essentials

Lori’s

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 must-stop on your seasonal shopping tour.

Stocking endless amounts of Sam Edelman and Jeffrey Campbell, luscious Italian leather classics, walls of socks, leggings and bags and looks-like-a-million-but-doesn’t-cost-a-fraction costume baubles, the store is a veritable one-stop for awesome accessories. And never one to stop, Lori is getting into the garment game, adding absolutely adorable pieces to her burgeoning rolling racks.

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

lorisshoes.com

Wolford

Wolford
^{SEE: Sexiness}

The sexiest hosiery on Oak St. The best wardrobe basics. Everything uber-feminine.

Wolford is a must go when you’ve got a hot date or a major event requiring some great legs or a sleek torso.

The prices may seem a bit high but you can walk for miles in your Wolfords if you treat them nicely.

Worth it.

Gold Coast:     54 E Oak St / 312.642.8787

wolford.com

RSVP Gallery

^{SEE: It All}

In a rather dope space, RSVP Gallery is an independent shop preciously hipper than thou. If something’s happening in Chicago, you can be sure this crew knows about it. And if it’s really great, someone affiliated with RSVP probably started it.

Bringing in and blowing out of limited edition everythings that are so of the minute that they ship globally to a contingent of dedicated minions, RSVP really has found themselves a nice, comfy spot in the niche of worshiping the genuinely, artfully, special. Definitely a gallery, edited with lots of white space, RSVP stocks what we might call the urban haute. An essential shop for smile-out-of-the-box gifts and need-to must-get have-to-have-it gear.

We can hang with a LEGO stogie brooch or neon CHANEL sign any day.

Wicker Park:     1753 N Damen / 773.770.6666

rsvpgallery.com

How to Hang

No More Wire Hangers!
How to Kindly Keep Your Clothing

If I’ve been in your closet you know that there’s only one instance in which I’ll let a wire hanger fly – when it’s holding up a carefully dry-cleaned, button-down, collared shirt.

Otherwise, no.

When you invest good money in your clothing, it pays to take good care of those investments. They’ll last a lot longer if they’re treated with love and love, good friends, doesn’t know any wire hangers.

Below are the best hanger solutions available. If it’s not below, it’s probably no good.

Behold:

The Jeans Hanger

Won’t get bent out of shape – perfect for pants and casual jackets.

The Everything Hanger

If it’s strappy, it’ll stay put. If it’s precious, these won’t stretch it.

The Clip Hanger

Just say no to those pancake hangers. These are much more reliable.

The Space Saver Hanger

If you don’t have a lot of space,  camis, tops, and pants love these huggable hangers.

The Blazer/Suit Hanger

Clothes love cedar and these keep suits together and jackets in good shape.

The Coat Hanger

If you’ve spent money on a nice leather or wool coat, add one of these to your purchase. It’ll add years to the life of the coat.

All of the above can be purchased at Bed Bath and Beyond at better prices than you’ll find elsewhere. This is true, as I am a hanger hound as well as a Target devotee.

Your closet will be much more pleasant after giving it a hanger makeover. I promise.

Greer

^{The Get: Everything For Your Desk}

There is a time and a place for email. But there is never a time when civility shouldn’t reign.

Enter Chandra Greer – purveyor of extraordinary paper. Creator of the world famous Civilettes. Oprah darling.

Step into this little shop on Wells and feel better about yourself. Buy things to spread the cheer. Everything at GREER carries the scent of intelligence, beauty and humor. The best of the best. World class. Creative cards, papers and all the accoutrement. The coolest calendars.

We LOVE this shop. It’s on a totally different level (read: haute). And it’s the only place in town where you should be doing your shopping when you need to pick something up to send out.

Go forth – and spread the civility, love and beauty.

Gold Coast:     1657 N Wells / 773.337.8000

greerchicago.com

Elements

^{SEE: Everyone}

Pick up some accoutrement for yourself. A gift for a house warming. Or a perfect panini, salad and a cookie baked by Mindy of Hot Chocolate.

Toby and Jeannine love the tasty stuff, whether it be something you eat, something you wear or something you look at every day on your desk.

Enjoy a huge selection of the best of the best including local designer jewelry, gorgeous table settings, the perfect candles and it’s-here-before-it’s-in-the-museum contemporary art. You might also enjoy the wagging tails of the cutest dogs and the seasonal delights of their precious indoor and outdoor eatery.

Heaven on Wells? Yes, if we were DailyCandy.

Gold Coast:     741 N Wells / 312.642.6574

elementschicago.com

Salon Buzz

^{SEE: Andreas & Sherri}

We get stopped on the street all the time by people asking how we get our great hair (and no, we don’t have extensions!) We happily spread the word.

