Run-of-the-mill clothing makes me queasy. In my constant quest for cool, I spend enormous chunks of time scoping out boutiques that offer all things fresh, new and slightly offbeat.
Here are my favorite spots to shop in our fair city:
– Couture Club, 1971 N. Fremont St., 773-244-0917
For Pucci skirts, Galanos dresses or the Diana Vreeland-esque handbag, look no further than Couture Club, Chicago’s haven for vintage clothing lovers.
– Helen Yi, 1645 N. Damen Ave., 773-252-3838
Helen has a pulse on what’s hip and happening in New York and LA. As soon as you read about the new “it” designer like Derek Lam in Vogue, Helen has scooped it up for her shop.
– Henry Beguilin, 716 N. Wabash Ave., 312-335-1222
I am nuts for these Wild West-meets-the-city shoes, belts, bags and furniture. Nothing here is without a stamp of individuality. My current obsessions are sling-back shoes with leather bows, Sacagawea-style pelt skirts, city-sleek leather cowboy belts and leather stools studded with red beads.
– P.45, 1643 N. Damen Ave., 773-862-4523
I love that the gals of P.45 are huge supporters of Chicago designers. They carry a range of affordable accessories as well as perfect clothes for work and play. And don’t be shy about asking for help. They are delighted to put looks together for you.
– Blake, 2448 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-477-3364
Champions of the cutting edge, owners Dominic Marcheschi and Marilyn Blaszka were the first to bring designers such as Margiela and Dries van Noten to Chicago. Fashionistas that adore all that is dramatic, funky and downright gorgeous flock to Blake to stock up on metallic knit twin sets, high-waisted Balenciaga trousers and Marni duster coats.
– Josephine, 1405 N. Wells St., 312-274-0359
Those with finely honed foot fetishes will delight in the candy-colored slides, jazzy wedges and incomparable party shoes proffered by owners/twin sisters Danielle and Nicole Shockley. Many of the designers offered at Josephine are not available anywhere else in Chicago.
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Edited by Cara DiPasquale (cdipasquale@tribune.com) and Kris Karnopp (kkarnopp@tribune.com)
