July 25, 2008

Aberle Chicago

Sit on a cushy, tufted ottoman and let owner Kira Price ferry over luxury footwear by the likes of Sigerson Morrison, Cynthia Vincent, and Calleen Cordero. Buttery handbags also call.

  Depaul, Fashion, Designer Clothing, Neighborhood Gem

August 9, 2007

Bess & Loie Chicago

  Fulton Market, Fashion, Charmer, Designer Clothing

September 8, 2009

Copenhagen Cyclery Chicago

Let ’er ride, with a hip bike from the Euro experts. Sleekly designed cycles include the Danish Velorbis and the Italian Abici.

  West Town, Fashion

June 20, 2008

SheShe/Hunny Boutiques Chicago

Relocated from Barrington, the connected shops carry clothing and accessories, respectively, and favor pieces worn by celebs (J Brand jeans, Lana jewelry, Rebecca Taylor tops).

  Bucktown, Fashion, Designer Clothing

August 1, 2007

Renegade Handmade Chicago

Even if you don’t know DIY from DUI, you’ll love the shop’s wares — a colorful mix of clothing, stationery, decor, and gifts created by indie crafters, both locally and nationally lauded.

  Wicker Park, Fashion, Local Designers, Neighborhood Gem

June 26, 2007

Ikram Chicago

Proprietor Ikram Goldman is an internationally cited expert on fashion, and it shows in her selection of designer pieces by Alexander McQueen, Halston, Lanvin, Proenza Schouler, and others.

  Near North Side, Fashion, Designer Clothing, Neighborhood Gem

April 23, 2007

Florodora Chicago

Drop by the shop’s home, the Loop’s historic Monadnock Building, to see one of the world’s first skyscrapers. Leave with a thoroughly modern Lara Miller dress, Latico bag, or Hanky Panky thong.

  The Loop, Fashion, Local Designers, Neighborhood Gem

January 31, 2007

Neapolitan Chicago

Make the pilgrimage to the North Shore for the boutique that’s fast established itself as designer trunk show central (J. Mendel, Lela Rose, Carolina Herrera). A new men’s department diversifies the clientele.

  Winnetka, Fashion, Designer Clothing, Exclusives

November 16, 2006

Belle Vie Bridal Couture Chicago

Brides are waited on, ringed hand and foot, at Amanda Bonnell’s exclusive-feeling salon, where designer dresses (Reem Acra, Anne Barge, Christian Lacroix, others) bathe in the light of a crystal chandelier.

  Gold Coast, Fashion, Designer Clothing

July 27, 2006

Shebang Chicago

The slip of a shop gives indie and emerging women’s accessories designers their due. Splurge on little luxuries, such as Lotus croc wallets, Alexis Bittar pearl earrings, and 49 Sq. Miles hobo bags.

  Wicker Park, Fashion, Indie Designers, Neighborhood Gem