3829 N. Southport, (773)388-2201, ciaobellachicago.com 
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
Goods: Clothing and accessories for men and women. Designers: Billy Blues, Linq, Iodice, Bailey 44, Poleci for women; Generra, Modern Amusement, James Perse for men; bags by Hobo. Owner: Amy Lechelt-Basta combined past careers in retail, fashion, event-planning and as a flight attendant to open a boutique with her husband Jerry. Vibe: Modern comfort with a splash of subtle exoticism. Display suitcases inspire feelings of wanderlust, while a greeting from the friendly shop’s Maltipoo Vino makes you feel as though you’ve entered a cozily familiar place. Price Range: Moderate. The Look: First-class jetsetter. Many of the pieces carried here are wrinkle-free or travel-friendly (without losing an inch of style), so the Ciao Bella shopper turns heads when heading towards the gate, as well as when deplaning after a twenty-hour flight. Shopper’s Perks: Bring in an upcoming travel itinerary and you’ll receive ten percent off full-priced merchandise.
34 E. Oak, (312)944-0885 (No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
Goods: Women’s clothing and accessories. Designers: Organic, Michael Stars, Ella Moss, James Perse, jeans by James and J Brand. Owners: Husband-and-wife duo Jeffrey and Leslie Gersten opened this Gold Coast staple thirty-three years ago. Vibe: Techno beats pulse in the background of this bright and cheery storefront. The sales staff is knowledgeable yet unobtrusive, and the racks of clothing are neatly organized, making it easy to spot your favorite fall sweater from across the room. Price Range: Expensive. The Look: Classic pieces with a trendy edge. Run errands all day, meet your guy at Avenue M and look classy, fresh and fabulous all the while. Shopper’s Perks: The Gerstens’ priority is educated service—they’re constantly ensuring their staff is in-the-know by educating them on the best designer for each body type. The Thing for Spring: Bright t-shirts from a variety of designers.
1735 N. Damen, (773)227-3402, clothesmindedchicago.com (No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
Goods: Women’s clothing and accessories. Designers: James Perse, Sanctuary, Design History and Kensie. Owner: A boutique owner for more than three decades, Sandy Horowitz relocated her casual clothes shop from Lakeview to Bucktown in its early retail days. The hip merchandise ranges from all-out casual to business-casual and includes handbags, hats and bath products. Vibe: With white shelves set against buttery hardwood floors and an uber-friendly, approachable staff, this no-frills boutique feels casual and inviting. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: Comfy meets classic; you’re ready to order a cup of tea at Julius Meinl and kick back with the New York Times. Shopper’s Perks: End-of-season sales provide great discounts.
UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2008
Merchandise
Scoop NYC: Women’s clothing by Tibi, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Nili Lotan; Men’s clothing by James Perse, John Varvatos; kid’s clothing by Chip and Pepper Kids and Ella Moss; shoes and accessories for both sexes.
Intermix: Women’s clothing and accessories from D&G, Valentino, Stella McCartney, Matthew Williamson, Missoni.
Our Favorite Finds
Scoop NYC: Old-school sneakers for guys by John Varvatos for Converse, colorful linen shifts by Alice + Olivia, metallic python flats by Stuart Weitzman for Scoop.
Intermix: A hot pink dress by D&G embellished with gold chains; Valentino Diamante Ballerina Flats.
Sales Help (For this category, we got a general vibe on the sales crew, then tried on something that was decidedly “not for us” to gauge how honest the feedback is.)
Scoop NYC: Available but not pushy. We tried on a silk dress by Nili Lotan, and after deeming that the hem was too short, the associate suggested a number of ways to adapt the dress so we’d be more comfortable wearing it.
Intermix: Busy (it was opening weekend, after all) but constantly supervising their shoppers. When a silver silk halter tunic by Toronto-based Jay Godfrey looked too much like a maternity dress, the associate ran out and came back with a smaller size and two similar pieces for comparison.
Dressing Rooms
Scoop NYC: Navy velvet curtains conceal huge dressing rooms with large benches to lay out outfits and accessories. A mirror-lined wall allows you to see how you look as you walk.
Intermix: A circle of smaller rooms with red suede curtains. Associates can swing around, checking on everyone in one swoop.
Perks
Scoop NYC: Free one-on-one consultations and personal shopping, free delivery to home or office.
Intermix: In addition to personal shopping, extended hours and in-home consulting, the staff associates are trained as stylists. (Tina Trenkner)
Intermix, 40 East Delaware Place, (312)640-2922; Scoop NYC, 1702 North Milwaukee (773)227-9930
