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Macy's
Chicago
When Macy's took over Marshall Field's -- Chicago's best-known "hometown" department store -- in 2006, there was much local hand-wringing about what the buyout meant for Field's grand State Street headquarters. Although Field's iconic green awnings and shopping bags have been replaced by Macy's more dreary black, the good news is that the store itself remains impressive, a testament to the days when shopping downtown was an eagerly anticipated event rather than a chore. This block-long store is second in size only to Macy's New York City flagship, and its impressive breadth of merchandise and historically significant interior make it a must-see for serious shoppers. A number of exclusive "miniboutiques" are scattered throughout the overwhelming space, including the 28 Shop, which stocks the latest from hot young designers; beauty stations where you can get a manicure and pick up exclusive products; and a gourmet food department developed by celebrity chef Charlie Trotter. The enormous shoe department is another highlight, with everything from killer high heels (at killer prices) and boots to sneakers and casual sandals. If you're interested in the history of the store itself, you can download an audio tour from the website www.visitmacyschicago.com before your trip (you can also print out discount coupons to use while you're here). The Water Tower store, 835 N. Michigan Ave. (tel. 312/335-7700), is a scaled-down but respectable version of the State Street store. Its eight floors are actually much more manageable than the enormous flagship, and its merchandise selection is still vast (although this branch tends to focus on the more expensive brands).When Macy's took over Marshall Field's -- Chicago's best-known "hometown"
Madison & Friends
Chicago
Clothing for kids that's both cute and wearable is the specialty here, from baby-size leather bomber jackets to yoga pants for toddlers. A separate back room caters to older kids and tweens -- including a staggering array of jeans.Clothing for kids that's both cute and wearable is the
Margie's Candies
Chicago
This family-run candy and ice-cream shop hasn't changed much since it opened in 1921. It still offers some of the city's finest handmade fudge, whether it comes in a box or melted over a banana split served in a clamshell dish. The store is known for its turtles -- chocolate-covered pecan and caramel clusters -- and might be the only place in the city still selling rock candy on wooden sticks.This family-run candy and ice-cream shop hasn't changed much since
Marx-Saunders Gallery
Chicago
Chicago is home to two world-class galleries dealing in contemporary glass-art sculpture, conveniently located within steps of one another along Superior Street in River North. Marx-Saunders Gallery houses the city's largest showcase of glass art and features world-famous artists, past and present (William Morris, Mark Fowler, Therman Statom, and Hiroshi Yamano), as well as newcomers. Also worth a look for art-glass lovers is the nearby Habatat Galleries Chicago, 222 W. Superior St. (tel. 312/440-0288).Chicago is home to two world-class galleries dealing in contemporary
Maya Polsky Gallery
Chicago
Gallery owner Maya Polsky deals in international contemporary art and also represents some leading local artists, but she's best known for showcasing the contemporary and postrevolutionary art of Russia, including the work of such masters as Natalya Nesterova and Sergei Sherstiuk.Gallery owner Maya Polsky deals in international contemporary art and
McShane's Exchange
Chicago
This consignment shop has a selection that's a few steps above the standard thrift store, and for designer bargains, it can't be beat. The store expands back through a series of cramped rooms, with clothes organized by color, making it easy to scope out the perfect black dress. The longer a piece stays in stock, the lower the price drops -- and I've done plenty of double takes at the price tags here: Calvin Klein coats, Prada sweaters, and Armani jackets all going for well under $100. If that's not tempting enough, you'll also find barely used shoes and purses. McShane's has another location with a similar selection at 1141 W. Webster St. (tel. 773/525-0211).This consignment shop has a selection that's a few steps
