46. Haberdash
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (312) 440-1300
Address: 1350 N. Wells St.
Description: On his blog, Haberdash owner Adam Beltzman features both a romantically in-depth history of jeans and a glossary of denim-related terms. You see, Beltzman, a former lawyer, is a thinking-man’s style-guider. He thinks gym clothes belong in the gym, and he uses the words “dapper” and “gentleman” without pause. But far from being stuffy, this Old Town boutique is woody-warm and welcoming, featuring blazers, comfortable work shirts, slacks, wool pullovers and chunky cardigans, and solid leather shoes meant to look sharp and last long. Another slightly hipper, younger brother store is in River North at 607 N. State St. (312-642-8551). Open daily.
47.
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Shopping
Description: Off the rack? Phooey. It’s all hand-picked fabrics from around the world, custom-fit and perfectly suited for you and only you at this 55-year-old bespoke clothing maker. The tailors will come to you or you can visit the relaxing Printers Row showroom. Either way, the experience is gold standard and the result is Rolls-Royce, whether in work shirts, a suit or a formal tuxedo they’re creating. Remember that old saying, “It’s better to look good than to feel good”? At Montopoli, you feel good because you look good. Tailoring takes 4 to 8 weeks to complete. Appointments recommended.
48. Montopoli Custom Clothiers
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (312) 987-0987
Address: 714 S. Dearborn St.
Description: Off the rack? Phooey. It’s all hand-picked fabrics from around the world, custom-fit and perfectly suited for you and only you at this 55-year-old bespoke clothing maker. The tailors will come to you or you can visit the relaxing Printers Row showroom. Either way, the experience is gold standard and the result is Rolls-Royce, whether in work shirts, a suit or a formal tuxedo they’re creating. Remember that old saying, “It’s better to look good than to feel good”? At Montopoli, you feel good because you look good. Tailoring takes 4 to 8 weeks to complete. Appointments recommended.
49. Shrine Haberdashery
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (312) 675-2105
Address: 47 E. Oak St.
Description: Depending on the time of day, customers are offered a cup of coffee or a glass of whiskey as they enter—just a hint at the doting (in a good way) service at this Gold Coast men’s accessories boutique. The global pursuits of owner Rafik have resulted in an elite (read: expensive) and often exclusive selection for only the most debonair and daringly well-dressed of dudes: demon-head copper cufflinks from Japan that top $1,000; Francesco Maglia tartan-print umbrellas, Italian leather briefcases, handmade imported silk ties, and felt brimmed hats that beg to be tipped. Open daily.
50. Erin Gallagher
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (866) 582-6709
Address: 1013 W. Webster St.
Description: Yes, Erin Gallagher’s instincts for stunning jewelry are well-known across town and now across the country too, but it’s her eco-friendly conscience that truly sparkles. Most of the metal she uses is recycled, and stones are conflict-free. You can purchase one of Gallagher’s own stunners—from bib necklaces to strings of pearls, chain bracelets to diamond rings—or belly up to the gem bar to choose your own chain, where prices start as low as $15, and produce your own precious trinket (they’re ready in about 3 weeks). Other services rock too: Host a party, get a discount on bridal party jewelry, and search her totally intuitive website by gem color, birthstone, metal color, and neckline to find the perfect piece. Open Wed through Sun; open Mon by appointment, closed Tues.
51. Lester Lampert
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (312) 944-6888
Address: 57 E. Oak St.
Description: In 1995, the Field Museum honored Lester Lampert’s then-75 years of business with a 9-day show displaying 100 of the jewel master’s most notable baubles from throughout the years. This family-owned shop is still going strong, creating trademarked designs (for instance, their sliding diamond ring) and selling them along with other exquisite lines at their 4-floor Oak Street store. The jewelers on staff specialize in custom work, from engagement rings to standout special occasion pieces. Prices reflect the history and high quality. They also provide appraisals and estate consultations. Open Mon through Sat; closed Sun.
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Shopping
Address: 2050 N. Halsted St.
53. Bravco
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (312) 943-4305
Address: 43 E. Oak St.
