Chicago - September 13, 2006

Shop Around

Kaveri Opens

Shop #1: The nose-in-the-air shop girls can’t be bothered with your silly questions. Their glares burn a hole through your Gucci knockoff (don’t worry, we couldn’t tell). You cruise the racks, afraid to touch. And even when you shell out serious dough, the hungry-looking girl behind the cash wrap can’t muster up a “thank you.”

Or

Shop #2: Kaveri Satpathy welcomes you with a big smile at her Lincoln Park boutique, Kaveri. (See that? You’re already on a first-name basis.) The loft-like store, which opens tomorrow, has brick walls and cozy Indian rugs blanketing the floors — making it feel like the love child of Ralph Lauren and Scoop. Classic Americana with a sprinkle of trend.

You put your paws all over the threads from Lauren Moffatt, Generra, Edun, Mimi & Coco, Trovata, Ong, and Ulla Johnson. Satpathy insists you try on Danish designer Julie Sandlau’s baubles and swap out your current tote for one from Gryson, this season’s It bag from a former Marc Jacobs designer.

A shop with a killer bag or a bag of bones? The choice is yours.

Kaveri, 1211 West Webster Avenue, between Racine and Magnolia Avenues (773-296-2141).