Modern Times
Chicago
This shop specializes in the major designers of home furnishings from the 1930s to the 1960s -- the sort of pieces that style-conscious shoppers buy to furnish their newly gentrified lofts. You'll also find lighting fixtures of all types and some jewelry. Note: The store is open only Friday through Sunday; weekdays by appointment only.This shop specializes in the major designers of home furnishings
Mon Ami Coiffeur
Chicago
Sure, you can get a haircut at this popular Gold Coast salon, but Mon Ami also has some of the very best colorists in town. Resident makeup artist Diane Ayala is known for her magic touch with eyebrow shaping (as well as her custom cosmetics line).Sure, you can get a haircut at this popular Gold
Neiman Marcus
Chicago
Yes, you'll pay top dollar for designer names here -- the store does, after all, need to live up to its Needless Mark-up moniker -- but Neiman's has a broader price range than many of its critics care to admit. It also has some mighty good sales. The four-story store, a beautiful environment in its own right, sells cosmetics, shoes, furs, fine and fashion jewelry, and clothing. The top floor has a fun gourmet food department as well as a pretty home-accessories area. Neiman's has two restaurants: one relaxed, the other a little more formal.Yes, you'll pay top dollar for designer names here --
New Sound Gospel
Chicago
Chicago is the birthplace of gospel music, and now, thanks to artists such as Kirk Franklin, it's also become big business. All the major labels have gospel music divisions, and this store on the city's far South Side is the best place in town to browse the full range of what's available. Not sure where to start? Ask the store's expert staff for advice -- here, you'll find everything from gospel's greatest to groups with names such as Gospel Gangstaz.Chicago is the birthplace of gospel music, and now, thanks
Niketown
Chicago
When Niketown first opened, it was truly something new: a store that felt more like a funky sports museum than a place hawking running shoes. These days, however, Niketown is no longer unique to Chicago (it's sprung up in cities from Atlanta to Honolulu), and the store's celebration of athletes can't cover up the fact that the ultimate goal is to sell expensive shoes. But the crowds keep streaming in to snatch up products pitched by Niketown's patron saints Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods.When Niketown first opened, it was truly something new: a
Nordstrom
Chicago
Nordstrom's spacious, airy design and trendy touches (wheatgrass growing by the escalators, funky music playing on the stereo system) gives it the feel of an upscale boutique rather than an overcrowded department store. The company's famed shoe department is large but not overwhelming; more impressive is the cosmetics department, where you'll find a wide array of smaller labels and an "open sell" environment (meaning you're encouraged to try on makeup without a salesperson hovering over you). In keeping with the store's famed focus on service, a concierge can check your coat, call a cab, or make restaurant reservations for you.Nordstrom's spacious, airy design and trendy touches (wheatgrass growing by
Orange Skin
Chicago
It may look like an ultracool loft catering only to trendier-than-thou style experts, but don't be intimidated: Orange Skin is one of my favorite places to check out what's new in the world of modern interior design (and the staff is more welcoming than you might expect). From colored clear-plastic dining chairs to bowls made of welded steel wires, browsing here is a good way to gauge what's cool in the world of design. Visit the shop's lower level for smaller tabletop items that make good, one-of-a-kind gifts.It may look like an ultracool loft catering only to
P.O.S.H.
Chicago
Love pieces with a past but can't afford fine antiques? This fun shop sells discontinued china patterns from a more elegant time gone by; recent selections included dishes used for first-class service on American Airlines and a tea service once used in an English country inn. If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind souvenir, they also produce a line of Chicago skyline dinnerware.Love pieces with a past but can't afford fine antiques?
