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 a 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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River North stores, Chicago stores, Apparel and accessory stores, Jewelry stores, Shoe stores