1741 W. Division, (773)697-9899, ledresschicago.com (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Dresses, jackets and wardrobe essentials such as Spanx and double-sided tape.
Designers: Betsey Johnson, ABS, Trina Turk, Julie Brown, Wendy Katlen. Owners: Sisters-in-law Eva and Robyn Anderson opened Le Dress because they wanted to provide feminine fashionistas with a mecca for dress shopping. Vibe: As feminine as its namesake frock, this shop is covered in pink walls, chandeliers and dresses as far as the eye can see. Price Range: Inexpensive-Moderate. The Look: From red-carpet events to Sunday brunch, Le Dress allows you to flaunt your feminine wiles at almost any occasion. Looks run the gamut from classic pieces to off-the-runway trends. Shopper’s Perks: While accommodating a multitude of style palates, Le Dress also provides monetary variety. Dresses range from $40 to $500.

Le Dress

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2008

The Betsey Johnson store has decided that Lincoln Park’s Halsted strip is not the thing and has relocated to Water Tower Place. We’ve been hearing that the once-fashion-forward but lately touristy and mall-ratty vertical shopping center is undergoing a transformation designed to bring back some of that old magic; if anyone can help with that, Betsey can. Or maybe she’s just changing customers; after all, she’s got a store in Northbrook now, too. Here’s the addie and hours according to betseyjohnson.com.

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

The four-year anniversary shindig last Saturday at Pump Shoes and Accessories was like most days at the popular Division Street boutique: Friendly service made shoppers feel welcome and comfy, and pretty sandals in a slew of colors and styles tempted guests, too. But a more-festive-than-usual vibe was pumpin’ throughout the store. With margaritas flowing and colorful balloons hanging inside and outside Pump, shoppers took advantage of discounts on everything in the shop, including Michael Kors sandals, Betsey Johnson heels and espadrilles from Spain-based designer Eric Michael.

Kelly Kang, 27, has been shopping at Pump for three years. “[Owner] Maureen [Longua] has really good taste in shoes,” she says. Kang likes that the goods are reasonably priced and fashionable but still comfortable. In fact, she has bought so many pairs of shoes at Pump, “It’s doubled my shoe closet!” Jenny Parker, 28, doesn’t mind making the trip to Wicker Park from her Forest Park home. “I like the service, and she has a lot of shoes that you don’t see anywhere else.” Also, Parker adds, “It’s a fun store to shop in.”

So what motivated Longua to open Pump four years ago? “I just really love shoes,” she says. “I felt there was a void of feminine and fabulous shoes at moderate prices in this neighborhood.” As for the big looks for this spring, Longua points to “lots of fun color, but a nude, heeled sandal is a must for your wardrobe this season. When it comes to flats, pick a tan or brown gladiator that can be worn with everything from flat-front shorts to patterned sundresses.”

Part of the fun of running Pump is the location. “My customers are my neighbors, and that is what I love about this Wicker Park area,” Longua says. “Despite the growth, it hasn’t lost that community-neighborhood feel that keeps Wicker Park a true jewel of this city for shopping, eating, playing and raising a family.” (Mary Susan Littlepage)

Pump, 1659 West Division, (773)384-6750, pumpshoeschicago.com

1659 W. Division, (773)384-6750, pumpshoeschicago.com (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Shoes and accessories for women. Designers: Jeffrey Campbell, Betsey Johnson, Miss Sixty, Michael Kors and Fornarina. Owner: Maureen Longua, who adores hard-to-find heels from sultry locales like Spain and Argentina. Vibe: Pink ribbons climb the walls, a crystal chandelier sparkles overhead and a round ottoman is strewn with shoeboxes as shoppers fancy up their feet. Longua showers visitors with friendly energy and accessorizing-savvy. Price Range: Mostly moderate, with a few expensive items. The Look: A girly-girl who knows how to dress adorably without spending a fortune. Shopper’s Perks: Fabulous sales and on-site cocktail parties. The Thing for Spring: “You can’t miss the gladiator sandal,” says Longua, who hopes that this season’s influx of feminine flat sandals will lead to the demise of the plastic flip-flop.

