men

Apartment No. 9

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

apartmentnumber9.com

Barneys

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

barneys.com

Bonnie & Clyde

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

shopbonnieandclydes.com

Penelope’s

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

shoppenelopes.com

SCOOP

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

scoopnyc.com

Silver Moon

Well, well, well: you’re in luck, ladies and gents. Silver Moon has one of the most well-edited vintage collections in the city. It’s clean, elegant, and chock full of some of the best designer labels going back to the beginning of the 20th century. Be sure to dip into Silver Moon if you’ve got an event, need a great coat or jacket, or you’re a bride on the hunt for something truly beautiful and unique.

Wicker Park:     1755 W North Avenue / 773.235.5797

silvermoonvintage.com

Lenny and Me

Since moving into a space that quadrupled their size – and then adding a second location dedicated solely to vintage fashion – Lenny and Me, a decade-old purveyor of all sorts of home goods and no-name to big-name vintage clothing, is a clearing house for anything-goes vintage in Chicago. You never know what you’re gonna get, so I highly recommend making regular trips to see what’s new. The digging is half the fun and Lenny and Me keeps the ick factor down to a minimum.

Wicker Park:     1459 N Milwaukee / 773.489.5576

lennyandmechicago.com

Knee Deep

With a pair of the most passionate owners I’ve ever met, this place is thick with mens, womens and home goods having that slick vintage sheen. These two guys travel all over the USA to bring back truckloads of choice finds – fantastic party dresses, yummy flannels, and superb vintage boots not to mention the clever collections of retro kitchen stuff. Everyone I take here walks out with a great piece – see over-the-knee caramel suede boots for a fabulous Southern fashion plate, an intarsia knitted poncho for a handsome young dandy, and a gold mesh belt to cinch the waist of a truly funky disco queen. If you’re looking for a signature piece to add to your own wardrobe, make your way down to Pilsen and wade in.

Pilsen:     1425 W 18th / 312.850.2510

kneedeepvintage.com

US #1

I live for, lust for, and believe in the cowboy boot. There’s nothing like a favorite pair you’ve worn here, there, and everywhere. Enter Dominic at US #1: People hunt this man down because of his boot collection. He is notoriously difficult to deal with – everyone thinks his prices are too high – but, you know what, you’ll most likely walk out happy unless you’re coveting a pair on a shelf that’s out of reach: these boots sell for some serious Gs. Regardless, I highly recommend US #1. And asking for a discount.

But! Don’t be fooled by the fake purses. Chanel hardware doesn’t have a ® symbol – EVER – even if said imposter does carry a Chanel price.

Wicker Park:     1460 N Milwaukee / 773.489.9428

US #1

Dovetail

Chicago vintage boutiques usually don’t get much play in the New York Times, so either the owners have some nice friends or Dovetail really delivers.Showcasing the clothing of new designers alongside vintage pieces that tend toward the modern, Dovetail offers up duds for both men and women in addition to a selection of home goods that’s truly worth perusing. All of the accessories at Dovetail tend toward the fabulous, so check it out when you’re in the neighborhood.

Noble Square:     1452 W Chicago / 312.243.3100

dovetailchicago.com

Clothes Optional

So. You’re on the hunt for something cheap and chic and trending towards the hipster je ne sais quoi: here’s some advice sift through the fab goods at Clothes Optional. This first floor space vibes on the orange/owl/seventies shag motif and is packed full of all kinds of stuff. We love this place for picking up kicky accessories like lace gloves and retro belts that are totally on trend. We also like digging through the basement and coming up with some random treasure in tow. And, we totally dig the staff. But don’t tell us we didn’t warn you -  you may have to part the polyester sea.

Lakeview:     2918 N Clark / 773.296.6630

clothesoptionalchicago

Sofia

Sofia is THE boutique on Oak Street.

Blending designer vintage with the best new labels, the store serves women with a mix of cosmopolitan basics and on-the-cusp trends.

Sister owners the Zisook’s really know how to edit a collection – custom Sofia jewelry, vintage CHANEL bags and super cute shoes find their spot amongst labels like House of Harlow and the best Chicago labels.

Personally, our favorite thing about Sofia is that you can pick up a complete outfit without breaking the bank (but you can if you like). Swimwear, jewels, dresses, vests, super-luxe furs, belts, hats, jackets – you name it, they’ve got it.

Hit it off with the friendly staff and you’ll always never miss out on a must-have piece. Given the hip-factor of this place, you’ll always leave with something fresh.

Gold Coast: 72 E Oak / 312.640.0878

sofiavintage.com