4635 N. Lincoln, (773)728-0088, thedressingroomchicago.com (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Clothing, accessories and shoes for women. Designers: BB Dakota, Tano, 525 America, Tulle; denim by Red Engine, Christopher Blue, !iT  and Joe’s Jeans, dresses and skirts by Skunkfunk. Owners: Barbara Ruiz and Sarah Sanchez opened this North Center boutique with the hopes of making shopping easy and fun again—especially for moms with tots in tow. They also have a shoe store up the block. Vibe: With easy-on-the-ears John Mayer playing in the background, funky wallpaper lining the walls and exposed pipes dangling above, The Dressing Room is something right out of Dwell magazine. Price Range: Moderate. The Look: On-top-of-it young mom who effortlessly taps into timely style (think Kate Hudson). If kids aren’t in your picture, think more daring Southport dweller. Shopper’s Perks: An increasingly diminishing kids’ play area (sorry kiddies, the shoes had to go somewhere) and plenty of goods from local designers including Deana Rose and Jess L.C. Jewelry.

UPDATED OCTOBER 2009

The Dressing Room

2042 N. Damen, (773)235-2750, mscatwalk.com (1 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)
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Goods: Clothing and accessories for women. Designers: Jewelry by K. Amato, dresses by Genevieve Cruz, knits by 525 America, clothing by Hazel, Tulle, Sugar Lips and 1921 Jeans. Owner: Michon Stuttley, who worked as a stylist and probation officer before opening her cute-as-candy boutique. Vibe: Peppy decor (walls are striped in pink, blue and chocolate) and an extremely friendly sales staff make this the pre-party place to shop. Price Range: Inexpensive-Moderate. The Look: This shopper wears clothing meant to sparkle in the light of a disco ball. She accessorizes with a martini glass and flirts freely.

Ms. Catwalk

3309 N. Clark, (773)477-1414, hubbahubbachicago.com (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Women’s clothing and accessories. Designers: Tops by Michael Stars, jeans by Red Engine and Level 99, jackets and sweaters by Tulle, sweaters by Free People and dresses by Hype, Voom, Weston Wear, JWLA, Lily and Bailey 44. Not to mention purses by Big Buddha, Deux Lux, Maruca and Chinese Laundry; and jewelry by La Vie Parisienne and Liquid Metal. Owner: Julie Schneider opened Hubba Hubba in 1988, with the aim of creating a unique atmosphere filled with romantic outfits. Vibe: A sunny, dress-heavy boutique, bursting with ribbons. The fragrance from loose rose potpourri travels throughout the shop. Price Range: Moderate. The Look: Classy-romantic, headed to a high-school reunion or friend’s wedding. Shopper’s Perks: Shoppers sign up on their Web site and receive a loyalty card, which entitles the bearer to ten-percent off all the time. Even better–with your card, get twenty-percent off during your birthday month.

UPDATED OCTOBER 2009

Hubba Hubba

3709 N. Southport, (773)472-6717 (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Women’s clothing, jewelry and accessories. Designers: LAmade, Shoshanna, BB Dakota, Susana Monaco, Tulle, K. Amato. Owner: Sarah Bruno opened this sister shop in July 2007 after running the original Mint Julep on Armitage for about five years. Vibe: Small, cozy and quaint, it almost feels like you could be trying on clothes at a friend’s house. Price Range: Moderate. The Look: Casual-chic shirts and jackets for work. Halter tops, tank tops, glam skirts and sweater dresses for a night out with the girls for cocktails.

UPDATED OCTOBER 2009

Mint Julep

1528 N. Milwaukee, (773) 276-7002 (2 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)
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Goods: New and vintage clothing, jewelry and shoes for men and women. Designers: Insight, Zuriick, Penfield, Blank, Tulle, Gentle Fawn, Shades of Greige, Lifetime Collective. Owner: Nancy Becker expanded this Wicker Park staple to bigger, better digs. Vibe: Head shop goes upscale and elegant. Staff is willfully quirky. Price Range: Moderate The Look: Fit for the aspiring Jane Birkin. Shopper’s Perks: A friendly, non-abrasive shopping experience.

UPDATED OCTOBER 2009

Una Mae’s Freak Boutique

5216 N. Clark, (773)989-4420 (4 votes, average: 3.25 out of 5)
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Goods: Clothing and accessories for women. Designers: Hot Kiss, Soda Blue, Tulle and Chinese Laundry. Owner: Presence was started in 1969 by “two hippy women who opened a shop in their living room on Broadway.” Today, Joanna Miner (daughter of one of the founders) owns the boutique. Vibe: Pop tunes surge through an open-but-packed boutique. Carefully-put-together ensembles are propped up on the wall to give shoppers what-to-pair-with-what inspiration. Price Range: Inexpensive-Moderate. The Look: Fun, girly and trend-driven. Shopper’s Perks: At Presence, “It’s very easy to buy an entire outfit—jewelry included—for under $120 dollars,” says Joanna Miner.

Presence

UPDATED OCTOBER 2009