p45
Chicago
You'll find a number of cool boutiques aimed at the younger crowd clustered along Damen Avenue in Bucktown, but this is the most cutting-edge, with a vibe that's funky rather than girly. A gold mine of urbane women's fashion, the spare space is filled with a unique mix of hip national labels (3.1 Philip Lim, Michelle Mason, Susana Monaco) and local designers you've never heard of. If you're looking for something no one else at home will be wearing, this is the place to shop.You'll find a number of cool boutiques aimed at the
Paper Boy
Chicago
Located just off Southport Avenue in the Wrigleyville neighborhood, Paper Boy has one of the most offbeat and artsy selections of greeting cards in the city, as well as other novelty and gift items.Located just off Southport Avenue in the Wrigleyville neighborhood, Paper
Paper Source
Chicago
The acknowledged leader of stationery stores in Chicago, Paper Source is now expanding throughout the country (with locations from Boston to Beverly Hills). The store's claim to fame is its collection of handmade paper in a variety of colors and textures. You'll also find one-of-a-kind greeting cards and a large collection of rubber stamps for personalizing your own paper at home. The River North shop is the store's headquarters, but there's also a location in the trendy Armitage shopping district at 919 W. Armitage Ave. (tel. 773/525-7300).The acknowledged leader of stationery stores in Chicago, Paper Source
Powell's Bookstore
Chicago
Used books, especially from scholarly and small Chicago presses, dog-eared paperbacks, and hardcover classics fill the shelves at this book lover's haven. There are also outlets in Lakeview at 2850 N. Lincoln Ave. (tel. 773/248-1444), and Hyde Park at 1501 E. 57th St. (tel. 773/955-7780).Used books, especially from scholarly and small Chicago presses, dog-eared
Prairie Avenue Bookshop
Chicago
This South Loop store does Chicago's architectural tradition proud with the city's finest stock of architecture, design, and technical books.This South Loop store does Chicago's architectural tradition proud with
Psycho Baby
Chicago
The opening of this everything-for-baby shop was the definitive sign that Bucktown had gentrified. The prices may sometimes cause a double take ($60 for shoes that your kid will outgrow in 3 months), but the creative selection and happy vibe make it fun for browsing.The opening of this everything-for-baby shop was the definitive sign
Quake Collectibles
Chicago
Off the beaten tourist path in the Lincoln Square neighborhood (northwest of downtown), this temple to all things kitschy includes an impressive vintage lunch-box collection and ample stacks of old fan magazines a la Teen Beat, with Shaun Cassidy tossing his feathered tresses.Off the beaten tourist path in the Lincoln Square neighborhood
Quimby's
Chicago
The ultimate alternative newsstand, Quimby's stocks every kind of obscure periodical, from cutting-edge comics to 'zines "published" in some teenager's basement. Their book selection is also decadently different from your local Barnes & Noble; categories include "Conspiracy," "Politics & Revolution," and "Lowbrow Art."The ultimate alternative newsstand, Quimby's stocks every kind of obscure
Reckless Records
Chicago
The best all-round local record store for music that the cool kids listen to, Reckless Records wins brownie points for its friendly and helpful staff. You'll find new and used CDs and albums in a variety of genres (psychedelic and progressive rock, punk, soul, and jazz) here, along with magazines and a small collection of DVDs. There are also locations in Lincoln Park at 3157 N. Broadway (tel. 773/404-5080), and Wicker Park at 1532 N. Milwaukee Ave. (tel. 773/235-3727).The best all-round local record store for music that the
Rhona Hoffman Gallery
Chicago
The New York-born Rhona Hoffman maintains a high profile on the international contemporary-art scene. She launched her gallery in 1983 and, from the start, sought national and international artists, typically young and cutting-edge artists who weren't represented elsewhere in Chicago. Today she is the purveyor of such blue-chip players as Sol LeWitt as well as younger up-and-comers such as Dawoud Bey.The New York-born Rhona Hoffman maintains a high profile on
Richard Gray Gallery
Chicago
