City: Chicago, IL

Category: Shopping

Telephone: (800) 472-1885

Address: 1885 N. Clybourn Ave.

Description: InStyle, House Beautiful, Real Simple, and Redbook magazines have all featured items from this decorator’s dream store. And it’s no wonder. A hand-rubbed mahogany Essex buffet table, leather upholstered ottoman, vintage Suzani feather pillows, a solid wood candle-bulb chandelier, faux zebra-hide rugs, and exotic orchids. This Lincoln Park store’s high-end selection of unique imported and antique goods, sophisticated home furnishings, flowers, and plants is everything you need to make your own home and garden gorgeous and magazine spread–worthy. Open daily.

City: Chicago, IL

Category: Shopping

Telephone: (312) 280-4885

Address: 704 N. Wabash Ave.

Description: For more than 30 years, this Gold Coast store has been a go-to for upscale gifts, particularly from their gift registry. Find hand-painted Cantaria dinnerware, Nambé tulip-bud vases, handmade Limoges porcelain trays and plates inspired by Persian rug patterns, luxe bed linens and pillows by Ann Gish, and understated jewelry. Open daily.

City: Chicago, IL

Category: Shopping

Address: 613 N. State St.

City: Chicago, IL

Category: Shopping

Telephone: (312) 829-6122

Address: 1819 W. Grand Ave.

Description: Angela Finney-Hoffman dreamed of owning her own furniture store by the time she was 27—but it wasn’t until 2008, after some time designing furniture and lighting for acclaimed designer Holly Hunt in Chicago and after (“post,” get it?) her 27th year when she finally went out on her own. She has since made her own name for herself with her ever-changing display of mid-century modern, plus reclaimed and repurposed pieces, locally grown accessories, and even some clothing items. Inspired, but don’t know for what? Ask Finney-Hoffman for an in-home consultation. Open Tues through Sun; closed Mon.

City: Chicago, IL

Category: Shopping

Telephone: (773) 275-5700

Address: 5221 N. Clark St.

Insider Pick:

Description: You’ll stumble upon this Andersonville boutique, you’ll be pulled in, you’ll browse, you’ll feel right at home. And then you’ll bring something from here to your own home. It happens all the time, because devoted owner Larry Vodak knows how to “scout” out those antique-y, forlorn but fabulous, and hidden gems of furniture and lovely decorative pieces. And he knows that they don’t just have to look good, but they have to have soul too. From the design junkie to the design flunkie, Scout can help you find that perfect table, bookcase, chair, or lamp. And then you’ll probably be back for something else to go with it. Open Tues through Sun; closed Mon.

City: Chicago, IL

Category: Shopping

Address: 1015 W. Armitage Ave.

City: Chicago, IL

Category: Shopping

Address: 904 W. Armitage Ave.

City: Chicago, IL

Category: Shopping

Address: 5321 N. Clark St.

City: Chicago, IL

Category: Shopping

Telephone: (888) GO-FUNKY, (773) 489-2001

Address: 1566 N. Damen Ave./2001 W. North Ave.

Description: Dress your feet up in the hippest styles from around the world at this Wicker Park shop. Men’s and women’s shoes range from ballet flats to platform knockouts, casual everyday to special occasion. The extensive stock changes frequently, so if you’re aching for that metallic leather Corso Como bootie or vegetable-dyed Cydwoq boot, a black patent leather sky-high heel from Cavage or a Brazilian-made vegan shoe by NeuAura, you’d better box it up and go before it’s gone. Scan their sale shoes to save a few bucks, as hip feet don’t come cheap here. Open daily.

City: Chicago, IL

Category: Shopping

Telephone: (773) 244-9141

Address: 3729 N. Southport Ave.

Description: “Shoe salesman” can have a negative connotation, but not at this feminine and light-hearted Southport store where the staff seriously adores shoes and truly wants to spread the love. Come in to browse the winning mix of sexy and casual, sporty and flirty, casual and downright delicious—and don’t be shy about asking for help or buying those fabulous open-toe, high-heeled sandals or spirited two-tone wedges or pumps with rhinestone detail. Don’t worry, you’ll find something to wear them with. Click goes crazy every year with its buy one, get one for a penny sale. Open daily.

City: Chicago, IL

Category: Shopping

Telephone: (312) 834-0909

Address: 1237 S. Michigan Ave.

Description: In 2007, Tiffany Bullock kicked aside her finance and banking career and put her money where her feet are. In her contemporary-chic South Loop boutique, you’ll find the perfect merging of cool and comfy. Prices reflect the high quality of brands like Spain-based Chie Mihara, Dav Western-styled rainboots, super-soft leather Fidji made in Portugal, and the bohemian-chic GeeWaWa. Complete your outfit with Bullock’s selection of purses, clothes, tights, and jewelry. Open daily.

City: Chicago, IL

Category: Shopping

Address: 2031 N. Damen Ave.

City: Chicago, IL

Category: Shopping

Telephone: (773) 281-5655

Address: 824 W. Armitage Ave.

Description: Locals who love shoes know Lori’s. Since Lori Andre opened her first 650-square-foot shop in 1983, it has grown to become a 4,500-square-foot temple to toesies and expanded to include several suburban locations as well. But the Armitage Avenue boutique is the first and best. From Spanish espadrilles from Andre Assous to Italian leather sandals from Zamagni, Lori’s carries dozens of the trendiest, most fashion-­forward styles for feet around. Most shoe boxes don’t hide behind a secret door; they’re out on the floor, stacked high with the shoes displayed atop. It makes it easy to know if they’ve got your size, but tricky to maneuver when it’s busy, which it almost always is (hint: leave your huge tote bag at home and park that stroller outside, please). Open daily.

City: Chicago, IL

Category: Shopping

Telephone: (773) 772-1150

Address: 1901 W. Division St.

Description: Opened by mom and son team Patty and Chad Johnson, this Wicker Park shop’s cute name comes from the English tradition of having a snack and tea between breakfast and lunch, known as “elevenses.” Here, it translates to a carefree spirit and an eclectic array of gifts for hostesses, housewarmings, new moms, and that friend who seems to have it all. Items in the cozy space include adorable Trumpette socks for baby, sweetly scented candles from Archipelago, stationery from Meri Meri, lacy underthings from Hanky Panky, and scrumptious exotic chocolates from Vosges. Located within the store is Temple Beautiful, where you can indulge your spirit with energy workshops, tarot card readings, Reiki, and more. Open daily.

City: Chicago, IL

Category: Shopping

Telephone: (773) 334-8626

Address: 4723 N. Lincoln Ave.

Insider Pick:

Description: We dare you to leave this store without uttering a chuckle or two. After all, Rebecca Wood’s Lincoln Square store has a serious sense of humor, carrying silly stuff like bacon air fresheners; “Stop Copying Me” onesies for twins; a birthday card that reads, “Today’s your birthday and we should do special birthday things like eat pie and swear”; a Minor Miracle mug that reveals an image of the Holy Mother after you’ve finished your hot drink; a Psycho image shower curtain; packages of three Little Missmatched socks; and a Mr. T In Your Pocket key chain. But Enjoy has a sentimental side too, with inspiring books and art panel prints, beautiful frames, sterling silver necklaces, and journals and memory books. Open daily.