Habit, Chicago
If shopping is on your to-do list (which we’re guessing it is), then one neighbourhood you shouldn’t miss out on visiting is Wicker Park. While the shops along Magnificent Mile are also worth your time (and hard-earned cash), we like to think of Wicker Park as Chicago’s hipper, and trendy younger sister. Located in West Town, north of the core, you’ll find cute boutiques, art galleries, trendy restaurants and other hipster hideaways.
Brimming with one-of-a-kind finds is what makes this district so fun and different than the standard brands and labels you come to see on the Magnificent Mile. One of our stops included Akira,which was brimming with cute dresses, skirts and tops, as well as accessories like shoes and purses. We loved the variety and fashion-forward selections here, definitely perfect for finding that must-have item needed for a night out with the girls.
Owned by designer Lindsay Boland, Habit, is another destination for local, unique finds. With a heavy focus on local designers, you’ll discover whimsical and eclectic pieces including jewellery and handbags.
Another Wicker Park favourite of the fashion-forward crowd is p.45, an upscale boutique which features a carefully edited collection of local and international designers, including 3.1 Phillip Lim and Rebecca Taylor.
If you’re a vintage hunter, then you’ll love all of the possibilities for endless finds here. Try Una Mae’s, which carries women’s lines such as Tulle, Paper Denim & Cloth, as well as tons of vintage from sunglasses to sundresses. Silver Moon, is another must-see for vintage lovers. There are pieces ranging as far back as the early 1900s. Not only that but you’ll find vintage wedding gowns and items from Vivienne Westwood too. Aside from clothes they also have accessories like shoes, jewellery and handbags. While the prices aren’t low, the quality is impeccable and well worth the cost.
Label lovers will still be able get their fix with boutiques like Scoop NYC, a New York chain which carries designer lines like Marc Jabobs, Vera Wang and Jimmy Choo. If you’re shopping with the bf, he can browse the men’s selection of jackets, denim and shoes, as the offerings to both are plentiful. Also worth a pop in is Intermix, for more designer digs like Stella McCartney, DVF, Missoni and Hervé Leger.
WHERE TO FIND:
Akira
1849 West North Ave., Chicago IL, 60622; (773) 342-8684
akirachicago.com
Habit
1951 West Division St., Chicago IL, 60622; (773) 342-0093
habitchicago.com
Intermix
1633 North Damen Ave., Chicago IL, 60647; (773) 292-0894
intermixonline.com
P45
1643 North Damen Ave., Chicago IL, 60647; (773) 862-4523
p45.com
Scoop NYC
1702 North Milwaukee Ave., Chicago IL, 60647; (773) 227-9930
scoopnyc.com
Silver Moon
1721 West North Ave., Chicago IL, 60622; (773) 235-5797
silvermoonvintage.com
Una Mae’s
1528 North Milwaukee Ave., Chicago IL, 60622; (773) 276-7002
unamaesclothing.com