Pump Shoes and Accessories

2016 W. Concord, (773)276-0905, betaboutique.com (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Discounted designer clothing, bags and accessories for women. Designers: The list of designers is long and always growing, with everything from Betsey Johnson to Charlotte Ronson to Ya-Ya. Owner: After building her fashion clout working in the offices of Ann Taylor in New York, Janice Moskoff moved to Chicago to avoid the daily corporate grind. Vibe: Hidden away on a side street, the shop feels like a well-kept secret you’re proud to have stumbled upon. The interior is bright, and help is outgoing without being overbearing. Price Range: Inexpensive-Moderate. The Look: Casually dressed to impress and effortlessly on top of trends. Shopper’s Perks: Sign up on the Web site to get emails on new designers and shipments, as well as info on their multitude of events.

Beta Boutique

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2008

1837 W. North, (773)489-0818 (women’s flagship store), 1922 W. North, (312)423-6693 (men), 1849 W. North, (773)342-8684 (shoes), 2357 N. Clark, (773)404-5826; 122 S. State, (312)346-3034; 643 W. Diversey, (773)649-9257; akirachicago.com (1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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Goods: Women’s and men’s clothing, accessories and shoes. Designers: Rock & Republic, Citizens of Humanity, 7 for All Mankind, Max & Cleo, DKNY, Salvage, Gold Sign, Ben Sherman, Free People, Kensie, Kitchen Orange,Mieko Mellucci, French Connection, Serfontaine; dresses by BCBG, Anna Sui and Betsey Johnson; sunglasses by Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana and Just Cavalli; Monarchy, 7Diamonds, Tankfarm, Ben Sherman, Custo Barcelona and Scotch & Soda for men, shoes by Ted Baker, Creative Recreation, L.A.M.B., Chinese Laundry, Schutz, Adidas and Converse. Owners: College friends Eric Hsueh, Jon Cotay and Erikka Wang began their North Avenue domination with the Akira women’s store in 2002. Now Akira encompasses several different stores all over the city, and 20,000 square feet of retail space on a single street in Bucktown. Vibe: The atmosphere mimics the clothes—it’s young, poppy and vibrant. Clothing is organized by color and designer so you don’t have to mess around. Price Range: Inexpensive-Moderate. The Look: With so many designers, there are so many looks. But a youthful energy shines in feminine prints, bright colors, current trends and designer denim. You can score everything from denim-focused, kick-it gear to an ensemble perfect for sipping martinis at Enclave. Shopper’s Perks: The store’s personal shoppers expertly lead you through “one-stop shopping”—they’re happy to grab shoes or accessories from the other stores to completely finish your look. Stop by to pick out an outfit for a night out and receive complimentary club passes.

Akira Wicker Park

Akira

Akira Men

Akira (Men)

Akira Shoes

Akira (Shoes)

Akira Lakeview

Akira

Akira Lincoln Park

Akira

Akira Loop

Akira

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2008

1880 N. Damen, (773)321-6685, malabarboutique.com (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Women’s clothing and accessories, a small section of clothing for men. Designers: Cyndi Chan, Orlando Espinoza, Jefferson Kulig, Angel Sanchez, Nicolas Felizola, Betsey Johnson and Penguin Black Label. Owner: Claudia Kleiner, a Venezuela native, opened her boutique to introduce Chicago to South American style. Vibe: The bi-level shop is flooded with sunlight and clean, neutral colors. Decorative accents like a photo of Claudia’s grandmother make it clear that she put a lot of heart into Malabar—the shop sparkles with warmth and personality. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: Subdued and striking at the same time. The Malabar gal is on top of fashion, but doesn’t succumb to trends. Perfect gear for a young, creative professional who dabbles on the cocktail circuit—picture an off-duty architect or gallery owner. Shopper’s Perks: Claudia’s quartz-and-silver jewelry designs are sold exclusively at Malabar. Claudia learned to make jewelry in Brazil, where quartzes are believed to bring healing power. Look out for anything in black coral—it may just bring you prosperity. The Thing for Spring: Malabar is stocking the entire spring collection from Cyndi Chan, and they’re over the moon about the cocktail dresses from new line Iodice.

Malabar