutiques, "Who has time to go to every single store on Division and Damen and look at the three dresses they have?" says Eva. They've combined the selection of department stores with the feel of a boutique by honing in on the ever-essential dress. From breezy day dresses to sequin-covered cocktail numbers -- and prices from $40 up to $500 -- the range sure sounds satisfyingly diverse. With mirrored tables, flocked wallpaper and hot-pink mannequins, the space is undeniably girly and fun, with a bit of French flair.
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Benefit
Girly-glam cosmetics line Benefit opened a second city location on Southport; the first resides on Armitage Avenue in Lincoln Park. This bubble-gum pink shop is overflowing with Benefit's full line of products, known for their quirky, tongue-in-cheek names, from "boo boo zap" acne treatment to "get bent" mascara. You'll find plenty of stations to play makeover with your gal pals or the helpful staffers.
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COMING SOON
Louis Vuitton at Nordstrom
Faithful shoppers of Nordstrom at The Shops at North Bridge on Michigan Avenue have taken note by now that part of the first-floor shoe section has been under construction to become a dedicated Louis Vuitton shop. Expect a wide range of the company's status handbags and luggage, plus shoes and sunglasses for women and ties for men.
Bucktown buzz
A flurry of national chain openings are afoot on Damen Avenue this summer. Well-known handbag brand LeSportsac debuts its first Chicago boutique July 1, touting goods by guest designers such as Stella McCartney. Club Monaco is branching out from Michigan Avenue with a location opening in July, while yoga-focused activewear brand Lululemon and saucy mall retailer Bebe are expected to open as early as the end of June. And while plenty of boutiques in the area have relied on customers snatching up their selection of pricey premium denim, one of the most well-loved lines out there, Joe's Jeans, plans to launch its own standalone boutique on the same turf in September.
Shoe Addixion
This slick men and women's shoe shop, which has resided in Lincoln Park since last fall, is planning a mid-July move to 1573 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Wicker Park. Expect the same shoe-obsessed staff and attention and well-edited selection in this new location. "Shoes make you feel good no matter what," owner Delight Cherry, who quit her day job as a pharmaceutical sales rep to open Show Addixion. "It doesn't matter if you're happy or sad, having a fat day or a skinny day, you can always buy shoes." She focuses on stocking lesser-seen styles from popular brands you're probably used to seeing at other shops, such as BCBG, Charles David and Jeff Campbell for the ladies and Kenneth Cole and Steve Madden for the guys.
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Maria Pinto
Chicago native Maria Pinto has seen her sophisticated designs skyrocket in popularity, part in thanks to the powerhouse women who have worn them on camera, like Oprah and Michelle Obama. Her collection has always been available at Saks Fifth Avenue, but she has staked her claim on this West Loop space (next door to Sepia) to launch a standalone boutique in late July/early August.
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MORE RECENT OPENINGS
Dovetail
Yes, this is a vintage shop, but you won't find over-packed racks or a musty patchouli stench. Instead, you'll find stylish vintage clothing and mid-century modern furniture that will fit right into your modern wardrobe or apartment. Hence the name, which refers to a dovetail joint, a woodworking technique that seamlessly fits two parts together. "You're not going to look like you stepped out of a time capsule," says co-owner Julie Ghatan, who teamed up with fellow vintage collector Jennifer Clower, who also owns Bucktown's Lustre Skin Boutique. You'll find skinny ties and Western button-ups for men along with colorful summer frocks and classically styled shoes for girls. And as for the furniture and home accessories, they're arranged in their own mock living-room set-up.
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Post 27
This urban home store keeps things green with eco-conscious and vintage furnishings and accessories. Wander this spacious, industrial space and you might find a pre-cycled (i.e. made from industrial waste material that is recyclable) table by French designer Ibride, earth-toned ceramics by San Francisco crafter Lisa Neimeth and elegant yet whimsical silk pillows by agnes & hoss printed with jellyfish and other sleek yet offbeat motifs.
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Brooklyn Industries
This utterly urban Brooklyn-born purveyor of T-shirts, messenger bags and other funky threads for men and women has debuted its first location in Chicago. After 10 years in business and running 8 stores throughout New York City, owners Lexy Funk and Vahap Avsar have chosen Wicker Park as the site of their first shop outside the Big Apple. The brand is known for it's industrial flair and graphic T-shirts, but you'll also find plenty of casual wear for both guys and girls.
