Shop Lincoln Park | Metromix Chicago

Shop Lincoln Park

Indie boutiques hold their own alongside chain stores in this long-time favorite of a shopping district

June 13, 2008

Shop Lincoln Park

For years, shopping has been synonymous with Lincoln Park. Chain stores have definitely permeated over the years, but you'll still find plenty of indie boutiques standing their ground.

Cruising down Armitage and Halsted are no-brainers, but don't miss the smattering of shops scattered off the main strips, such as Shopgirl, Cotelac, Kaveri, The Left Bank and Vrai Amour on Webster Avenue and Ani Afshar on Sheffield.

Click on the name of any store below for more details, phone numbers, hours, maps and more.

Out of the West

1021 W. Armitage Ave. - Chicago
773-404-9378

Urban cowgirls and cowboys get their premium denim at this narrow corner shop.

Tabula Tua

Tabula Tua

1015 W. Armitage Ave. - Chicago
773-525-3500

Owner Grace Tsao-Wu calls the tabletop wares at her boutique "jewelry for the entertainer." Whether you're the host or hostess with the mostest or are just shopping for a gift for one, this elegant shop will surely please with its stock of unusual glass and ceramic pieces by artisans from here and abroad.

Mint Julep

1013 W. Armitage Ave. - Chicago
773-296-2997

Owner Sarah Bruno knows that while everyone loves to splurge once in a while, a girl also loves a good bargain. That's why she has declared a super-smart signature for her store: Half of her merchandise is affordably priced under $100, while the other half includes pricier designs from higher-end designers.

Eclectica

1006 W. Armitage - Chicago
773-697-9929

If you can take your eyes off the stunning Brazilian cherry floors at Eclectica, which opened in September 2007, you'll find a deliberate focus on three Chicago designers.

Barker & Meowsky

1003 W. Armitage Ave. - Chicago
773-868-0200

The full name of this packed-to-the-gills pet boutique -- Barker & Meowsky: A Paw Firm -- is enough to make us smile.

Rugby

1000 W. Armitage Ave. - Chicago
773-525-4627

Known for his “All-American” aesthetic, Ralph Lauren’s Rugby is an fresh, updated take on his classic look, aiming to satisfy preppy urbanites.

Paper Source

919 W. Armitage Ave. - Chicago
773-525-7300

From wedding invitations to holiday cards, this split-level Armitage shop has all you need for paper projects, including handmade papers and hand silk-screened Japanese papers.

Kiehl's

Kiehl's

907 W. Armitage Ave. - Chicago
773-665-2515

You'll find the full skin and body care line of cult favorite Kiehl's at the brand's only Chicago store, from lotions to face masks to shampoo.

1154 Lill Studio

1154 Lill Studio

904 W. Armitage Ave. - Chicago
773-477-5455

At this interactive design studio and shop, customers get to play designer by selecting their own handbag style, fabrics and finishing details.

Dog-a-holics

Dog-a-holics

904 W. Armitage Ave. - Chicago
773-857-5787

Pamper your pooch at this sweet garden-level storefront, which offers "paw"dicures, massages and birthday parties for your favorite canine friend.

Lush

Lush

859 W. Armitage Ave. - Chicago
773-281-5874

Score the well-loved bath bombs and body scrubs from this London-based purveyor at its Armitage location, which opened in 2004.

Colorlab Custom Cosmetics

857 W. Armitage Ave. - Chicago
773-525-9086

Infinitely clear from the name, this cosmetics store specializes in creating formulas custom-blended for each individual shopper. Staffers will customize a lipstick to complement your skin tone, match a cocktail dress or even to mimick another brand favorite that's been discontinued.

Benefit

852 W. Armitage Ave. - Chicago
773-880-9192

This girly-glam boutique stocks the full line of Benefit, a cosmetics line known for its quirky product names.

