3740 N. Southport, (773)929-5253, 939 N. Rush, (312)664-5553, shopjake.com (1 votes, average: 4 out of 5)
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Goods: Clothing and accessories for men and women. Designers: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Barbara Bui and Erin Fetherston for women; Band of Outsiders and Tim Hamilton for men. Owners: Lance Lawson, an attorney, keeps the business pegs in place while Jim Wetzel applies his merchandising background to the biz. Vibe: Clean and chic with a lodge-in-Aspen edge—small antlers decorate the walls and a cowhide rug rests on the wood floors. The staff doesn’t do the snooty thing, and they know all the regulars by name. Price Range: Expensive-Luxury. The Look: A tasteful, impeccably pulled-together look that blends megawatt and off-the-beaten path designers. Outfits for uber-exclusive cocktail parties or for sipping wine in your Nate Berkus-decorated living room. Shopper’s Perks: All the salespeople have a background in luxury retail. On-site trunk shows offer shoppers the chance to mingle and sip champagne with fashion-world stars. The Thing for Spring: The vibrant colors in Chris Benz’s women’s line.

Lakeview Store

Jake

Gold Coast Store

Jake

1063 W. Madison, (312)421-2799, shopouest.com (1 votes, average: 1 out of 5)
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Goods: Clothing, accessories and a small selection of body products for women. Designers: Sonia Rykiel, Barbara Bui, Rozae Nichols and Vena Cava; jeans by NFY and jewelry by Coco Plumb and Amy Draper. Owner: Kelly Bry became the sole owner in early 2007. Vibe: Sumptuous, cosmopolitan glamour: mosaic tiles cover the floors, the fitting rooms are like private cabanas and a plate of truffles rests on the cash wrap. Despite the high-end mystique, the staff is warm, welcoming and down-to-earth. Price Range: Expensive-Luxury. The Look: Sophisticated and feminine, pretty and Parisian, utterly in vogue. This is the kind of store that the young Catherine Deneuve would frequent. Shopper’s Perks: Alterations and free delivery in the city.

Ouest

1645 N. Damen, (773)252-3838, helenyi.com (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Women’s clothing and accessories. Designers: Derek Lam, Chloé and Barbara Bui. Owner: Helen Yi worked in retail since she was 16 and opened her eponymous boutique in 2003. Vibe: Though the space feels like an art gallery (stark whites and blacks, clothing hung on large metal frames), the staff here quickly dispels any angry-docent vibes with chatty suggestions and honest appraisals. Price Range: Luxury. The Look: Impeccably tailored and sophisticated. Seen subtly showing off that Derek Lam leather handbag while dining at Alinea with friends. Shopper’s Perks: Wardrobe consulting and personal shopping.

Helen Yi