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A Pied
When one shoe store closes, another one opens? That seems to be the case as of now, at least. Luxe shoe parlor Josephine recently shuttered its doors on Wells Street in Old Town. As if the shoe karma gods are shining down on Chicago, new boutique A Pied has popped up in Roscoe Village, courtesy of Trudy Robinson Foley, owner of nearby hot-mom shop Kickin'. A Pied, which means "on foot" or "afoot" in French, stands out as the only shoe shop in the neighborhood, stocking a hand-picked collection of well-crafted, on-trend shoes that will stand up to the wear and tear of urban living. "Women are always saying, 'I love shoes,'" she says. "But do you love that shoe at 12 at night when you get home?" You may find exotic skins like eel or four-inch heels here, but they'll have extra room in the toe box or hidden support to help the wearability factor match the wow factor.
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Intermix
This on-trend, high-end designer boutique opened their first Chicago locations last fall on Armitage Avenue and the Gold Coast, and a new Bucktown location (on where else but Damen Avenue, of course) is now open. This clubby, designer-packed den will please label mongers on the hunt for their favorite Chloe dresses, Frye boots and Stella McCartney garb.
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Branca
Mixing in the new with the old -- that's the decorating philosophy at this pleasant Gold Coast "lifestyle" boutique. Rather than divide itself by department, the three floors of this shop are decorated like actual rooms, with striped wool throw blankets draped over sumptuous couches and champagne glasses perched upon antique tables. You'll find gifts fit for just-married couples and gracious party hosts, such as wine journals, serving trays and candles.
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Skinstinct
This East Lakeview shop has brancheed out with a second location on the fourth floor of Water Tower Place. Expect the same vivid green walls and helpful staff, plus twice as much space to display a selection of natural and often eco-friendly merchandise, from bamboo polo shirts and linen blazers for guys to breezy dresses for girls. You'll also find the shop's in-house brand of organic skincare and stock of organic cotton bath towels.
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Strut
With a name like Strut, we weren't surprised to hear that the two sisters who own this Wicker Park shop were inspired by the runway. You won't find an actual catwalk, but this long and narrow storefront is inspired by a fashion show set-up, with larger-than-life images of models and a DJ spinning tunes on Saturdays. If you look closely, you'll pick up on the differing styles of owners Margaret and Aga Jankuc: Aga's a Harley-riding wild child with a penchant for edgy threads, while Margaret leans toward more girly, feminine designs. They both adore Miss Sixty, a women's line from Italy known for its bright and funky designs, and are stocking the largest selection found in Chicago, including shoes and swimwear.
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A Cooler Planet
Sustainable, organic, fair-trade, eco-friendly -- all those buzz words can get convoluted when it comes to trying to buy green. Or at least that's what sisters Heidi Bailey and Krista White found when tried apply eco-friendly philosophies to their raising their own families. And just as they used repurposed barn wood and recycled denim insulation to build their homes, they've brought the same genuine care, active thought and a whole lot of research to their Roscoe Village boutique. The shop is organized from morning until night, starting at the front with face wash, yoga gear and coffee mugs and ending in the back with organic cotton bedding and a wooden bed custom-made from fallen red elm trees. In the middle, you'll find everything from cleaning supplies to kids' toys to composting gear. Pricetags are crafted from used food boxes, as are plenty of small signs throughout detailing eco-friendly facts about various products.
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G Soiree
Bucktown's candy pink-hued lingerie and adult toy shop G Boutique has spawned this Lincoln Park sibling just in time for bachelorette party season, providing a second locale for the company's popular workshops in everything from burlesque to pin-up girl primping and other bringing-sexy-back topics. As of April, the new location is only open during workshops and private classes; however, regular store hours should start up in June.
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His Stuff - Lakeview
Jeff Worth and Ralph Fasano, owners of the original His Stuff in Andersonville, opened this second outpost of their urban-chic men’s boutique in Lakeview. The new boutique boasts twice as much space as the original, but will carry a similar range of clothing, shoes and accessories for the professional, 30s-to-40s man who likes to be in fashion, but not overly or overtly trendy. They've fused fashion and art by bringing in work from Andersonville artists, from rope sculpture tables by Michael East to colorful murals courtesy of Los Manos Gallery.
