She moved!
Ikram has built the most beautiful store in the city and it is a fantastic lacquer red.
It used to be that simply walking by the window would get us inspired; now it’s more like being on the same block.
Who else in Chicago gets stockist detail in Vogue? I didn’t think so.
Ikram is the highest of high-end fashion destinations in Chicago, outmerchandising everyone in town.
Don’t miss the cafe upstairs for a perfect pick-me-up.
Gold Coast: 15 E Huron / 312.587.1000
UPDATE: Dose Market Dates for 2011 include June 5, July 10, August 14, September 25, October 16, November 6 and December 4.
We’ve been uber busy this Spring styling with tons of fresh SS11 designs – HELLO! hopelessly addicted to Isabel Marant – lots of wardrobing with lovely clients both old and new and the absolute labor of love that is – bah ba da bah – Dose Market!
Wait, you haven’t already heard? We’ve been covered by Time Out, DailyCandy, refinery29, Chicago Mag, NBC, and tons of other great pubs. Here’s what’s going down this Sunday at the DEBUT of this new, once-a-month high/low luxury lifestyle market:
The Dosettes are bringing together the best of the best for your shopping, slurping & socializing pleasure at Dose Market, with the first Market kicking off this Sunday, June 5 at the River East Art Center, 435 E. Illinois St., from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Once inside, get Dosed with:
- X-Marx’s boiled dumplings, cold Sichuan noodles, Macao rice crisps and a special Sichuan-spiced version of their addictive Mama’s Nuts nut brittle
- The debut of C/FAN accessories in her blue Caddo Lake-printed chiffon
- The launch of Salted Caramel’s new line of frozen sweets, including Thai mango-curry-yogurt pops, chocolate-molé pudding pops and more
- Suitor’s launch of color-popped stationery, unprecedented in the line’s strictly black-and-white history
- The premier of Jo Snow’s snow cones and Jo Snow lattes with Crop to Cup coffee
- The launch of Truffle Truffle’s new I Heart Chicago collection, a collaboration with chocolatier Nicole Greene, Metropolis coffee, The Spice House & Half Acre
- Special selections from Sofia vintage + Artfully Disheveled + Apartment No 9 for the dapper gentlemen
- The launch of Shades of Grey’s vintage chain-adorned vintage purses
- Lisa Spagnolo‘s perfect striped Market Tote (enter to win!)… and much, much more from 37 of the city’s finest vendors.
Eat well, shop cool, be happy. Buy discounted tickets online or for $10 at the door! And get 2 hour parking in the underground Parkview Garage (entry on Illinois) for $6 with a Dose Market validation (ask at check in!)
See you there, THC-ers!
X – April
The Dosettes from L-R: Heather Sperling, Jessica Herman, Emily Fiffer, April Francis.
Photo by Nathan Michael.
Fuck, We’re Lost in Wonderland
Things can’t be great all the time, right? When they are, do you get distracted by ‘other’ shiny objects?
We do. Here’s what we’re listening to now.
Get it on: 
Preview: we particularly like the sound of this, Easy Peasy by Ponytail.
Where do we begin with Lori’s? We have a special relationship – we at THC have gotten to know Lori and her team via modeling and guestblogging for her site – and love this spot (all her spots) because they afford the instant pleasure of coming away with something seriously fantastic and righteously affordable.
From the essential basics – loads of neutral flats, pumps and boots – to the trends du jour a la explosive colors, brilliant sparkles and eye-popping platforms (Lori is not shy about serving trendhunters), Lori’s has something for everyone at every age and every instance. It’s a fun stop on your seasonal shopping tour.
But, really, the best thing about this homegrown Chicago empire is that it’s built with love. Respect.
Lincoln Park: 824 W Armitage / 773.281.5655
Northfield: 311 Happ Road / 847.446.3818
Highland Park: 585 Central Avenue / 847.681.1532
Those Tributes Sure Look Good On You
Basically, we pressed this because it’s where we’re at … and a lot of people were bugging us for a new edition.
A little salty, Them Shoes by Patrick Sweany is a happy edition. It seems like shoes can make or break you. Thank God for all my friends, human AND shoe.
Download from or get a disc from me … and enjoy.
Go Go Egalitarian or It’s Not Just Us
Cat Stevens’ Hard Headed Woman didn’t make it, but it’s with us in spirit. And Cee Lo’s F**k You is great but summer is over. We also tried to serve up the RAC remix of Edward Sharpe’s Home, but it’s no longer on iTunes.
That said, here’s what’s up with the latest THCIYH: We had quite the raucous summer, lots of change and lots of being transient (we had to evacuate the old Haute Closet.)
If that doesn’t sound glamorous it’s because it’s not. We are a nesting kind of person and not having a permanent office/closet from which to work has really put the damper on our productivity level on the blog (although we did launch the shiny new site you are on right now last month.)