Richard Gray -- whose gallery opened in 1963 -- is widely considered the dean of art dealers in Chicago. (He's served as president of the Art Dealers Association of America and been a longtime board member of the Art Institute of Chicago.) The gallery specializes in paintings, sculpture, and drawings by leading artists from the major movements in 20th-century American and European art (he also has a second location in New York). Gray and his son, Paul, who now runs the Chicago gallery, have shown the work of such luminaries as Pablo Picasso, Jean Dubuffet, Willem de Kooning, Alexander Calder, Claes Oldenberg, Joan Miró, and Henri Matisse.Richard Gray -- whose gallery opened in 1963 -- is
Page 3 of 5 : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
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Macy's
Chicago
When Macy's took over Marshall Field's -- Chicago's best-known "hometown" department store -- in 2006, there was much local hand-wringing about what the buyout meant for Field's grand State Street headquarters. Although Field's iconic green awnings and shopping bags have been replaced by Macy's more dreary black, the good news is that the store itself remains impressive, a testament to the days when shopping downtown was an eagerly anticipated event rather than a chore. This block-long store is second in size only to Macy's New York City flagship, and its impressive breadth of merchandise and historically significant interior make it a must-see for serious shoppers. A number of exclusive "miniboutiques" are scattered throughout the overwhelming space, including the 28 Shop, which stocks the latest from hot young designers; beauty stations where you can get a manicure and pick up exclusive products; and a gourmet food department developed by celebrity chef Charlie Trotter. The enormous shoe department is another highlight, with everything from killer high heels (at killer prices) and boots to sneakers and casual sandals. If you're interested in the history of the store itself, you can download an audio tour from the website www.visitmacyschicago.com before your trip (you can also print out discount coupons to use while you're here). The Water Tower store, 835 N. Michigan Ave. (tel. 312/335-7700), is a scaled-down but respectable version of the State Street store. Its eight floors are actually much more manageable than the enormous flagship, and its merchandise selection is still vast (although this branch tends to focus on the more expensive brands).When Macy's took over Marshall Field's -- Chicago's best-known "hometown"
Madison & Friends
Chicago
Clothing for kids that's both cute and wearable is the specialty here, from baby-size leather bomber jackets to yoga pants for toddlers. A separate back room caters to older kids and tweens -- including a staggering array of jeans.Clothing for kids that's both cute and wearable is the
Margie's Candies
Chicago
This family-run candy and ice-cream shop hasn't changed much since it opened in 1921. It still offers some of the city's finest handmade fudge, whether it comes in a box or melted over a banana split served in a clamshell dish. The store is known for its turtles -- chocolate-covered pecan and caramel clusters -- and might be the only place in the city still selling rock candy on wooden sticks.This family-run candy and ice-cream shop hasn't changed much since
Marx-Saunders Gallery
Chicago
Chicago is home to two world-class galleries dealing in contemporary glass-art sculpture, conveniently located within steps of one another along Superior Street in River North. Marx-Saunders Gallery houses the city's largest showcase of glass art and features world-famous artists, past and present (William Morris, Mark Fowler, Therman Statom, and Hiroshi Yamano), as well as newcomers. Also worth a look for art-glass lovers is the nearby Habatat Galleries Chicago, 222 W. Superior St. (tel. 312/440-0288).Chicago is home to two world-class galleries dealing in contemporary
Maya Polsky Gallery
Chicago
Gallery owner Maya Polsky deals in international contemporary art and also represents some leading local artists, but she's best known for showcasing the contemporary and postrevolutionary art of Russia, including the work of such masters as Natalya Nesterova and Sergei Sherstiuk.Gallery owner Maya Polsky deals in international contemporary art and
McShane's Exchange
Chicago
This consignment shop has a selection that's a few steps above the standard thrift store, and for designer bargains, it can't be beat. The store expands back through a series of cramped rooms, with clothes organized by color, making it easy to scope out the perfect black dress. The longer a piece stays in stock, the lower the price drops -- and I've done plenty of double takes at the price tags here: Calvin Klein coats, Prada sweaters, and Armani jackets all going for well under $100. If that's not tempting enough, you'll also find barely used shoes and purses. McShane's has another location with a similar selection at 1141 W. Webster St. (tel. 773/525-0211).This consignment shop has a selection that's a few steps