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Knee Deep Vintage
This vintage treasure trove houses finds from across the country, hand-picked by owners Trent Marinelli and Carlos Lourenco. The two travel to estate sales and the like, collecting retro pieces like snap-button western shirts and never-before-worn jeans straight out of the 1970s. Bits of Americana, a rainbow of old-school train cases and quirky clothing galore occupy the colorfully rehabbed space, which also features a variety of shoes, accessories, furniture and housewares. Knee Deep Vintage caters to its Pilsen neighborhood, a community hungry for fashion without being status-obsessed. Translation: Heavy on the style factor, low on the prices.
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Guise|Chic
Known for combining barber shop services and street-chic men's shopping in its Lincoln Park storefront, Guise has gone co-ed with a move to a larger location down the street. In its new form, Guise|Chic offers clothing, accessories and salon services for women as well. The vibe is a bit urban, a bit rough-and-tumble, with garage-size windows, soaring ceilings, exposed brick and racks made from metal pipes draped with two-by-fours. For the guys, find the same polished-casual clothing as the original Guise, from vintage-looking Hartford polos to preppy plaid shorts. For the girls, you'll find Crayola-bright ruffled tops by Amanda Uprigard, roomy caftan-like mini-dresses from Filippa K and tons of deep indigo skinny jeans by Acne and J. Brand.
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Dismero
Known for casualwear with impeccable tailoring and a sophisticated feel, Italian label Dismero opened its first U.S. store this February in a white-washed Oak Street space in the Gold Coast. The brand has retail stores in Verona and Munich and has had a wholesale showroom in New York City for more than a decade, but designer Andy D'Auria fell chose Chicago for his first American store. D'Auria says his brand aims to be timeless and ageless, though most shoppers here tend to be late 20s to 50s and up. Pieces range from crisp white blazers and slim-fitting black capri pants to stunning, younger pieces like a gold-washed leather bomber jacket, hardware-adorned belts and feminine ruffle-trimmed tops.
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Marc by Marc Jacobs
Vegas has one, L.A. has two, New York City has three on Bleeker Street alone -- now Chicago has its very own Marc Jacobs boutique in Bucktown (Don't even get us started about the fact that Savannah, GA, got one before we did). After several delays, the store opened to the public Jan. 15. To be technical, it actually houses the Marc by Marc Jacobs line, a less expensive subset of the main brand. The decor is decidedly downscale, starting with myriad cheap finds piled in metal bins near the front of the store; on a recent visit we spotted fingerless gloves, condoms, compacts, leather bracelets and plastic rings all for under $10.
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The Oprah Store
Just steps away from Harpo Studios in the West Loop, this sleek shop is, expectedly, Oprah central. From the glowing "O" lights on silver pedestals outside the store to the nearly unimaginable variety of "O"-emblazoned goods stocked inside, this store is a mecca for Oprah Winfrey fans of all levels of obsession. Clothing ranges from velour sweatsuits to workout wear to pajamas, plus more luxe items like cashmere cable-knit sweaters that remind us of the Ralph Lauren ones she named a famed "favorite thing" back in 2003. Luggage, dinner plates, teapots, dog leashes, mugs and tote bags are all branded with the "O" logo, and there's even an "O Baby" line full of pastel hats, jumpers and booties. Under $30 trinkets like keychains, makeup bags, crystal bookmarks and stationery are also pretty souvenir-worthy.
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SeeMore Shopping
Think the chain-dominated Loop is devoid of indie boutiques? You'll find a smattering of stuff from some great neighborhood shops, all sold on consignment at this temporary shop in the lobby of 175 W. Jackson. Owner Liz Enquist opened this 600-square foot store as an off-shoot of her Seemoreshopping.com events, which showcasing wares from local designers and wholesalers. It'll slated to stay open at least until May, and perhaps longer. Discounted clothing from boutiques centered elsewhere in the city, lilke Ouest and Tribeca from the West Loop, Lakeview's Hubba-Hubba and Ciao Bella on Southport. You'll also find sterling silver pieces from local lines Juliet Jewelry and Chic Gems, Etc., plus candles, T-shirts and even a few specialty food items suitable for quick gift grabs.