Andreas Zafiriadis, owner of Salon Buzz, is the best guy to have in your beauty arsenal. He’s been cutting our hair for four years and we hope forever. He’s a true master, exceedingly gracious and extraordinarily talented. His focus is always on what’s best.

Enter Sherri, Andreas’ charming color protege. She gets all the credit for the compliments we get on our color. We love her. She’s amazing. She singlehandedly saved us when we were RUINED by another salon in Chicago.

Speaking of, most of the salons in this town are stuck in a rut. Not Buzz. The staff has a serious presence on the global scene, gracing the pages of the best fashion magazines and teaching the newest techniques to stylists all over the place. They are on the edge. They listen. They educate.

It is all very haute.

We LOVE Buzz.

Gold Coast:     1 E Delaware / 312.943.5454
River North:    310 W Superior / 312.943.5454

salonbuzz.com

Isabella Fine Lingerie

The Get: Sexy Lingerie

Our go-to spot for undergarments that don’t break the bank. We love La Perla and Agent Provocateur, but Isabella stocks all sorts of labels we love and feel great wearing, like Le Mystere, Cosabella and Eberjey.

This tiny boutique is always fresh with new merch, so stopping in on the regular is the best way to keep your pantie drawer fresh.

Lincoln Park:     840 W Armitage / 773.281.2352

shopisabella.com

The Golden Needle

^{SEE: Maria}

Need alterations? Need a piece fixed? Take it to Maria. She’s the best.

You can feel comfortable getting all of your alterations done here (SO much better than at your dry cleaner, mais oui!) even your most precious pieces. Get buzzed in at the gate to this little Parisian-esque atelier on State and you’ll see Maria seamlessly switch between hemming a pair of H&M jeans to satisfying the highest demands of Chicago’s couture collectors and their multi-layer lace petticoats!

With the old-world skill and the contemporary eye to take whatever you’ve got and make it better, Maria’s truly got the golden needle.

PS: For men’s suits we love Boguslaw, just around the corner on Oak.

Gold Coast:     814 N State / 312.787.3416

June Blaker

^{Perfectly Chic in Chicago}

June Blaker is an essential resource, lovies. Stocking the world’s most perfect tapers, affordably rich jewelry and the most sophisticated objets d’artthis side of Chicago Ave, get thee to see Ms. Blaker in her totally approachable, beautifully sophisticated gallery.

Filled with light, love, and lots of options – including custom fitted shirts for him and gorgeous re-imagined vintage for you – this is the perfect place to get a gift for your mom, boss and, well, you’ll be hard-pressed not to pick something out for yourself. Be sure not to leave without one her world-famous Narcissus – just pop the top, add some H2O and the pretty blooms will delight for weeks on end.

With prices completely cheap to necessarily steep, June’s is a collection worthy of your stopping in on a consistent basis. Yes, she’sthat good.

River North:     870 N Orleans / 312.751.9220

juneblaker.com

Contacts and Specs

^{The Get: The Chicest Glasses}

Tell us, what do you consider when picking out a new pair of frames?

Honestly, we only considered aesthetic appeal, that is until we met Igor Presman, owner of Lakeview’s Contacts and Specs.

The man is all about fit. And on top of that, he is a connoisseur of quality, luxury and service.

Stocking the best of the European brands and staples like Oliver Peoples, Igor’s shop offers an editorial-like, definitely boutique shopping experience, what with his private shopping room and inviting, airy displays.

Offering the most advanced eyewear along with the truly avant garde, when you shop here you’ll get what you need AND extra chic points.

Lakeview: 3144 N. Broadway / 773.880.5400

contactsandspecs.com

American Apparel

^{The Get: Cotton Basics}

Get your cotton on. Seriously, just about everyone can find an essential wardrobe staple at American Apparel – you might find the Deep V or Organic Jersey to be your most favorite t-shirt ever. In a million colors.

We also love the selection of tights. And leggings. And the bodysuit pieces that work GREAT with high-waisted skirts and pants alike. Did we mention their socks? Great little bralets? On trend seasonal pieces?

You may find the (insert objection here – offensive ads, hipster attitude, etc) off-putting, but don’t let that stop you when there is good stuff to be had. REALLY good basics. And even if we don’t love Dov Charney’s extracurricular activities – everything is made in America. Dude stands up for his labor. Love that.

Lakeview:        929 W Belmont / 773.472.0500
Gold Coast:      46 E Walton / 312.255.8360
Lincoln Park:    837 W Armitage / 773.880.9801
Wicker Park:    1563 N Milwaukee / 773.235.6678

americanapparel.net