The shopping season has officially reared its head, and there are really only three ways to survive the mad pre-holiday dash: Skip the malls, strategize and drink plenty of alcohol. While we can’t map out a game plan for you, we can tell you about our favorite local shops and nearby bars where you can avoid the mobs. So go ahead, drink a few after you charge it.
Black is back
We stalk the new arrivals at Noir on a weekly basis. Seriously, we’re waiting for them to slap a restraining order on us soon. This clothing shop offers the perfect mix of cheap and trendy that makes us drool. Unlike H&M, the clothes here won’t make you look like an attack of the clones, so feel free to try on the funky fake fur bags ($49) or rocking T-shirts featuring David Bowie, among others ($25-$39). We also dig that Noir’s men’s shop is a few doors down, so you don’t have to go far to buy something for everyone. Noir women’s: 1726 W. Division St. 773-489-1957; Noir men’s: 1740 W. Division St. 773-276-9960.
Where to warm up: After you’ve snagged a few chunky accessories, cross the street to Gold Star for cheap beer, pool and popcorn. You’ll spend mere pennies on brew ($2-$4), meaning more presents for you. 1755 W. Division St. 773-227-8700.
Make the yuletide gay
Chicago retail institution Sears may be merging with bitter rival Kmart, but at least we still have Gay Mart to call our own. Sure, this collectibles store has every campy, kitschy Christmas ornament you can imagine–from SpongeBob SquarePants to Simpsons characters (and you can bet plenty Wizard of Oz)–but what you really need is something to hang them on. What’s better than a 6-foot-tall rainbow tinsel tree ($85)? Or maybe you’d prefer a rainbow tinsel wreath ($25). 3457 N. Halsted St. 773-929-4272.
Where to warm up: Hydrate, across the street, has decked out the interior as Candyland for the season, so stop in and sip a Candy Cane martini ($8). 3458 N. Halsted St. 773-975-9244.
Size is everything
We’re of the mind that you tend to discover better finds in a small boutique because you can focus on a few small items at a time, rather than get overwhelmed with a wealth of options. Case in point: Hanger 18 in Roscoe Village. This tiny store is about the size of an average dorm room, but it’s big on bags, jewelry, scarves, hats and women’s clothing. A black, buckle-bedecked, punk-rock purse is only $45, and an orange silk skirt with flower embroidery on the front and back by local label Eclectica is $220. Our favorite find: fluorescent pink and green cashmere half-gloves for $44, the perfect gift for that friend who favors Pat Benatar’s look in the “Love is a Battlefield” video. 2040 W. Roscoe St. 773-529-3349.
Where to warm up: Just a few doors down and across the street, Village Tap has 26 beers on draft. When it comes to brew, having a lot of options is a good thing. 2055 W. Roscoe St. 773-883-0817.
Home sweet home
Sometimes you just want to buy a giant faux swordfish to hang in your living room. But where on earth can you get one? Try Andersonville’s hottest new shop, Scout. Vintage furniture, unique housewares, great local art and loads of odd bits give anyone’s pad that little something extra. How about an instructional poster on the human body ($85)? Or black and white framed photos ($85-$110)? Or just squares with the letter “A” ($450 for six)? Oh, so much to choose from! 5221 N. Clark St. 773-275-5700.
Where to warm up: When you’ve finished looking through every nook and cranny, hop across the street to Simon’s for some mulled wine ($3) and cheap beer ($2.50-$4.50). 5210 N. Clark St. 773-878-0894.
Southern charm
Beverly had been without a chic boutique until women’s clothing store Ms. Priss moved into the ‘hood last year. Choose from flirty skirts, darling dresses, sparkly jewelry or a handbag with attitude from designers like BCBG and Nanette Lepore. Spice up your holiday ensemble with a multicolored, sleeveless ruffled top by Poleci–a hefty $176, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a copycat in the crowd. Or dangle crystals and pearls from your lobes with a pair of Amy Whealan tassle earrings ($60). 9915 S. Walden Pkwy. 773-233-7747.
Where to warm up: When you tire of trying on all the trendy duds, refuel at Cork and Kerry–a traditional pub with plenty of woodwork and Emerald Isle memorabilia. Warm up with–what else–an Irish coffee ($3.50) or sip on a Candy Cane, hot cocoa spiked with peppermint schnapps ($3.50). 10614 S. Western Ave. 773-445-2675.
Chinatown surprise
Who couldn’t use an 8-inch-tall ceramic figurine of Bruce Lee ($22.99)? Or a knife that’s concealed in an innocent-looking lipstick container ($19.99/buy one, get one free)? Or embroidered Chinese slippers ($3.50)? Find these items and so much more at C.W. Mei’s Gift Shop on Chinatown’s main drag. Our favorite: The mystery boxes. Shell out $2-$5 for a wrapped gift and get a surprise. For $2.50, we got a soup spoon and a 1-inch-tall golden Buddha. 2219 S. Wentworth Ave. 312-225-7608.
Where to warm up: Head next door and up the steep flight of stairs to Won Kow, the ‘hood’s oldest restaurant (established 1927). There’s a big dining room, but we prefer to belly up to the bar and order one of the potent tiki drinks–try the Scorpion, a mix of three kinds of rum and fruit juices ($8). 2237 S. Wentworth Ave. 312-842-7500.