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Green Grocer Chicago
Disappointed with the lack of grocery options in her neighborhood, West Town residents Cassie Green and Gary Stephens took the matter into their own hands and opened Green Grocer in January 2008. Now the couple (and other locals) doesn't have to drive two miles to Whole Foods to pick out sustainable, locally made and organic groceries, because they've assembled their favorites in this small Grand Avenue storefront. On the shelves, you'll find a well-edited selection of Midwest-produced foods and organic foods -- and some items that fall into both categories, when possible. Besides the edibles, you'll also find a few books that echo the store's environmental sentiment. Keep your eyes out for wine and beer coming mid-summer as soon as the shop secures its license.
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PLAYING CATCH-UP
Admit it: You've been hibernating all winter. The upside? The bevy of boutiques that opened throughout the fall and winter are all still completely new to you.
Broken Cherry
Former roller derby girl Remey Rozin packs her petite Wicker Park boutique with T-shirts and edgy accessories that all revolve around the "rock 'n' roll, hot rod lifestyle," she says. In the long glass jewelry case, check out chunky bedazzled pendants by Los Angeles-based Gasoline Glamour (seen on Pixie of TLC's "L.A. Ink"). The handbags sold here are vintage-inspired and bright, from Trophy Queen's retro glitter vinyl bags to slick purses with racing stripes by New York-based brand Hell's Bells Finishing School for Girls. The clothing here is limited mostly to T-shirts, hoodies and jackets from the in-house Broken Cherry line, but you'll also find Lucy B lingerie and Sailor Jerry boxers for guys.
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Cynthia Rowley
Though design fans may recognize Cynthia Rowley from her appearances on HGTV's The Next Design Star, fashion fanatics know her for clothing, accessory and home collections. Rowley is an Illinois native herself, and this Damen Avenue outpost of her namesake boutique opened in winter 2007, following a downsizing of her long-standing Armitage Avenue shop. Sunglasses, hats and luxurious leather handbags feature in mirrored cubbies, while Rowley's ladylike designs featuring rich brocades and metallics, hang in curved alcoves on either side of the space. If you're killing time while a friend plays dress up, park it on the opulent, oversized silver ottomon and watch Rowley's runway shows on their flatscreen TV.
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Va Va Voom
This alley-sized card and gift shop replaced somewhat similar paper goods boutique Fly Paper on Southport in winter 2007. Greeting cards blanket the entire north wall, while an eclectic mix of gifts perch on shelves throughout the rest of the small storefront. On our last visit, we spotted masculine leather messenger bags, candles and coffee table books, plus quirky kitchen accessories by well-loved line Pylones.
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Candyality
This cute-as-can-be candy shop recently moved into Bobtail's old digs on Southport. Local sweets lover Terese McDonald ("Candy is my passion," she gushes) has filled the bright white and red space with an impressive 125 bulk units stocking myriad candies sold by weight, from gummy fish to chocolate-covered treats. Clever signs near the front of the store will help you determine your own "candyality" (that is, candy personality), from sour candy risk-takers to loyal licorice lovers.
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New'd
Throw out your preconceptions of resale shops full of musty clothes and disheveled racks; from the uber-organized stock to the artwork on the walls, this Division Street resale shop smacks of a chic boutique. Owner Brandon Nappi coined the name "New'd" as a combination of "new" and "used," intending to stock a mix of upscale resale and brand-new retail. The shop closed for a weeks during the winter for some minor renovations, but is back to business as usual.
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Malia Mills
East-coast swimwear designer Malia Mills has revolutionized the high-end swimwear market with her concept of mix-and-match suits, and her first Chicago shop opened in Lincoln Park in fall 2007. In a "Why didn't I think of that?" stroke of genius, Mills sells bikini tops according to bra size, while bottoms are sold by pant size. Her designs have expanded beyond swimsuits to "travel and lifestyle wear," with a focus on chic, packable skirts, sarongs and tunics. This narrow storefront dedicates more than half of its square footage to the dressing rooms in an attempt to take the pain out of the dreaded swimwear shopping experience.
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Andersonville Galleria
This indoor market brings together local artisans, crafters and entrepreneurs to hawk their loot, from scarves to furniture, in one space. It's like a street fair, but indoors -- and easier, since universal UPC codes on all merchandise allow shoppers to buy wares from multiple vendors at one central check-out. Organic denim from Earthgirls, funky screenprinted T-shirts by Novem and vases from City Scents are just a few of the wares proffered here from more than 40 mostly indie companies.