Modern Times
Chicago
This shop specializes in the major designers of home furnishings from the 1930s to the 1960s -- the sort of pieces that style-conscious shoppers buy to furnish their newly gentrified lofts. You'll also find lighting fixtures of all types and some jewelry. Note: The store is open only Friday through Sunday; weekdays by appointment only.This shop specializes in the major designers of home furnishings
Mon Ami Coiffeur
Chicago
Sure, you can get a haircut at this popular Gold Coast salon, but Mon Ami also has some of the very best colorists in town. Resident makeup artist Diane Ayala is known for her magic touch with eyebrow shaping (as well as her custom cosmetics line).Sure, you can get a haircut at this popular Gold
Neiman Marcus
Chicago
Yes, you'll pay top dollar for designer names here -- the store does, after all, need to live up to its Needless Mark-up moniker -- but Neiman's has a broader price range than many of its critics care to admit. It also has some mighty good sales. The four-story store, a beautiful environment in its own right, sells cosmetics, shoes, furs, fine and fashion jewelry, and clothing. The top floor has a fun gourmet food department as well as a pretty home-accessories area. Neiman's has two restaurants: one relaxed, the other a little more formal.Yes, you'll pay top dollar for designer names here --
New Sound Gospel
Chicago
Chicago is the birthplace of gospel music, and now, thanks to artists such as Kirk Franklin, it's also become big business. All the major labels have gospel music divisions, and this store on the city's far South Side is the best place in town to browse the full range of what's available. Not sure where to start? Ask the store's expert staff for advice -- here, you'll find everything from gospel's greatest to groups with names such as Gospel Gangstaz.Chicago is the birthplace of gospel music, and now, thanks
Niketown
Chicago
When Niketown first opened, it was truly something new: a store that felt more like a funky sports museum than a place hawking running shoes. These days, however, Niketown is no longer unique to Chicago (it's sprung up in cities from Atlanta to Honolulu), and the store's celebration of athletes can't cover up the fact that the ultimate goal is to sell expensive shoes. But the crowds keep streaming in to snatch up products pitched by Niketown's patron saints Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods.When Niketown first opened, it was truly something new: a
Nordstrom
Chicago
Nordstrom's spacious, airy design and trendy touches (wheatgrass growing by the escalators, funky music playing on the stereo system) gives it the feel of an upscale boutique rather than an overcrowded department store. The company's famed shoe department is large but not overwhelming; more impressive is the cosmetics department, where you'll find a wide array of smaller labels and an "open sell" environment (meaning you're encouraged to try on makeup without a salesperson hovering over you). In keeping with the store's famed focus on service, a concierge can check your coat, call a cab, or make restaurant reservations for you.Nordstrom's spacious, airy design and trendy touches (wheatgrass growing by
Orange Skin
Chicago
It may look like an ultracool loft catering only to trendier-than-thou style experts, but don't be intimidated: Orange Skin is one of my favorite places to check out what's new in the world of modern interior design (and the staff is more welcoming than you might expect). From colored clear-plastic dining chairs to bowls made of welded steel wires, browsing here is a good way to gauge what's cool in the world of design. Visit the shop's lower level for smaller tabletop items that make good, one-of-a-kind gifts.It may look like an ultracool loft catering only to
P.O.S.H.
Chicago
Love pieces with a past but can't afford fine antiques? This fun shop sells discontinued china patterns from a more elegant time gone by; recent selections included dishes used for first-class service on American Airlines and a tea service once used in an English country inn. If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind souvenir, they also produce a line of Chicago skyline dinnerware.Love pieces with a past but can't afford fine antiques?
