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Jen's Top Secret Shopping Fav's
Now, it's a rarity that I would share such an intimate secret with so many, but it is my duty to give you the lowdown on a few of the city's best kept secrets. I like shopping all kinds of places, but I really love the original and unique pieces I pick up at vintage and second-hand stores. If you're a spendthrift, you will certainly be able to appreciate these recommendations.
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Worth the Dig – Something Old, Something New, 1056 W. Belmont
I have found many a FAB piece here, but it took one Saturday afternoon. Among those pieces was a brown leather skirt in excellent condition for only $8.00!
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New, Used – My Closet, 3350 N. Paulina
My Closet feels like it belongs in my own house. This is a great place to find designer goods at the right place, including Kenneth Cole, Bsiou Bsiou, Ralph Lauren, BCBG and more. I highly recommend hitting the sales racks at the end of the season when you can find unique pieces for $15 or less. It’s never a miss at this fabulous used, new and previously owned but hardly worn store. My sister still raves over a designer dress she got here for much less than retail.
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Eclectic/Retro – Hollywood Mirror, 812 W. Belmont
Don’t let the window displays scare you off. Inside this retro world are all kinds of fashion finds. If you’re on a budget this is a great place to score an awesome coat for the cold Chicago winter, vintage dresses and bowling shirts.
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Better than used – Cynthia’s Consignment, 2218 N. Clybourn,
-OR-
Time Well, 2780 N. Lincoln
Designer, designer, designer! Consignment stores are very particular about the types of clothes they sell, so you can guarantee it will almost always be designer, in excellent condition and unfortunately slightly more expensive. Look hard and you can find great pieces for much less.
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Quality Vintage – Shangrila, 1952 W. Roscoe
The folks who own Shangrila go to a lot of trouble to find quality vintage clothing. It’s a bit pricier than other places, but still completely affordable. Since it looks like retro is here to stay, this is the best place to pick up a bag, belt, jewelry or a J-Lo-inspired velour jumpsuit.
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For A Cause – The White Elephant, 2380 N. Lincoln
This resale shop has been in business since 1919, and 100% of its proceeds go to Children’s Memorial Hospital. The 12,000-square foot space houses jewelry, clothing, wedding dresses, a variety of furniture, art and much more. Shopping makes a girl feel great. Now, you can tell your significant other “it was for charity!”
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The Best of Boutique Shopping
For those of you, like me, who despise dodging tourists, lines and cabs on
Michigan Avenue
, there are other alternatives for those who love to shop. I encourage you to don your favorite khakis, sandals and Tee and shop to your heart’s desire.
Here’s a small, but diverse list of places to get out to this weekend. Chances are that some of them are right in your neighborhood; places you’ve walked by or never even discovered. In fact, to give the list some real credibility and variety, I tapped the shopping IQ of a couple close friends. The "fashionista" in you will revel in these unique boutiques. Another reason to hit your neighborhood boutiques is it gives you a great excuse to get some exercise while supporting your community businesses.
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Everyday, Every Occasion
You can’t go wrong at these perfect everyday clothing boutiques that offer the most feminine summer dresses, shoes and flair for any occasion. Pieces range from trendy to classic. Without a doubt you will always be stylish. These boutiques move racks by season, so shop now for savings and a preview of next season’s hottest must haves. Even celebs choose to hit boutiques like this to keep from being swarmed. Word is that Julia Roberts shed some wallet-weight at Shop Girl.
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Saffron
2064
N. Damen
Red Head Boutique
3450
N. Southport
Handle With Care
1706 N. Wells
Krista K.
3458
N. Southport
Shop Girl
1206 W. Webster
ISIS
823 W. Armitage
click here for more info
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Art Effect
934 W. Armitage
Tragically Hip
931 W.
Belmont
Freesia
3530
N. Southport
Etre
1361 N. Wells
Jane Hamill
1115 W. Armitage
Marilena’s
705 W. Armitage
*Marilena hand-knits one-of-a-kind sweaters for work or play
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Money Is No Object
For the ladies who are willing to pay any price for designer clothing, I only have one recommendation. It might be hard to see the sign, but you can’t miss the elegance in the window. No, it’s not on Oak or Rush. This store is not for the faint of heart, or pocketbook. These unique and elegant couture items are high-priced fashion. The owner creates the line from hand-made fabrics inspired by her world travels. It may be pricey, but these fine fabrics and traditional designs will make you feel like a million bucks!
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Zone
1154 W. Armitage
click here for more info
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Shoes
Who said diamonds are a girl’s best friend? In reality, we love to love our shoes! Nothing seems to change our personality from serious to flirtatious faster than shoes. Whether it’s your three-inch heeled mules or a comfy pair of slip-ons, we love ‘em!
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Lori’s Designer Shoes
824 W. Armitage
City Soles
2001 W. North Avenue
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Slithers
2549
N. Clark
We Got Sole
2120 N. Halsted
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click here for more info
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