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Metropark
This L.A.-based chain store recently joined the ranks of the growing number of mall stores on Halsted in Lincoln Park. Metropark packs its racks with edgy streetwear for men and women. Expect tons of screenprinted tee and hoodies with a funky, rock-and-roll feel. Accessories range from baseball caps with tattoo motifs to skull-adorned leather cuffs.
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Eclectica
If you can take your eyes off the stunning Brazilian cherry floors at Eclectica, which opened in September 2007 in a garden-level space on Armitage, you'll find a deliberate focus on three Chicago designers. The first is owner Vika Brown's self-titled line Vika, which offers updated classics such as her signature silk charmeuse blouse -- cap-sleeve with cascading ruffle and cinched waist -- in various jewel tones. Alongside Brown's lady-like designs you'll find body-conscious jersey dresses by well-known local designer Orlando Espinoza, as well as python handbags by Diego Rocha.
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Perchance
This clean-cut Southport boutique draws everyone from high school girls snatching up Longchamp bags to stylish moms stopping in before picking their brood up from preschool. Enviably put-together owner Mary Liz Lehman's taste varies from classic to trendy, and she stocks her store with items she would wear herself. On the racks, you'll find timeless dresses from Norma Kamali, crisp jackets by Lily Pulitzer, plus local labels such as Blake. As for footwear, the selection is incredibly diverse, from Corso Como ballet flats to Anyi Lu's chic shoes that are engineered for comfort.
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Funkshion
Chances are you won't have spotted the clothing stocked at Funkshion anywhere else in the area -- this Wicker Park men's and women's boutique focuses on international lines that are exclusive to Chicago, and oftentimes, the entire country. Standouts include dressy, fitted men's shirts and flirty silk tops for women, plus plenty of premium denim. The interior wins major brownie points for thinking outside the box, decor-wise -- an on-site DJ booth and lounge area stocked with drinks and magazines aim to make the spot more than just a place to shop.
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P + L
The utterly pleasant Lakeview shop ran by a husband-and-wife team stocks stylishly casual clothing for guys and gals. For women, find edgy tops and bottoms by French brand Cop-copine, casual knits and dresses by Montreal line Me(el). For the guys, check out striped rugby shirts by Canterbury of New Zealand and casual solid polos by Industry. While some high-quality pieces can range into the hundreds, they made a pointed effort to bring in jewelry that's truly affordable.
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Zapatillas
18th Street in Pilsen boasts galleries, bakeries and some tasty eateries -- and as of October 2007, a fantastic shoe shop that's equal parts stylish and affordable. The footwear here divides itself into two categories: well-known brands you'll recognize from department stores, and unique lines imported from Mexico. On the well-known front, find heels from Nine West, Steven, Chinese Laundry and Me Too. From Mexico, find exotic ostrich leather boots and multi-colored heels from brands like Ozynix and Portugal.
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Clandestine Industries
A frosted glass facade emblazoned with a cartoony bat marks the entrance of Lakeview's Clandestine Industries, the flagship store for Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz's clothing line of the same name. While the store opened in fall 2007 stocking mostly unisex tees and hoodies, the brand is expanding into more gender-specific threads with leggings, tunics and dresses in its spring and summer collections. Step up to the Batheart Bar to build-your-own shirt from three different blank tees and a half-dozen decals of Clandestine's Batheart logo, a bat outline with a heart nestled inside. Starting in April 2008, the shop will open a one-chair salon in back, headed up by Ben Mollin of Bravo's "Shear Genius."
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SoKo
Sick of boutiques hawking cute outfits with price tags approaching your monthly rent? So was Sheri Roney -- so she opened this fun and funky boutique with prices that are far from high-end. This down-to-earth Ukrainian Village shop boasts eye-catching displays of trendy threads that channel Damen Avenue's best boutiques -- except the highest prices top out under $150 for a jacket or cashmere sweater. T-shirts start at $10, and jewelry falls into an amenable $10 to $30 range.
