chicago Picks Website  
  CHICAGO PICKS
  life + style in the Windy City
October 9th, 2009

It is seriously a curse—the less money and time we have, the more we want to shop. And with the imminent seasonal changes on their way, we can’t stop thinking about over-the-knee boots, infinity scarves and wooly skirts.

We’ve heard that shopping can be an actual addiction—as dangerous as smack or gambling—but we don’t see it that way. Sure, we’re hooked. Sure, we spend more money than we should on earrings and handbags, but that’s in our DNA. So this week, in honor of the monkey on our backs, we bring you a brief roundup of some of our favorite Chicago-area shopping destinations. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

       
 

Chicago Picks:

 
  1

The Fashion Effect
 
Surely we’re all familiar with the “Michelle Effect” by now, right? J. Crew has certainly reaped the benefits. Pretty sure Maria Pinto has too. It makes us feel that much more hip knowing the First Lady digs one of our fave shoe shops. Michelle’s favorite shoe boutique? Lori’s Shoes, where you can walk in needing one pair, and walk out carrying five. Lori’s of-the-moment looks are incredibly well-crafted and reasonably priced. Can’t afford YSL? Try Pelle Moda. Wanna be a sexy futuristic weirdo (a la MK Olsen)? Try Gastone Lucioli. Crave a colorful Latin look? Go for Biviel. And of course, Jeffrey Campbell never disappoints. Trust us, after visiting Lori’s you’ll be bitten by the shoe bug of love. Good luck getting over that!
 
Lori’s Shoes

824 W. Armitage Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
773.281.5655
www.lorisshoes.com

       
  2

Love Struck
 
Ringing bells, floral processionals, champagne toasts to awkward best-man speeches, and all-night dance parties to classics like “Baby Got Back”…hooray for weddings. But forget the bridal bug, we have a case of what-should-I-wear-that-everyone-hasn’t-seen-yet hysteria! Thankfully we found Le dress, a trendy and thoughtfully organized (think day-casual to evening-elegant) dress haven. Amidst funky chandeliers and hot pink walls are racks of designer duds waiting with bated breath to be our true love. Le dress even sports its own label, making affordability a non-issue. And because every ensemble needs a wrap, a clutch, and of course, a bit of Hollywood Tape, Le dress hosts a small selection. Keep on match-making, Cupid… we’ve found our paramour! 
 
Le dress
1741 W. Division St.
Chicago, IL 60622
773.697.9899
www.ledresschicago.com

       
  3

Too Much is Never Enough

We would love to be able to spend our whole week shopping for a wardrobe of perfect accessories. But given that we're expected to work real jobs (and rely on Chicago public transportation, to boot), it’s impossible without one of those nifty Harry Potter time-traveler thingies or a stand-in doppelganger for the office. At least it was impossible—until we discovered Sage Accessory Boutique in East Lakeview. It’s a jewelry and accessories boutique that promises to outfit the "total woman" with every accessory she could ever imagine… all in one location. And that's not an understatement, it’s their goal! Plus, The Everywoman can afford it—prices range from low to high. Fantastic!
   
Sage Accessory Boutique 

3127 N. Broadway St. 
Chicago, IL 60657
773.248.3388

 

       
  4

Pump It Up

There are certain items you just shouldn't go without. TiVo seemed like a frivolous gadget until you discovered the genius of never missing “Grey's,” “Top Model,” okay, and “The Hills.” And that is a good enough reason for us to hit up Pump.  Dress up.  Mix, mingle, and flirt the night away in a new pair of six-inch heels. We guarantee you’ll feel taller, slimmer and sexier, and you’ll owe it all to the unbelievably sweet owner of Pump, who can only be described as a cupcake incarnate. Two minutes with her and you'll find yourself uplifted—not only by her spirited consultation, but quite literally, too, in some smokin’ new stilettos.

Pump
1659 W. Division St.
Chicago, IL 60686
773.384.6750
www.pumpshoeschicago.com

       
  5

TLC

Lately we’ve been in the mood for some serious pampering. We’re talking full-body massages, facials, mani/pedi dates, you name it, we’ve tried it or it’s on our list to get one. Lucky for us, we get to exhale, thanks to Handle With Care boutique. This slice of heaven is chock full of skirts, dresses, pants and more to tickle our fancy. We nearly swooned at the sight of the DVF dress that met us at the door and had to squeal with glee when we saw offerings from Minnie Rose and Citizens of Humanity. Put that together with plenty of fitting rooms and friendly associates, and you’ve got a regular shopping day with the gals—gotta love it!  

Handle With Care
1706 N. Wells
Chicago, IL 60614
312.751.2929

       
  6

Habit Forming
 
We plan on starting the holiday season off right by cleaning out our overstuffed closet, and making room for new and better things that we can show off at office parties, holiday soirees, and just to spice up the winter-wardrobe blahs. It’s new clothes, more fabulous jewelry, and chic handbags for us. First stop on our shopping spree: Habit. The sale signs on the storefront are certainly promising, and inside we felt like kids in a sassy candy store. They have spot-on Suzabelle coats and dresses, super chic leather necklaces, and—our fave—a woven clutch built for nights on the town.  Plus, more than half of the designers featured in Habit are from the Chicago area. Love!
 
Habit
1919 W. Division St.
Chicago, IL 60622
773.342.0093
www.habitchicago.com

       
  7

Hay Baby
 
Sometimes old sayings are true. We’re fond of “don’t look a gift horse in the mouth” (whatever that means), but our new favorite saying has to do with finding a needle… Never was a store more aptly named than “Haystack.” Stumbling upon this diamond in the rough was like finding that needle in a haystack. It’s a gold mine of vintage fare, from glamorous brooches to sultry heels. The antique gems come from a range of sources, and everything has a story. In addition to the resale goods, Haystack also features jewels, frocks, and other knick-knacks by local designers. Oh, and did we mention that everything is reasonably priced? You can even shop online!
 
Haystack Vintage
2934 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL 60657
773.549.1225
www.haystackvintage.com

       
  8

Your Clothes Tell a Story

She is a woman with panache. She’s smart and confident in her clothing. He is casually cool and classically tailored. He knows he’s got It, but not in an obnoxious way. They are Penelope’s. They can mish-mash cool pieces in what looks to be a casual manner. But it’s all planned. And that’s why it’s a brilliant secret to be let in on their oh-so-perfect finds. You want to go heavy on the “intrigue” factor or flex your intellect through your clothing? This is your store. Penelope’s carries brands like Sessun, Plastic Island and Charlotte Ronson for the ladies, and Shades of Greige, Cheap Monday, and Dunderdon for the guys. Genius.
 
Penelope’s
1913 West Division St.
Chicago IL 60622
773.395.2351
www.shoppenelopes.com

       
  Help us spread the word! Sign up a friend at www.ChicagoPicks.com!
   
       
 

Be sure to visit www.chicagopicks.com and check out past issues in our archives. If you like what you see, forward to a friend and encourage them to check out www.chicagopicks.com and subscribe for free! It's easy--there's a box in the upper left to enter your email address.

If you would like to make a suggestion, please email us at contribute@chicagopicks.com. Share your favorite ideas for Picks, tell us about terrific products or services, announce a sale or event, or let us know what you think of Chicago Picks!

Website and weekly issues maintained by Studio Ridge.com.