InStyle magazine editor Gretchen Walh reported that Chicago is home to savvy shoppers who "are comfortable in their own skin and dress to please themselves, filtering fashion with an eye for what is unique, personal, or vintage." The Windy City woman is aware and contemporary without being trendy. Fashion and being attractive matters to That Girl.
According to Tricia Tunstall, co-owner of P.45 in the Wicker Park neighborhood, Chicago women pick clothing that works for them. You could find a Chicago women wearing high-waist trousers for chilly nights that dress up well with patent-leather belts, statement jewelry (Jessica Kagman Cushman bangles), and envelope clutches.
There were many sightings of puffer jackets on the streets of Chicago this week, as well as dogs decked out in Ugg boots. Stiletto Jungle has a good post on an array of puffer jackets on the market now. As of this writing, we cannot find anybody who manufactures Ugg boots for dogs, so we are making the assumption that the dogs are sporting baby Uggs. Does anybody have any information on the Duggs (dog Uggs)?
With world famous shopping hot spots and a detour to the best off-the-beaten path shops, whether you were born and raised in this fabulous city or are just visiting for the day, you should be able to find that one-of-a-kind gift and also be charmed by the style of the Chicago woman and the city's holiday ambiance.
Michigan Avenue:
Known as the “Magnificent Mile,” Michigan Avenue is a shopper’s utopia. The mile-long stretch offers four different malls and over 500 shops. View the epitome of luxury at Tiffany’s or Chanel and enjoy high end brands at Bloomingdales. Make sure you stop by the fifth floor of Bloomies to drool over Diane von Furstenberg, Vince, and Theory designs. Every little girl's trip to Chicago isn't complete without a trip to American Girl. You must make your reservation in advance.
State Street :
If your inner Scrooge is getting you down, you can lift your spirits at the former Marshall Field’s Department store. Macy’s now owns the store, but it retains the old-fashioned charm and holiday cheer of Marshall Field's. Recharge your spirit with tea or lunch in the Walnut Room.
According to Bella Sugar, Macy's worked with Philosophy to create the The Frango Mint Diet ($20), a three-in-one shower gel, bath gel, and shampoo. It's modeled after Marshall Field's famous Frango mints, which blend chocolate with a cool mint flavor. For the friend who is still mourning the loss of Marshall Field's, put a little history in their stocking this year.
State Street is also home of Old Navy, Urban Outfitters, and Aldo. Affordable and trendy, these stores will make you a hit with all the teen fashionistas on your list.
Chicago Premium Outlets :
For the bargain fashionista, the Chicago Premium outlets will not only take care of all of your holiday shopping in one fell swoop, but Mr. Hubby might send you a letter of acknowledgement for using your brain and saving buckets of benjamins.
Armitage Street:
For a more laidback stroll, mosey along Armitage Street and browse in one-of-a-kind boutiques, such as Lori’s Shoes. Although the stroll is laidback, the cost is not.
Wicker Park and Bucktown:
WARNING: You must take a girlfriend with you to shop in trendy, little boutiques in Wicker Park. Your BF will stop you from making the mistake of buying a $200 pair of jeans that were way too tight and a no-return policy.
From the "glam to the ghetto fabulous," these Wicker Park and Bucktown boutiques are well-stocked with fashionista finds.The contemporary boutiques of Wicker Park include sneakerhead boutique St. Alfred, unisex clothing and lifestyle equippers Hejfina, designer clothing boutique P45, and high-end stationery purveyors Paperdoll.
If I have missed one of your faves, give me a holler.
Happy Shopping,
Beckie
P.S. Per The Budget Babe, a great lunch spot is the Ralph Lauren store, and Akira Chicago is a great place to shop for shoes and accessories with locations in Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, and State Street with pricepoints for every shopper.