The Paul Frank Store

851 W. Armitage Ave. - Chicago
773-388-3122

Consider this upbeat, orange-tiled shop your clearinghouse for all things Julius -- that is, the wide-smiled monkey graphic that has become an icon for whimsical designer Paul Frank.

L'Occitane

846 W. Armitage Ave. - Chicago
773 477-3900

The sizable Armitage outpost of L'Occitane stocks the brand's full line of high-end beauty, bath and home products imported from Provence, France.

Stinky Pants

Stinky Pants

844 W. Armitage Ave. - Chicago
773-281-4002

The name of this kid's boutique may be tongue-in-cheek, but the pint-sized clothing and accessories here are decidedly hip.

Intermix

841 W. Armitage Ave. - Chicago
773-404-8766

Label mongers will relish in the selection of coveted designer lines carried at this bold boutique, from Stella McCartney to Chloe.

Isabella Fine Lingerie

840 W. Armitage Ave. - Chicago
773-281-2352

Bra fittings are a specialty here, and the staff has a monstrous arsenal of brands and styles to select from.

Weddings 826

826 W. Armitage, 2nd floor - Chicago
773-529-8871

This picturesque wedding boutique sells moderately priced off-the-rack wedding gowns (a variety of manufacturer overruns), jewelry and headpieces as well as the myriad other accessories, from guestbooks to thank you notes to "Just Married" flip flops.

Eliana Lily

Eliana Lily

826 W. Armitage Ave. - Chicago
773-281-0999

An "urban upscale" women's boutique, Eliana Lily is all about contemporary clothing, jewelry, shoes and handbags.

All She Wrote

825 W. Armitage Ave. - Chicago
773-529-0100

This monogram and stationery shop is packed to the ceiling with delightful gifts.

Lori's Shoes

824 W Armitage Ave. - Chicago
773-281-5655

This well-known Chicagoland shoe emporium also has six suburban locations.

McShane's Exchange

815 W. Armitage Ave. - Chicago
773-525-0282

Can't afford to wear the designers you covet? Thumbing through the jam-packed racks at this designer consignment shop, you may just find a buried treasure.

Cynthia Rowley

808 W. Armitage Ave. - Chicago
773-528-6160

Well-known fashion and home designer Cynthia Rowley is an Illinois native herself, and her Armitage Avenue boutique (which she visits occasionally) with tell-tale powder-blue awnings has been in business since the early '90s.

The Denim Lounge/Madison and Friends

1963 N. Halsted St. - Chicago
312-943-0436

The outlet branch of this high-end denim shop for grown-ups and retailer of clothing for kids.

Francesca's Collections

Francesca's Collections

2012 N. Halsted Ave. - Chicago
773-244-4075

Francesca's Collections is a retail chain with a boutique feel, full of bright baubles, slick handbags and on-trend knitwear at mall prices.

Helen Ficalora

Helen Ficalora

2014 N. Halsted St. - Chicago
773-883-2014

Thanks to a loyal base of web customers in the Midwest, jewelry designer Helen Ficalora has set up her fourth shop (the others are in Soho in NYC, Beverly Hills and Palm Beach) in Lincoln Park.

Bebe

2032 N. Halsted St. - Chicago
773-281-2323

This sassy women's mall retailer is known for its body-hugging styles. In addition to party-worthy tops and dresses, there's also a selection of shoes, handbags and jewelry.

Arden B

2038 N. Halsted St. - Chicago
773-525-5091

This sleek women's mall retailer is known for its vibrant, lady-like designs.

Metropark

2042 N. Halsted St. - Chicago
773-634-5009

This L.A.-based chain store packs its racks with edgy streetwear for men and women. Expect tons of screenprinted tee and hoodies with a funky, rock-and-roll feel.

Erin Gallagher

2043 N. Halsted St. - Chicago
312-492-7548

Dazzling women's jewelry in Lincoln Park.