And we’ve been busy this Fall with photoshoots (so many!) and Haute Closets, hooking up new clients and old with the pieces they need to have this Fall. That, and Lakeshore drives rocking the tunes are what have kept us sane, although our business partner chastises us for driving too much, saying it’s bad for the environment.
Viva la Prius! And those lovely egalitarian feminists from days of old. They have been our heroines lately because, frankly, we like working as a woman and not like we’re trying to be a man. But in the end, we realize and respect that … to each his own.
We invite you to download this disc and enjoy! Click the list or this:
Where to shop in this city if you’re a style conscious dude?
You might have a spot or two, but Apartment No. 9 is where it’s at.
Even if we made no mention of the ridiculously delicious mens lines they carry (for men, this boutique is on par with the best women’s boutiques in Chicago’s Gold Coast) you’re going to fall in LOVE with the staff! Run by the fantastic Sarah Blessing and a host of fabulous females, these ladies know what’s going to make you look good.
Offering a full line of clothing, outerwear and all of the accessories a dude needs, go here every season and stack up on your essential pieces. And stop here if you’ve got a need for something new. And let your girlfriend know that this is where she should shop for you.
Bucktown: 1804 N Damen / 773.395.2999
In an austere white space next to Alan Koppel Gallery don’t expect a comfortable shopping experience unless you’ve got loads of cash.
With nothing in the window to give any hint as to the treasures inside, Blake offers a highly satisfying experience for the, shall we say, connoisseur. Dries van Noten and Balenciaga do not come cheap.
Selling full looks from the world’s best designers, be prepared to fall in love. Just don’t go into debt.
River North: 212 W Chicago Ave / 312.202.0047
Image via: Chicago Mag
If you live in Chicago and have any modicum of style Barneys is a staple.
Don’t think you’re above it (or even below). Barneys – led courageously by the outrageous Simon Doonan – never loses sight of its sense of humor.
Seasonal sales are really good. And if your heart is set on something not stocked in the Chicago store the pros here can usually track it down for you.
Barneys is my resource for The Row, Rag & Bone, Alaia, and Miu Miu.
Nota Bene: Lee Goldenstein on the third floor is extraordinary.
Rush & Oak: 25 E Oak St / 312.587.1700
SHE stocks, hands down, the best, most accessible collection of fun party clothes, pretty lady finds and everyday basics at their brick and mortar in Highland Park.
It’s definitely worth the hike because you’re sure to find something if you’re anywhere between 18-38 and searching for a rocking party look.
Owner Nicolette Prpa pulls out all the stops when buying, grabbing exclusives on the best of the best from today’s chicest designers and, now, has not one but two of her very own clothing lines, slammin’ N PRPA (designed with Samantha Sleeper, a McQueen alum) and Saturday Night Sunday Morning (a more relaxed line also designed with Ms. Sleeper).
Not to mention a line of breakthrough skin care products.
Warning: not everything makes it to the website. Read: SHE has a pack of ravenous fans that come in and buy out of the box. So make good friends with your SA. Or check in very often.
Highland Park: 483 Central / 847.926.0150
shopsheboutique.com
Fun Fact: Rosie is responsible for the most perfect pair of camouflage fatigues we’ve ever owned. They were from Abercrombie & Fitch and not only made of the perfect camo canvas, they came with the sweetest silk belt that turned the look from tomboy to front-line fashionista.
Today, Roslyn has the hip factor down to a T, stocking great basics by Elizabeth & James and Steven Alan, super chic lines like Electric Feathers, and some of the best accessories we’ve seen in the city that aren’t just run of the mill: funky belts that can be worn as necklaces and uber-embellished booties by Luxury Jones.
Now teamed up with Elise Bergman, a Chicago designer selling her convertible pieces and vintage finds in the store, the shop is a hub for young, forward-thinking activity.
Wicker Park: 2035 N Damen / 773.489.1311
On the off chance you’ve never been, Intermix is a fashion megalomaniac (in the best way), so, you know, you’re aware.
What that means for you: bigger, better, more fantastic than any of their rivals, with more buying power and a lot of sway in the fashion industry. It’s amazing to think this mega-chain had only one buyer for so many years …
Intermix is a great resource for perfectly hot dresses, the latest jeans and basic tees, shoes, and serious party looks. Carrying the new and the tried and true, their boutiques pretty much cover all the bases, from Miami to Chicago, New York to Los Angeles.
It’s hard to leave without one of their great bags swinging from your shoulder.
Gold Coast: 40 E Delaware / 312.640.2922
Bucktown: 1633 N Damen / 773.292.0894
Lincoln Park: 841 W Armitage / 773.404.8766
intermix.com
There’s nothing else like it in Chicago.
Robin Richman stocks fantastically organic, luxurious clothing and accessories in her Bucktown store, just about everything you need to put an outfit together in a neutral, natural palette of color and non-color.
