Oak Park is a rarity, a town with a spirit much bigger than the 41/2 square miles it occupies along the border of Chicago’s West Side.
Feeling more like a Chicago neighborhood than a suburb, it is recognized globally for the Prairie-style architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, who said, “Every great architect is–necessarily–a great poet.” Wright’s poetry inspires resident artists, writers and political activists, as well as business owners who sell a dizzying array of eclectic clothing and gift items in three shopping districts.
From the city, take the CTA Green Line to Harlem Avenue and you’ll be in downtown Oak Park. It has its share of retail giants, such as the Gap and Borders Books & Music, but it also has many family-friendly shops on the Marion Street mall.
Pumpkin Moon (1028 North Blvd.) isn’t one of them. The nostalgic toy and gag-gift store is for grownups, though you spot a few children there from time to time.
“Much of what we sell is like when I was a kid, but this is definitely not a kids’ store,” says Gail Eisner, who opened the shop nine years ago with husband John. “It’s got an edge to it.”
For example, bubble-gum cigarettes that allow you to blow a few puffs of fake smoke were fine when we were kids but might get a few glares nowadays.
If you’re still feeling playful or just need to reduce some stress, Kite Harbor (109 N. Marion St.) sells a wide selection of colorful kites for kids of all ages.
Ride the “L” to the next stop or walk a half mile east to “The Avenue” shops along Oak Park Avenue and Lake Street.
There you’ll find Ananas (109 N. Oak Park Ave.), which sells “eclectic and novelty clothing that appeals to a woman’s individual taste and style,” says store manager Nora Terese Bren-nan. The store stocks playful clothing lines including Free People and French Connection.
A personal favorite is the “I will always put friends first” tank top ($20). You also can find jewelry, shoes, incense and essential oils. Shopping in this lush and fragrant boutique with its whimsical art-painted walls, quaint dressing rooms and cozy seating makes you feel pampered.
If you want to don your own knitted or crocheted creations, visit Tangled Web (177 S. Oak Park Ave.) and check out its colorful yarns in different textures. Classes are available for those who don’t know how to knit or crochet. Don’t want to learn? Then browse the handmade shawls, sweaters, purses and hats available for purchase.
Head south to the Harrison Street Art District, which is a little off the path but worth the trip. Located between Austin Boulevard and Elmwood Avenue, the area is home to many women-owned galleries and shops.
Afkara (140 W. Harrison St.) owner Afkara Mason has been selling sexy shoes for five years. “My customer is a little more funky,” she says. Though she is good at spotting the latest trends, Mason says pumps and stilettos are always in style. “They’re sexy and fun, and you can dress them up or down.” Shoe prices range from $39 to $250. While her store’s motto is, “It all starts with the shoes,” it doesn’t end there. She also sells her own line of makeup, shoe-themed T-shirts, jewelry and accessories.
Create your own jewelry at Bead in Hand (145 W. Harrison St.). Doris Wein-baum, who opened the store 11 years ago, says, “What I love about beading is the therapy of doing it, and then you’ve produced something beautiful you can wear.” Jewelry is on display mostly to provide inspiration for clients, but some pieces are available for sale.
Art Gecko (19 W. Harrison St.) features art, jewelry, purses and other trinkets made from vintage, recycled and found objects. Owner and artist Lisa Nordstrom’s specialty is her three-dimensional assemblages. Each has its own theme like “Not Hot Flashes” and sells for about $150. Her worry and wish boxes also make great gifts. Prices range from $24 to $85. You write your worries or wishes on pieces of paper and put them away in the appropriate box. Your wishes begin to germinate and your worries disappear. Wish boxes are larger than the worry boxes, “because no one should have that many worries.”
———-
E-mail ctc-woman@tribune.com.
