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State Street A slew of chain stores line this legendary street , but it’s the two old-time department stores that make it unique. The former Marshall Field’s, now Macy’s,
here since 1907, has merchandise to satisfy every wealthy woman’s
needs. At Filene’s Basement the prices are lower, but the variety is
still extensive .
State Street Store
Magnificent Mile Some
450 stores make this stretch of North Michigan Avenue one of the
world’s retail meccas. Besides sophisticated designer boutiques, there
are malls (each with high-end department stores); and big-name chain and
flagship stores . Oak Street If
you have to ask how much it costs, you should probably plan on just
window-shopping along this stretch of Chicago’s upper-crust Gold Coast.
Boutiques here sell designer wear, accessories, and shoes fit for a
Paris runway – and include some shops exclusive to Chicago such as
Tessuti (menswear) and Designs by Ming (custom clothing design). BordersJeweler’s Row This
small strip in the Loop boasts a large number of jewelers that sell
everything from discount diamonds to top-of-the-range gems. The Jeweler’s Center at the beautiful 1912 Mallers Building
packs about 50 wholesale and retail jewelers and appraisers into 13 floors. Bucktown Neighborhood Once
a hot-spot for starving artists, Bucktown and adjacent Wicker Park are
now gentrified locales brimming with vintage clothes stores, edgy music
shops, high-style designer boutiques, and antiques importers. BordersBroadway Antique Market An
old-time movie palace marquee indicates the 1939 building that houses
this market. With 85 dealers stocking artwork, jewelry, clothing, and
more in styles such as Arts and Crafts, Art Deco, and Victorian, you’re
sure to find something that pleases. Prairie Avenue Bookshop It’s
fitting that a city known for its architecture has one of the best
architectural bookstores in the world. Besides carrying a range of
17,000 new and 7,000 out-of-print titles, the store is also appointed
with furniture designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies van der Rohe, and Le
Corbusier .
Prairie Avenue Bookshop
Chicago Architecture Foundation Shop Located in the historic Santa Fe Center,
this shop is part of the CAF’s ArchiCenter, which also puts on
exhibitions and runs city tours. Browse the shop for architecture and
design-related books; art-glass panels and lamps in Frank Lloyd Wright
designs; desk gadgets; and desirable kitchen gizmos. 224 S. Michigan Ave. Open 9:30am–6pm daily DA
Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store This
store’s lovingly restored 1913 Moorish-style building is an attraction
in its own right. Inside there’s a sleek, four-level atrium with home
decor departments that sell everything from high-thread-count bedding to
chic cookware and top-quality furniture. 600 N. Wabash Ave. Opening times vary DA
Bloomingdale’s Home Store
Armitage Avenue This tree-lined street in Lincoln Park
is a favorite for those who are seeking out-of-the-ordinary clothing,
home decor, bath and body products – and don’t mind spending more to get
it. Have patience finding a parking spot on weekends; once you’re in,
just shop-hop from one adorable boutique to the next.
Endo Exo, Armitage Avenue
Top 10 Souvenirs
Frango Mints Marshall Field’s/Macy’s doesn’t make these meltaway mint chocolates anymore, but still sells them by the box-full. Blues & Jazz CDs CDs by Chicago music legends are on sale at the Water Tower Visitor Information Centers. Cows on Parade Mini versions of the highly decorated cows from 1999s “Cows on Parade” display are sold at the ArchiCenter store. Art poster See the real thing, then buy a copy at the extensive Art Institute gift shop. Michael Jordan Jersey No longer a Bull, but he’s still a star. Buy Jordan’s merchandise at United Center’s Fandemonium store. Cubs baseball cap Head to the Tribune Tower gift shop for caps of the Major League team owned by the Chicago Tribune. Art glass Get a little Prairie style with a replica Frank Lloyd Wright art-glass panel from the Chicago Architecture Foundation store. Chicago mugs The Chicago Historical Society sells mugs depicting the faces of famous local residents like Al Capone. Sue skeleton Sue, the world’s largest T. rex skeleton is far less menacing in mini model form from the Field Museum. Chicago snowglobe Recall Chicago winters with a city skyline snowglobe from Accent Chicago in the Water Tower Place mall.
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