2004 W. Roscoe, (773)935-2820, thedenimlounge.com 
(No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and accessories. Designers: Rock & Republic, Joe’s Jeans, Antik Denim, Serfontaine, 1921 Denim, True Religion. Owner: David Shelist modeled this full-size boutique after the original Denim Lounge—a store-within-a-store in his Gold Coast Madison and Friends shop—because he wanted to bring a family-friendly denim store to Roscoe Village. Vibe: Denim Lounge takes its name seriously, with a massive wall of jeans overlooking an overstuffed blue couch, stacks of magazines and a large-screen plasma TV. The mirror mosaic counter, saltwater fish tank and dogs-welcome policy round out the laidback lounge atmosphere. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: Rock-star cool, headed to the Empty Bottle for a show. Shopper’s Perks: Watch for random Bag Sales, when $250 will get you whatever you can stuff into a drawstring bag.
1361 N. Wells, (312)573-0750, Grayboutique.com (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Women’s clothing and accessories. Designers: Jewelry by 2SisterDesigns; jeans from Serfontaine, Anlo, J Brand; women’s clothing from Hale Bob, Cynthia Steffe, Lily McNeal, Julie Brown and Poleci. Owner: Laura Schoch, an English-composition major (she’s writing an e-book on the store’s Web site!) and owner of Gray’s two suburban locations. Vibe: Decor is sophisticated and subtle. The walls are splashed in the store’s signature hue and spruced up with arched mirrors and modern light fixtures dangle from the ceilings. The Look: Contemporary and right-on-trend. Laura says that Gray strikes the ideal balance between urban and suburban chic. Shopper’s Perks: Preferred customers are privy to bonuses like private sales. The Thing for Spring: Gray is heavily supporting local Chicago talent by featuring two local designers a month.
1719 N. Damen, (773)772-0505 
(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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Goods: Women’s clothing, shoes and accessories. Designers: Cloak & Dagger, James Coviello, Tibi New York, Serfontaine, J Brand and Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent. Owner: Lori Mandarino opened the boutique over ten years ago. With no fashion experience, only a knack for style, she started the successful business “from scratch.” Vibe: A giant antique bar with intricately carved flowers serves as the cash register. Racks are punctuated with sinuous, metal branches. Price Range: Expensive. The Look: World traveler with exquisite taste (and beyond-a-backpacker’s budget). This shopper scours outdoor markets for antique charms and ethnic jewelry. Obsessed with color and sophisticated prints. Shopper’s Perks: A sale section in back is constantly stocked with bargains.
Akira
-Accessories, -Mens Shoes, -Menswear, -Women's Shoes, -Womenswear, Bucktown, Lincoln Park, Loop, Wicker Park/Ukrainian Village 1 Comment »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 Men
Akira Shoes
Akira Lakeview
Akira Lincoln Park
Akira Loop
UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2008