Description: Oak Street has its posh boutiques and exclusive day spas, but it also has Bravco—a jam-packed bath and beauty catch-all that makes product junkies swoon. And we’re not talking drugstore cheapo stuff, either, but rather salon-worthy brands like Crew, Bumble and bumble, Keratin, Dermalogica, Kerastase, and Original Sprout—typically for less than you’d pay at the salon. Open daily.
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Shopping
Address: 4716 N. Lincoln Ave.
55. Babydolls Boutique
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (773) 525-2229
Address: 3727 N. Southport Ave.
Description: You’ll go gaga for this precious Southport corridor shop with its feminine feel and super-cute selection of baby, mommy, and expectant-mom gift items. Owner Vanessa Rodriguez, the first Mexican-American entrepreneur in this neighborhood, carries eye-catching jewelry and handbags, popular Cloud B products like the Sleep Sheep, picture-perfect frames and keepsake albums, rattles and all-cotton aden + anais swaddlers. Plus, part of the proceeds from Rodriguez’s own line of handmade baby dresses, christening gowns, and onesies (called Pink & Blue are the new Black) goes to local charities that help needy children and moms-to-be. Open daily.
Name: no value!
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Shopping
Insider Pick:
Description: From classic ABC blocks to Plan Toys’ more creative block sets, farm-sound blocks to bath blocks, and blocks in a bevy of different foreign alphabets, this Lakeview store bursts with blocks—not to mention a huge assortment of other great toys and a whole lot of toy-loving energy. Looking for a birthday present for a 3-year-old boy or a 9-year-old girl? The longtime staff can point you to top sellers, their personal favorites, and the newest fads. Fire engines with lights and sounds, sticker books, kids’ music CDs, a full line of tiny Calico Critters, dolls and doll clothes, Groovy Girls, and Bruder trucks; they’re all here. Bring your kids in at your own risk. Also in Wicker Park at 2130 W. Division St. (773-235-1888). Open daily.
57. Building Blocks
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (773) 525-6200
Address: 3306 N. Lincoln Ave.
Insider Pick:
Description: From classic ABC blocks to Plan Toys’ more creative block sets, farm-sound blocks to bath blocks, and blocks in a bevy of different foreign alphabets, this Lakeview store bursts with blocks—not to mention a huge assortment of other great toys and a whole lot of toy-loving energy. Looking for a birthday present for a 3-year-old boy or a 9-year-old girl? The longtime staff can point you to top sellers, their personal favorites, and the newest fads. Fire engines with lights and sounds, sticker books, kids’ music CDs, a full line of tiny Calico Critters, dolls and doll clothes, Groovy Girls, and Bruder trucks; they’re all here. Bring your kids in at your own risk. Also in Wicker Park at 2130 W. Division St. (773-235-1888). Open daily.
58. Psycho Baby
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (773) 772-2815
Address: 1630 N. Damen Ave.
Description: For kids with a little rock and roll in their souls (or genes), this Wicker Park kid shop opened by two moms in 2003 is a must. Chuck the pink frills and go with a Run DMC T-shirt, a onesie that says, “Boob Man,” a skull-and-crossbones sun hat, or a zebra-print dress with glitter detailing. There are also some pink frilly things and typical blue boy stuff, but it’s all made by rad brands like Rowdy Sprout, Appaman, and Chaser LA. Prices might seem steep, but the big points for being seen with your cool kid make up for it. Come for a kickin’ storytime with “Really Nili” Wed morning. Open daily.
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Shopping
Address: 954 W. Armitage Ave.
60. Timeless Toys
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (773) 334-4445
Address: 4749 N. Lincoln Ave.
Description: Let your kids occupy themselves at the train table while you browse this Lincoln Square favorite for princess and pirate dress-ups, board books, Plan Toys, miYim organic plushies, kid-friendly kites, puppets galore, and Melissa & Doug puzzles. Just beware the craziness here during Christmas holiday shopping, know that they offer only store credit for returns, and don’t blame us if your child doesn’t want to leave that train table when you’re ready to go. Open daily.