2108 W. Roscoe, (773) 244-3100, shopfixture.com (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Jewelry, handbags, candles, wall art, stationery, home décor and other perfectly giftable items. Designers: Handbags by Hobo, Latico and Big Buddha; bath goods by Thymes; jewelry by Deana Rose, Prima Donna, Dogeared and Ayala Bar; artwork by Heather Gentile Collins and Tamara Hensick. Owner: Former wholesaler Patti Carr originally opened her gift-filled shop in Logan Square, but moved to quaint Roscoe Village three years ago. Vibe: Energetic, cluttered and colorful, with upbeat worldwide music from Putamayo causing a few spontaneous dance moves as you shop. Price Range: Moderate. The Look: The gal who has the perfect gift for any occasion. Whether it’s a housewarming, a baby shower or a birthday party, her perfectly wrapped present is always tailor-made for the recipient. Shopper’s Perks: Fixture carries an array of gifts that can be easily monogrammed or personalized, and they offer complimentary gift wrapping, for those who grab their gifts on the way.

Fixture

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2008

1421 W. 18th, (312)226-4040, zapatillasinc.com (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Shoes and accessories for women. Designers: Chinese Laundry, Steven, Bamboo, Anne Michelle, Me Too, Nine West; bags by Latico and Franco Sarto. Owner: After a retail-filled career, Sylvia Rocha opened up her shoe shop in her native Pilsen neighborhood, aiming to bring style and value to the community. Zapatilla means “slipper” in Spanish. Vibe: Stylishly low-maintenance. The ambiance is attractive yet no-frills, and shoppers here can get in and get out easily, as neatly stacked boxes full of shoes line the walls below their corresponding displays. Price Range: Inexpensive. The Look: For the comfortable shoe fetishist, Zapatillas stocks footwear that keeps up with both the latest trends and classic looks, yet at the core remains easy to wear. Perfect for the many commuters of Pilsen. Shopper’s Perks: Realizing that Chicago women will undoubtedly don a bridesmaid dress at some point, Rocha stocks a wide selection of Nina dye-able shoes in styles that are modern, stylish and, yes, flawlessly dyeable.

Zapatillas

3527 N. Southport, (773)248-9866, Mboutiquechicago.com (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Accessories for women, bags, gifts. Designers: Latico and Sondra Roberts bags; Taolei and By Boe jewelry. Owner: Melissa Nelson, an accessories addict, formerly owned M Boutique on Armitage Avenue. She opened M2 in 2006. Vibe: A long and narrow, white-walled accessories haven. Items are organized by color, so it’s a cinch to find something to match with any outfit. Price Range: Moderate. The Look: The M2 girl can pull together any outfit by slinging a bag over her shoulder or clasping a bracelet around her wrist—she is clued into the power of a good accessory. Shopper’s Perks: Customers can special-order bridesmaid gifts like clutches and jewelry. The Thing for Spring: Tano leather handbags, bright-colored clutches and color Jade stones from Taolei.

M2 Boutique

1867 N. Damen, (773)489-3220, dmariehandbags.com (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Accessories and handbags for women. Designers: Elliott Luca, Latico, Sabina and the shop’s exclusive D. Marie line. Owners: After her home became an empty nest, Diane Gallery pursued her dream of opening up a boutique for fellow purse-and-accessory fetishists. Best of all, the shop allowed her to spend more time with her daughter Therese, who co-owns the girly shop. Vibe: Artfully arranged accessories perch on clean, white shelves. The unobtrusive staff is friendly, but won’t try to hold your hand as you rifle through handbags. Price Range: Moderate. The Look: The woman who shops here is a master at making inexpensive accessories look like prize finds from Neiman’s or Saks. Shopper’s Perks: D. Marie is the perfect shop for the queen of accessories on a city-princess budget.

D. Marie

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2008