900 N. Michigan, Level 3, (312)944-0040 (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Men’s and women’s denim, shoes and accessories. Designers: The store houses thirty women’s denim brands and twenty men’s, including C.R.A.F.T. Denim, Hudson, G-Star, Rebecca Minkoff, House of Harlow, Naked & Famous, Nobody and Grace Sun to name a few. Read the rest of this entry »

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

1706 N. Wells, (312)751-2929, handlewithcarechicago.com (5 votes, average: 3.20 out of 5)
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Goods: Women’s clothing, accessories, perfume, candles and cards. Designers: J Brand, Gold Hawk, Three Dots, Nanette Lepore, Theory, Shoshanna, Rebecca Taylor, Hudson, Rozae Nichols, Trina Turk, Diane von Furstenberg, House of Harlow, Citrine By the Stones and Tibi. Owner: Brinton Coxe recently took over this 25-year-old boutique. Vibe: The rooms are bright and elegant, with delicate chandeliers and exposed brick walls. The sales staff is dressed adorably and an upbeat mood prevails with eighties and nineties hits in the background. Price Range: Moderate-Luxury. The Look: Each room increases in price and dressiness, so there’s something for any occasion. Wear to drinks on a friend’s patio, your college roommate’s wedding or dinner at NoMi. Shopper’s Perks: Client books kept by the staff remind them to alert you when your favorite designers come in. A classy handwritten note thanks customers for purchases.

UPDATED OCTOBER 2009

Handle With Care

1921 N. Damen, (773)276-9888; 520 N. Kingsbury, (773)276-3888 shopverucasalt.com (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Dresses, sweaters, accessories, bags and shoes for women. Designers: Frenzy!, Susana Monaco, Rachel Pally, Hudson, 7 for All Mankind, T-bags, Kier & J, Hudson Jeans, James Jeans; shoes from Sam Edelman. Owner: Fashion wholesaler Amber Warren took her style knowledge into a new venue by opening this Bucktown boutique. Vibe: A California-inspired boutique with clean lines, neutral décor and an enormous crystal chandelier on the floor. Price Range: Moderate. The Look: The goods here can go both ways: Hipster with a fun streak, ready to head for drinks at Hopleaf or chic and shiny, sipping a dirty martini and talking about politics at Landmark. Shopper’s Perks: Warren debuted her jam-packed Web site this year, so you can score that super- cute dress from the comfort of your couch.

UPDATED OCTOBER 2009

Bucktown location

Veruca Salt

Near North location

Veruca Salt, 521 N. Kingsbury