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

Belmont Army

Wicker Park Store

Belmont Army

1237 S. Michigan, (312)834-0909 (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Shoes and accessories for women. Designers: Shoes by Chie Mihara, Corso Como, CYDWOQ, Camper and Paco Gill; handbags by Cate Adair; candles by Seda France. Owner: Tiffany Bullock ditched a fifteen-year career in finance to open a shop devoted to her true passion. Vibe: Uncluttered, organized and full of joy. Bullock’s enthusiasm and knowledge make this a fun, easy shopping experience. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: Shoes from this collection are for the gal who wants to rock the current trends, but isn’t willing to sacrifice comfort. Luckily, the naked eye can’t see bonuses like the extra padding near the toe of a Corso Como heel. Shopper’s Perks: Bullock makes a point to stock shoes that will flatter all types of feet, so both wide-soled and narrow-footed shoe lovers can find something that looks and feels great. The Thing for Spring: Bullock is excited about the collections from Gee WaWa, Sinela and Calleen Cordero.

House of Sole

4341 N. Lincoln, (773)935-5511, traipseshoes.com (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Shoes for men and women as well as a select line of CYDWOQ bags. Designers: CYDWOQ, Cordani, Tsubo, Camper, Gentle Soles and Trippen. Owner: Margaret Jung had her heart set on opening a clothing store until she tried on a pair of CYDWOQ shoes. Now she travels the world to handpick shoes for her Lincoln Square boutique. Vibe: The small, sparsely decorated space can seem intimidating since there is no room for the salespeople to hide, but browsing is highly encouraged. Price Range: Expensive. The Look: A touch from Traipse would elevate a pair of sweats to the look of a laidback hipster. Shopper’s Perks: Since Jung was one of the first to carry CYDWOQ shoes in Chicago, she can custom order a pair in any style and color. The Thing for Spring: Traipse is excited about their brand new space, positioned right next to the park. So you can take those soles for a spin immediately.

Traipse

2001 W. North, (773)489-2001 (City Soles), 1566 N. Damen, (773)489-2001 (Niche), 3432 N. Southport, (773)665-4233, citysoles.com (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Shoes and accessories for men and women. Designers: Shoes by Camper, Biviel, Chie Mihara, CYDWOQ, Tsubo, Farylrobin; handmade bags by (H(om)e). Owner: Scott Starbuck, who’s been working with shoes since he was in high school, opened City Soles in 1991. Vibe: Funky window displays feature everything from old street signs to stained-glass flowers. Inside, oriental rugs, cowhide chairs and leather sofas create a downtown-living-room feel. Price Range: Moderate to expensive on the City Soles side; expensive to luxury in Niche. The Look: This shopper has a shoe fetish and a city life. He/she wants to run to catch the El without spraining an ankle; but slipping on an old pair of Reeboks (and wearing ‘em with dress pants) is out of the question. Shopper’s Perks: Buy ten pairs of shoes and get a $100 gift certificate.

City Soles Bucktown

City Soles

Niche Wicker Park

Niche

City Soles Lakeview

City Soles

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2008