p45
Chicago
You'll find a number of cool boutiques aimed at the younger crowd clustered along Damen Avenue in Bucktown, but this is the most cutting-edge, with a vibe that's funky rather than girly. A gold mine of urbane women's fashion, the spare space is filled with a unique mix of hip national labels (3.1 Philip Lim, Michelle Mason, Susana Monaco) and local designers you've never heard of. If you're looking for something no one else at home will be wearing, this is the place to shop.You'll find a number of cool boutiques aimed at the
Paper Boy
Chicago
Located just off Southport Avenue in the Wrigleyville neighborhood, Paper Boy has one of the most offbeat and artsy selections of greeting cards in the city, as well as other novelty and gift items.Located just off Southport Avenue in the Wrigleyville neighborhood, Paper
Paper Source
Chicago
The acknowledged leader of stationery stores in Chicago, Paper Source is now expanding throughout the country (with locations from Boston to Beverly Hills). The store's claim to fame is its collection of handmade paper in a variety of colors and textures. You'll also find one-of-a-kind greeting cards and a large collection of rubber stamps for personalizing your own paper at home. The River North shop is the store's headquarters, but there's also a location in the trendy Armitage shopping district at 919 W. Armitage Ave. (tel. 773/525-7300).The acknowledged leader of stationery stores in Chicago, Paper Source
Powell's Bookstore
Chicago
Used books, especially from scholarly and small Chicago presses, dog-eared paperbacks, and hardcover classics fill the shelves at this book lover's haven. There are also outlets in Lakeview at 2850 N. Lincoln Ave. (tel. 773/248-1444), and Hyde Park at 1501 E. 57th St. (tel. 773/955-7780).Used books, especially from scholarly and small Chicago presses, dog-eared
Prairie Avenue Bookshop
Chicago
This South Loop store does Chicago's architectural tradition proud with the city's finest stock of architecture, design, and technical books.This South Loop store does Chicago's architectural tradition proud with
Psycho Baby
Chicago
The opening of this everything-for-baby shop was the definitive sign that Bucktown had gentrified. The prices may sometimes cause a double take ($60 for shoes that your kid will outgrow in 3 months), but the creative selection and happy vibe make it fun for browsing.The opening of this everything-for-baby shop was the definitive sign
Quake Collectibles
Chicago
Off the beaten tourist path in the Lincoln Square neighborhood (northwest of downtown), this temple to all things kitschy includes an impressive vintage lunch-box collection and ample stacks of old fan magazines a la Teen Beat, with Shaun Cassidy tossing his feathered tresses.Off the beaten tourist path in the Lincoln Square neighborhood
Quimby's
Chicago
The ultimate alternative newsstand, Quimby's stocks every kind of obscure periodical, from cutting-edge comics to 'zines "published" in some teenager's basement. Their book selection is also decadently different from your local Barnes & Noble; categories include "Conspiracy," "Politics & Revolution," and "Lowbrow Art."The ultimate alternative newsstand, Quimby's stocks every kind of obscure
Reckless Records
Chicago
The best all-round local record store for music that the cool kids listen to, Reckless Records wins brownie points for its friendly and helpful staff. You'll find new and used CDs and albums in a variety of genres (psychedelic and progressive rock, punk, soul, and jazz) here, along with magazines and a small collection of DVDs. There are also locations in Lincoln Park at 3157 N. Broadway (tel. 773/404-5080), and Wicker Park at 1532 N. Milwaukee Ave. (tel. 773/235-3727).The best all-round local record store for music that the
Rhona Hoffman Gallery
Chicago
The New York-born Rhona Hoffman maintains a high profile on the international contemporary-art scene. She launched her gallery in 1983 and, from the start, sought national and international artists, typically young and cutting-edge artists who weren't represented elsewhere in Chicago. Today she is the purveyor of such blue-chip players as Sol LeWitt as well as younger up-and-comers such as Dawoud Bey.The New York-born Rhona Hoffman maintains a high profile on
Richard Gray Gallery
Chicago
Richard Gray -- whose gallery opened in 1963 -- is widely considered the dean of art dealers in Chicago. (He's served as president of the Art Dealers Association of America and been a longtime board member of the Art Institute of Chicago.) The gallery specializes in paintings, sculpture, and drawings by leading artists from the major movements in 20th-century American and European art (he also has a second location in New York). Gray and his son, Paul, who now runs the Chicago gallery, have shown the work of such luminaries as Pablo Picasso, Jean Dubuffet, Willem de Kooning, Alexander Calder, Claes Oldenberg, Joan Miró, and Henri Matisse.Richard Gray -- whose gallery opened in 1963 -- is
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