3221 N. Sheffield, (773)904-8735, shopbadc.com 
(No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Women’s dresses, purses and outerwear, available for rent or for purchase. Designers: Vera Wang, Cassandra Stone, Alexander McQueen, Jessica London, Marc Bouwer, Dolce & Gabbana and Marchesa. Read the rest of this entry »
In this economy, you might be wondering how to spend less money on your wardrobe without looking cheap. Teonna Ingram and Bree Lara have the solution. At their store, Borrow a Dress Couture (BADC), a girl can rent a designer dress from the likes of Vera Wang, Alexander McQueen or Dolce & Gabbana for three days for a quarter of the retail price. Since women rarely wear a formal dress very many times, dress rental, says Ingram, is a great way to “save money and still look fabulous,” especially with rental prices ranging from $35-$300. (Dresses are also available for sale in the $150-$3,000 range.) “Women, no matter what the economy, still have events they have to attend,” Lara notes. Inspired by tuxedo-rental stores, Ingram and Lara say they saw a need to have a similar establishment for women. “It’s bound to happen in Chicago. Why not be the first to do it?” argues Ingram. Read the rest of this entry »
1478 N. Milwaukee, (773)227-9558; 2875 N. Broadway, (773)549-1999, buffaloexchange.com
Goods: Men’s and women’s gently used clothing, shoes and accessories. Designers: Varying—Buffalo houses anything from Express and Banana to hipster labels American Apparel and Cheap Monday. Read the rest of this entry »
5135 N. Clark, (773)506-7343, 845 N. Michigan, 4th Floor, (312)202-0708, 3343 N. Broadway, (773)857-6900, skinstinct.com
Goods: Men’s and women’s organic clothing, fabric care, skin care and home accents. Read the rest of this entry »
2937 N. Clark, (312)423-7839, vfishdesigns.com 
(2 votes, average: 3.00 out of 5)
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Goods: Women’s apparel and accessories. Designers: All of the store’s clothing is vfish’s own label, designed by co-owner Mandy Moise. Owners: Husband-and-wife team Tal and Mandy Moise premiered their flagship store for their original vfish line. Vibe: Classic. The store is decorated with pinup style photos of the line’s namesake and Mandy’s grandmother, Vera Fishbaugh. Price Range: Moderate. The Look: Plenty of simple but elegant designs in pretty solids make for basic closet staples. Shopper’s Perks: Tal and Mandy are often on hand so customers can get feedback from them on everything from fit to style.
UPDATED OCTOBER 2009
UPDATE: YELLOW JACKET VINTAGE IS NOW CLOSED IN CHICAGO (2-14-09)
2959 N. Lincoln, (773)248-1996, yellowjacketvintageclothing.com
Goods: Clothing and footwear for women and men. Large selection of multicolored wigs, accessories, clothing patterns and vintage artwork. Designers: While brand names aren’t the deal, there is an impressive stock of comfy Levi’s, Jordache and Wrangler jeans. Owner: Jennifer Rau opened Yellow Jacket’s first location in Milwaukee’s trendy Brady St. district in 1993. Four years ago, she brought her retailing expertise and thrifty eye to Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. Vibe: Classic hardwood floors and vintage playhouse seating play an attractive yet understated backdrop to the racks of vibrant and funky clothing and accessories that steal the show. Price Range: Inexpensive-Moderate The Look: 1960s, 1970s and 1980s streetwear. Shopper’s Perks: The stylish staff is friendly and complete with advice and the four changing rooms and ample space allow perusing without tapping boots.
UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2008
3350 N. Lincoln, (773)477-2670, eyespyoptical.com 
(10 votes, average: 4.40 out of 5)
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Goods: Men’s, women’s and children’s prescription frames and sunglasses. Designers: Anne et Valentin, Lafont, ic! berlin, Persol, Francis Klein, Oliver Goldsmith, Ray-Ban. Owner: Alissa Fields has been selling specs in Lakeview for ten years. Vibe: Retro. With funky chairs and decorations adorning the turquoise, bird-muraled walls, the scene is totally groovy. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: Retro. The store features exactly what you would expect from its décor—loud, plastic and uniquely shaped frames galore. Shopper’s Perks: An in-house doctor makes the store a one-stop shop with prescriptions and exams readily available on Thursdays and Sundays.
UPDATED OCTOBER 2009
3729 N. Southport, (773)244-9141, clickshoes.net (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Shoes, clothing and accessories for women. Designers: Franco Sarto, Seychelles, Sam Edelman, Reef, Miz Mooz, Poetic Licence and Naughty Monkey. Owner: The former owner of Chicago Shakers Social Club, Paula Eisen left the event-organizing business to pay retail homage to her shoe obsession. Vibe: Lighthearted and upbeat: original artwork covers the walls, a comfy couch offers try-on ease, and shoes of all shapes and styles cover every spare inch of this small shop. Price Range: Inexpensive-Moderate. The Look: Low-maintenance yet fun; grab coffee down the street at Julius Meinl, a movie at the Music Box and some post-flick Dairy Queen. Wherever a Click shopper goes, she portrays her personality through her shoes. Shopper’s Perks: The variety offered here isn’t characteristic of most shoe stores—Click has something for nearly every style palate. Also, Eisen and her crew host events and shoe parties regularly, including occasional fundraisers for neighborhood organizations.
UPDATED OCTOBER 2009
Hanig’s Slipper Box, 2754 N. Clark, (773)248-1977, Hanig’s Footwear, 847 W. Armitage, (773)929-5568, 875 N. Michigan, (312)787-6800, 1627 Sherman, Evanston, (847)864-3268, hanigs.com (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Men’s and women’s shoes. Designers: Wolky, Ecco, Kenneth Cole, Merrell, Mephisto, Johnston & Murphy, Keen, Naot. Owner: Serving Chicago since 1944, Hanig’s is owned by Peter Hanig, son of founders Irv and “Billie.” Vibe: Extremely well-lit and roomy, with plenty of seats for shoe sampling, and an overall all-American appeal. Price Range: Moderate. The Look: Comfortably chic. While all the shoes are designed with function in mind, fashionable details are incorporated into the designs. Shopper’s Perks: Service—with plenty of friendly staff members around, you’ll be taken care of from the moment you enter to the moment you leave. Comfort also tops the bill, and your feet won’t be able to thank you enough.
Slipper Box-Lakeview
Lincoln Park Store
Michigan Avenue Store
Evanston Store
UPDATED OCTOBER 2009
Chicago’s expansive young fashion empire, Akira, officially opens its Lakeview store tonight (July 31) with a “Girls Night Out” celebration. In addition to 15 percent off all purchases during the event (5pm-10pm), look for the usual Akira circus:
Makeup consultations and gifts from Stila Cosmetics
Hair styling and consultations, as well as massages by Zazu Salon
Complimentary manicures provided by Nailbar
Threading by The Spot
Hors d’oeuvres catered by Moe’s Cantina and sushi by Kamehachi
Chocolate fountain fondue by The Melting Pot
Summer vodka cocktails and FUZE drinks
A striptease and pole dancing fitness class
Live auction of Chicago Machine lacrosse players
Of course, the merch itself will be the main attraction in this, the largest (6,000 square feet) Akira store so far. Look for the following lines: Betsey Johnson, Greyhound, Salvage, Meiko Mellucci, Nellie, BCBG Max Azria, Citizens of Humanity and Hudson.
643 West Diversey, (773)649-9257
(4.67 out of 5) (4.40 out of 5) (4.37 out of 5) (4.18 out of 5) (3.89 out of 5) (3.25 out of 5)