Elise Bergman showed why she’s taking off in Chicago, with her accessible but feminine collection. Smart details, varying hem lengths—something for everyone, but nothing crazy. Lots of beige, perhaps in more than one sense of the word.
Read Boutiqueville’s profile of Elise Bergman
2959 N. Lincoln, (773)248-1996, yellowjacketvintageclothing.com 
(No Ratings Yet)
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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
1821 W. North, (773)486-4434,viafirenzi.com 
(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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Goods: Men’s and women’s clothing and shoes. Designers: Ginger Goff, Martinez Valero and Via Uno. Owner: Having taken over in July, new owner Kortnee Doss has big plans for the store, which will soon take on the new moniker ‘Verse Chicago.’ Vibe: With a remodeling scheduled for January, Doss plans to give the boutique a more polished look with dark wood, a black-and-white palate and old family photos. Price Range: Moderate. The Look: European. A travel-savvy shopper whose wardrobe boasts bits from Spain, London, Europe, Sweden and France . Shopper’s Perks: New designers are encouraged to showcase their work every Thursday night from 5pm to 7pm. Doss also has deals in the works for a Fair Trade program with the Peace Corps.
UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2008
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: Beautifeel, Wolky, Ecco, Kenneth Cole, Merrell, Mephisto, Johnston & Murphy, Keen. 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 SEPTEMBER 2008
72 E. Oak, (312)440-1718, gbani.com (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Women’s and men’s clothing, shoes and bags. Designers: Patrizia Pepe, Roberto Cavalli, Giuseppe Zanotti, Rocco P, DSquared, Diego Dolcini. Owners: Husband and wife duo B.J. and Trevian Kutti operate this 10-year-old boutique and manage two showrooms in Europe. Vibe: Buzzer-operated doors and the sales staff’s careful-what-you-touch attitude stir up an air of exclusivity. The room is upbeat and glam, with pop music and plenty of shimmer and sparkle on the racks. Price Range: Luxury. The Look: Sexy, sexy, sexy. Towering high heels. Shimmery tops. Tastefully plunging necklines. Set to down pomegranate martinis at SushiSamba Rio. Shopper’s Perks: Champagne and caviar events are not only held when new lines drop, but for simple client appreciation as well. Plus, it’s worth dropping by to see the politically inspired window displays. The Thing for Spring: Look for the debut of the store’s signature couture line, designed by the owners in collaboration with one of the top factories in Italy.
1205 N. Milwaukee, (773)252-6994, espacecity.com (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Men’s and women’s clothing, shoes and bags. Designers: Puma, Lacoste, Adidas, Miss Sixty, Penguin and United Nude. Owner: Neighboring City Sports took the reigns from original owner Drew Ee last year. Vibe: Sleek yet comfortable. The store is easy to navigate, with neatly organized racks and displays. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: Sporty, urban and stylish. Fit for an impromptu party in a studio space followed by drinks and dancing at Ohm. Shopper’s Perks: Espace purchases only three-to-four of each item, so each purchase here feels like a real find. The wide array of price points accommodates everyone from financially challenged fashionistas to professional shoppers.
855 W. Belmont, (773)549-1038; 1318 N. Milwaukee, (773)384-8448, belmontarmy.com (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: New and vintage clothing and shoes for men and women. Designers: Clothing by Ben Sherman, BB Dakota, Paul Frank and Bobi; shoes by Vans, Camper, Converse, Gravis and New Balance. Owners: Chang Yoo, Tae Yoo, Tony Lee and Craig Scholla moved the legendary Belmont store over to the West Side early last year. Vibe: The upstairs stock is completely new, while the vintage goods are in the basement. The clothing (yes, even the vintage) is neatly arranged and the staff is completely hands-off (unless you need them, of course), which makes for a totally no-pressure shopping experience. Price Range: Inexpensive-Moderate. The Look: Trendy hipster upstairs, thrift-store devotee downstairs. The person who shops on both floors has a personal style that is completely their own, and thrives on blending pieces to create a unique look. Shopper’s Perks: Massive amounts of both new and used clothing in one location. Perfect for fashionable friends with dueling shopping styles. The Thing for Spring: Belmont Army recently opened back up on Belmont, just doors down from the original location. Staffers are excited about the new collection of Vans, which are simple, comfortable, and all-around phat.
Lakeview Store
Wicker Park Store
1733 W. Chicago, (312)226-0152, alcalas.com (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Boots, hats and Western garb for men, women and cowboys—and cowgirls-in-training. Designers: Boots are by Frye, Lucchese and Durango; hats are by Stetson and Shady Brady. Owner: Luis Alcala founded the store in 1972. Luis’ son Richard and family manage the store. Vibe: A lit-up, braying pony beckons shoppers to one of the largest retailers of Western wear this side of Texas. Inside, there’s a dizzying array of cowboy gear including everything from boots to lassos. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: A beer-swigging, line-dancing, red-blooded American. Shopper’s Perks: The store offers free alterations, hat-shaping and on-site boot repair.
900 N. Michigan, (312)266-1545, alternativeshoes.com (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Men’s and women’s shoes and accessories. Designers: Most of the shop’s stock is its own label, but the store prides itself on carrying a few other designers that they are sure you’ve never heard of, all from a variety of small Italian factories. Owner: Sandro Ciurcina left Florence to be with his wife, a native Chicagoan. Using knowledge he gained from his father’s shoe factory in Tuscany, Ciurcina has kept Chicago customers happy for the last twenty years. Vibe: This longtime inhabitant of Rush Street moved into the 900 Shops complex last year, and uses a bright red carpet to stand out from the other stores. Price Range: Moderate. The Look: Everything from super-pointy stilettos to peep-toe heels are represented, but only the fashion forward will have what it takes to pull off these looks, which have a decidedly quirky flair. Shopper’s Perks: Because of Ciurcina’s close relationship with the designers and manufacturers of his shoes, conversations with customers often show up in the next season’s line.
1551 N. Wells, (312)867-7700, trendformen.com (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Clothing, shoes and accessories for men. Designers: Bullz-eye, American Chang, Vigoss, Edward Dada, Report, Joe Ghost, Brandolini, denim by X-ray. Owner: Trend for Men is co-owned by five trendy men who boast over twenty-five years of combined retail experience. Vibe: Like a SoHo boutique in the center of Old Town. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: From pinstripe suits to cheeky ties, expect this stylish guy to be the spontaneous type. Shopper’s Perk: In addition to alterations and wardrobe consultations, expect one-of-a-kind pieces from Edward Dada and Report. The Thing for Spring: Look for lots of funky jackets and unique denim.