Guise|Chic

Guise|Chic

2128 N. Halsted St. - Chicago
773-929-6130

What once was Guise, a men's only boutique and barber shop, has expanded (and gone coed). Now you'll find Guise|Chic down the street, proffering salon services and urban gear for both men and women.

lululemon

2104 N. Halsted St. - Chicago
773-883-8860

Specializing in yoga-inspired athletic wear, this Lincoln Park shop is the first Illinois location of the Canadian company.

BCBG Max Azria

2140 N. Halsted St. - Chicago
773-281-2224

You'll find polished, on-trend separates and special occasion dresses as far as the eye can see at this Lincoln Park outpost of BCBG Max Azria.

Londo Mondo

2148 N. Halsted St. - Chicago
773-327-2218

This Lincoln Park shop stocks designer swim and active wear for women, including beach bags, sandals, cover-ups and yoga clothing.

Lucky Brand

2048 N. Halsted St. - Chicago
773-975-8168

This well-known made-in-the-USA denim brand for men and women also stocks a full line of casual wear.

Malia Mills

Malia Mills

2050 N. Halsted St. - Chicago

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 on Halsted in fall 2007. Tops are sized by bra size (30AA to 40DD), while bottoms are sold by pant size (2 to 16). Her designs have expanded 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.

Bedside Manor

2056 N. Halsted St. - Chicago
773-404-2020

This bedding boutique specializes in fine Italian linens, from Legna to Anichini, as well as high-end mattresses.

Fox's

2150 N. Halsted St. - Chicago

This designer discount boutique offers designer duds for 40 to 70 percent off retail. In addition to women's clothing and outerwear, you'll also find a small selection of handbags and accessories.

Calvin Tran

2154 N. Halsted St. - Chicago
773-529-4070

This Halsted boutique is one of three headquarters for designer Calvin Tran's threads (the other two are in New York City and San Francisco).

True Religion

2202 N. Halsted St. - Chicago
773-281-9590

This is the only Midwest store for premium denim brand True Religion, stocking the eponymous jeans as well as sneakeres, tops and bags for men, women and kids.

bluemercury

2208 N. Halsted St. - Chicago

Expansive and bright, bluemercury is a virtual mecca for high-end and hard-to-find skin care and cosmetics.

Barneys New York CO-OP

2209-11 N. Halsted St. - Chicago
773-248-0426

This outpost of the popular Barneys sells designer clothing, accessories, shoes and jeans for men and women.

Ani Afshar

Ani Afshar

2009 N. Sheffield Ave. - Chicago
773-477-6650

The fluidity of Ani Afshar’s jewelry stems in part from her years as a textile designer, when she found herself weaving beads into the fabrics she created.

Design Shoppe

Design Shoppe

2009 N. Fremont St. - Chicago
773-883-6004

Though just barely off the beaten path of Armitage Avenue's shopping row, this quaint home shop offers gifts and home accessories with a polished feminine slant.

Kaveri

1211 W Webster Ave. - Chicago
773-296-2141

This loft-like Lincoln Park boutique specializes in classics with a twist.

Cotelac

1159 West Webster Ave. - Chicago
773-281-2330

French label Cotelac has more than 40 stores around Europe, but chose our own Lincoln Park for its first U.S. location.

The Left Bank

1155 W. Webster Ave. - Chicago
773-929-7422

Step past the white-and-pink striped awning into this Lincoln Park shop and it will become infinitely clear that owner Susan Jablonski is a hard-core Francophile. Her Parisian-inspired jewelry, home goods and bridal shop is dripping in chandeliers and other delicate finery.

Shopgirl

1206 W. Webster Ave. - Chicago
773-935-7467

This trendy shop draws a wide clientele with premium denim, trendy dresses and plenty of accessories.

Add a comment

Please log in to comment

 

RELATED LINKS

Recent User Playlists

Btn_mknewpl_sm

More on Metromix.com

Ornament-bottom-yellow