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Nanette Lepore
Known for her feminine designs, Ohio native Nanette Lepore returns to her Midwestern roots with her first standalone boutique in Chi-town, which debuted Nov. 1 in the former Jolie Joli address in Bucktown. Adding to the increasingly high-end tendencies of Damen Avenue's boutique scene, this light-as-air space greets shoppers with a cluster of white-washed antique chandeliers a gleamingly white floor. Expect Lepore's gypsy-feminine asthetic to shine brightly here, from party-worthy pieces to flowy, ethereal frocks.
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Tory Burch
New York-based designer Tory Burch's namesake brand has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, most notable for her bright printed tunics and signature ballet flats, adorned with a metallic logo medallion. She's staked her claim in Chicago with this Gold Coast storefront, opened in fall 2007. The narrow, modestly sized store packs a bold punch with bright orange walls, apple green carpet and plenty of mirrors. Built-in clothing racks line the walls from front to back, while shoes are showcased in violet-painted nooks above comfy couches near the rear of the store.
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Me & Ro
This New York-based jewelry line recently set up shop in a decidedly Zen space on Oak Street, complete with a small reflecting pool near the door boasting floating fresh flowers. This coveted brand has become known for its thin, stackable rings; necklaces sporting symbolic amulets and an overall subtlety-over-flash design aesthetic. Pieces are made from gold, silver or platinum, and many feature hand-set semi-precious and precious stones. Prices start at $70 and soar up to $50,000.
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UGG Australia
The Australian purveyor of those eponymous fuzzy boots opened this dedicated boutique on Rush Street in October 2007. Sprawling faux fur rugs line the floor and oversized leather and suede checkerboard ottomans provide a place to perch while trying on UGG's signature clunky boot (in many style permutations) as well as more slim-lined loafers and boots for both men and women. Lest you think UGG becomes irrelevant once the warm weather sets in, the store trades coats for a resortwear line and boots for espadrille sandals for the spring and summer seasons.
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Burton
You don’t have to be a "rider," as the savvy staff says here, to make use of the fashion-forward winter gear at Burton, one of three flagship stores in the country for the popular Vermont-based snowboarding brand. Though this four-story Gold Coast brownstone storefront boasts four floors of serious gear, there's plenty for the average guy or gal to snatch up in the way of fashionable (and warm) winter gear.
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Patina
You won't find anything remotely ornate or fussy at this sunny Ravenswood furniture shop; all the antiques here have been hand-selected to mesh with a modern aesthetic. Owner Alan Shull sifts through the offerings at flea markets and antique auctions around the country and brings the best in 20th century furniture here; some pieces moonlight in his loft first before making it to the sales floor. Some notable finds include an industrial drafting table, library card catalogs from the '40s and a massive postal sorter full of cubby holes from a Philadelphia post office circa 1950.
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ON THE MOVE
• Isabella Fine Lingerie has moved from its long-time space on Webster to higher-traffic Armitage Avenue, in the former Multiple Choices space. The new space is nearly twice the size.
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• Previously located in Lincoln Park, women's boutique Eskell found its home on Wicker Park's Milwaukee Avenue in fall 2007. This store's quirky moniker is a not-so-necessarily-obvious mash-up of the owner's names, Elizabeth Del Castillo and Kelly Whitesell. These stylish gals hail from Indianapolis and provide the design brains behind house brand Eskell, a feminine, vintage-inspired line often featuring original printed fabrics.
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• In late 2007, Eliana Lily from its home in Old Town to a charming second-floor space on Armitage Avenue, above Blo salon and Weddings 826.
CLOSING DOORS
• Sweet Southport shop Flirt is closing at the end of May. Shop their closing sale while you can; everything, including the fixtures, is for sale.
• Lakeview boutique Exhibit has closed, but it's not goodbye for good -- the owners have plans to reopen in a new location in August. Keep your eyes peeled for an online shopping outlet in the interim.
• Sad stuff: Two of our favorite indie boutiques on Milwaukee Avenue, Language and Jade, closed this winter, followed by Damen Avenue's Raizy in March. Language continues to live on in its online shop form at shoplanguage.com.
• Vintage-style T-shirt shop Moonlight Graham is closed. We were really quite found of this shop's unique selection of local sports memorabilia with retro screenprints and styling, but we always found the prices a touch high and the staff fairly indifferent. Coincidence? We may never know...
Lisa Arnett is the metromix shopping producer. Cory Robertson contributed to this report. Share your shopping news, raves and rants by e-mailing lmarnett@tribune.com.