Everything she’s got is great: the socks, undies, dresses, hats, and shoes (the Shoes!) especially speak to me. Robin says her store is her self-expression and delivers on a promise that her merchandise is driven by aesthetics and quality and never by trend.
I say: Thank you Robin for selling clothing for the intelligent, beautiful, and well put-together woman.
Bucktown: 2108 N Damen Ave / 773.278.6150
Stop in, grab some attitude, and go.
Bonnie & Clyde’s is a great spot to pick up the good stuff (now mainly for the gents, but definitely with some great unisex).
Here, you’ll pick up things you’ll wear on the daily, things that don’t reek of the mall, pieces you’ll love and cherish for a long time.
The staff here is a ton of fun and the shop is on a great stretch of Division. Big marks go to the buyers for believing in their merchandise – their attitude is infectious. Get some!
Wicker Park: 1751 W Division / 773.235.2680
The leader in hipster chic. Penelope’s is equal opportunity for men and women, with lots of little delights in between, i.e. stuff for kiddies, precious little papers, undies and belts and canteens and gifts!
Stocking higher-end pieces from A.P.C. and essential cottons from Petit Bateau, they fill in the racks for him and her with lots of Cheap Monday, cool coats from Sessun, plenty of bags and lots of rocking goods from little-known designers that do great things in a big way.
We have to admit that we weren’t really into this shop until just recently but we’ve picked up more pieces here in the past month than any other shops combined. Go here for great, affordable things that will have you standing out from the crowd.
And, as always, major props to stores that do well by both genders. I mean, who can’t appreciate stealing their boyfriends’ sweaters and shirts? Not to promote insincerity, but a great place to buy your boy a gift!
Wicker Park: 1913 west division street / 773.395.2351
Helen Yi is brilliant (her racks are filled with gems), beautiful (stunning and always well-dressed), and bold (she’s running a high fashion, independent boutique in Chicago).
Carrying beloved labels and those you won’t find elsewhere (Manish Arora? Yes.), the whole shop feels like a well-edited closet. And you’d be quite happy to make it yours when you discover her cache of drapey t-shirts, exclusive-to-her jewelry, and essential, beautiful coats to keep warm during Chicago’s notorious winters.
She just moved up the street and is generating a lot of new energy – stop in for Halston Heritage, Barbara Bui and loads of new attitude.
Bucktown: 1725 N. Damen / 773.252.3838
Hello, jackpot. SARCA is for the woman who loves fashion, isn’t afraid to wear color or splash out on the season’s must haves.
Totally of the moment, the siren song of the store is super high heels with pulled together, uptown going downtown looks.
Texture, volume, color and structure characterize the buy. Well-edited, you’ll leave with something you’ll love and wear a lot – but it isn’t going to be basic. From t-shirts to bikinis, fur coats to formal wear, the store is dripping in the stuff to attach your confidence.
Gold Coast: 1710 N Wabash / 312.255.0900
Gavin is a great little addition to Central Street in Evanston, just a short jaunt away up LSD.
Serving a clientele that trends a little fun, you’ll find casual and party-going pieces while easy jackets, not-so-basic t-shirts and simple dresses take up most of the rack space.
Owned by a woman who absolutely adores fashion, the boutique shines when you check out the accessories selection. Here you can really score, scooping up great, can’t-break-the-bank pieces that can easily translate into a personal signature.
And because chalk is just around the corner, you should be up this way often.
Evanston: 1710 N Wabash / 312.255.0900
Deliciously Vintage has got it down. Basically, the duo who own the place (which has some serious pedigree, it used to house our absolute fave vintage collection, The Garment Room) are uber-fabulous: Law and Siobhan don’t mess around.
Stocking designer-designer and drop-dead-ridiculous vintage, it’s well worth the trip down to Pilsen to paw through the racks, kick back with a cocktail or play dress up. These two have opinions about fashion and they know how to put it together: the real deal. Thus, we love.
Pilsen: 1747 S. Halsted / 312.733.0407
Billing themselves “The Ultimate Closet,” of course we’ve got love for SCOOP NYC.
Always a great stop if you’re in the mood to shop, dudes and chicks have an equal opportunity to find something fly. With a big parking lot and lots of friendly, but unobtrusive staff, you can step inside this extra-large space and easily throw a whole outfit together.
For men, they’ve got great printed tees, fresh jeans and super-soft Inhabit sweaters. For women, SCOOP collabs with Alice + Olivia are rather fruitful and the ladies racks are filled with Alex Wang’s awesome basics: everything from a $40 t-shirt to a $1400 designer dress.
Plus, the sale rack rocks. And this is one of only a few places in town where you can pick up fantastic Eberjey undies.
The SCOOP chain has undergone some changes as of late and the store in Chicago is definitely making an effort to be a bigger part of Chicago’s fashion community – definitely a great thing.
Wicker Park: 1702 North Milwaukee, 773.227.9930
