shopping

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

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

THCIYH: Volume 10

Where Have You Been … Lately?

Coming in at twenty favorites, old and new threads, this is a piece of everything that’s been happening, where we’ve been, how we’ve been, lots of ladies singing on this disc with some rough riding dudes chiming in. All in, terminally chill. And a little sentimental, as per usual.

The last one in the official THCIYH series but no worries, we never don’t turn it up to 11. Click the list or download on and listen!

THCIYH: Volume 9

Homeboy, It’s Just No Fun to Die Alone

Aptly named for a disc that doesn’t have a breath of chick (excepting who’s mixing) this album is about the advent of Spring and all the sexy things that go with it.

Download, pull it up in your player of choice, and rejoice: Spring is Sprung.

Get down and dirty and share the romance, lovelies. to get it and, while you’re at it, pick up the rest of the discs!

THCIYH: Volume 8

The Subjunctive of the Present Tense

Life doesn’t get more rich than when on the cusp of a new season.

Imagine a designer in the days leading up to a major show. The subjunctive of the present tense is a mood predicated on a state of intense activity and latent stagnation.

Our eye is changing. Download the disc on and tune in.

Happy Holidays … We’re looking forward to Spring.

THCIYH: Volume 7

Come In Please, The Heat Takes You Home

We think everyone could use a little heat in Chicago right now. The winds have been bringing the snow and cold to our doorsteps … but also blowing in super fresh newcomers Joe Pug and Edward Sharpe for our listening pleasure.

We’re sure this disc will get you dancing, whether you’re in your car or on a SoCal beach. We hope you love every second, and savor the fact that even on the coldest days, nothing can take the heat out of THC.

So reel in the year, rock like a midnight lady and get a little frisky! X

THCIYH: Volume 6

Hippie Twang Seeks Miracle, Uptown

We’ve been livin’ for bluegrass, driving with the windows down, all around, groovin on fresh, down home beats . . .  And we think Jay-Z, G Love and Beyonce are the perfect foil for Steve Martin and Keller Williams’ sun shinin’, love pluckin’, betcha-can’t-hate-it banjo.

Also, we’ve been doin’ some serious people watchin’ – make sure we don’t spot you in a full length fur as the weather turns to cold. Don’t you know? So gauche in Chicago. Make it short and chubby, totally lovely. Pick up some vintage and just tune in to the bliss.

to preview and download the disc!

THCIYH: Volume 5

Wearing Spaceships Through the Fall

This may be the broodiest mix we’ve made yet, but it’s got some serious highlights – Miike Snow, The xx (especially The xx) and Radio Moscow are lighting us up. Add a little Beck-sical whimsy, some Elvis Presley and a bit of magnificent U2 and rocket away, somewhere new.

Stompin’ in four-buckle boots, R13s and vintage fur vests absolutely fabulous, download, burn away and hunt for something new.

Kokorokoko

We love vintage. We love great people. We love a good score.

Kokorokoko is a happy addition to the Chicago vintage scene, a spot unabashedly awash in the vain glory of the 80s, 90s and ‘aughts.

It’s a tiny shop, well merchandised, but not for someone that can’t appreciate a pack of MC Hammer collector cards.

There’s vintage floral bandage dresses, neon graphic tees, belts galore, sunglasses, jewelry, nonsense and good shoes. We recommend going if you’re looking for a little color – this is a good place to find it.

Like all vintage shops, you might want to make it a habit. Or just make good friends with the owner.

Ukrainian Village: 1112 N Ashland / 773.252.6996

koko-rokoko.blogspot.com

The Daisy Shop

Wisdom gleaned from our first trip to The Daisy Shop: wearing a full length fur in Chicago is totally gauche. It’s good to be in the know. Servicing the woman looking for some serious designer clothing, Barbara and her help sure know their merchandise and definitely go the distance when it comes to attentive service. When you score at The Daisy Shop it’s going to be something you’ll keep forever.

Gold Coast:     67 E Oak, 6th Floor / 312.943.8880

daisyshop.com

chalk

One of the best-edited collections in Chicagoland. A Haute Closet in store form.

Sharon Watrous and Carrie Kane, co-owners and team buyers, are the yin to each other’s yang, buying the most precious, most fabulous and classic, funky and – no arguing – eye-popping collection of the best of the best for the chic Chicago woman. These women have the fever and it feels so good: Chalk is new energy, raw passion, true love.

Cozy with the coolest designers, the ladies stock Ever jeans and Stella over-the-knees, jaw-dropping, intelligent jewelry and the Row for you AND for him (SO fun and SO smart).

You must go. You know we don’t get like this very often.

Evanston:     2611 Prairie Ave / 847.424.0011

chalkofevanston.com

THCIYH: Volume 4

A Tribute to Dylan’s ‘Blonde on Blonde’

Windows down, AC blasting, the new Haute Closet in Your Head Vol. 4: Ready to go anywhere.

We’re diggin’ on blonde, Halston, Over-the-Knee Boots & Slip ‘n Slides. Click the playlist to download & groove!

THCIYH: Volume 3

The Special C – Here Comes Summer

So, if you couldn’t already tell, we have a thing for making mix CDs.

We’ve always done it. We love music. And besides hooking up closets, the one thing we love most in this world is taking a long drive on a sunny day or starry night with some seriously good tunes.

We make these CDs because we want you to share in the sweetness! Click to playlist above to preview, download and groove!

THCIYH: Volume 2

The Chi-Town to Motown Shakedown

There’s nothing we love more than a full tank of gas, an open road and a great sound system … except, maybe, shoes. And feeling pretty. Regardless, we do love our tunes. Here’s the latest iMix from The HC: Download and burn – then hop in your car or play in your closet – and groove!

THCIYH: Volume 1

F/W 08: Enjoy Straight Up Or Slightly Chilled

When it comes to style, your music says a lot about you. We say: download and groove!