vintage

Roslyn

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.

Deliciously Vintage

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

dvchicago.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

LuLu’s at the Belle Kay

If you need something fabulous – and understand hands on attention and the precious nature of vintage dressing – go see Laurie Demma Davis in her fabulous salon. This woman danced her way through Studio 54 and has the archive of gorgeous pieces to prove it.

When you walk in you’ll be asked to give the collection the utmost respect: Don’t let this put you off. Experience the best collection of costume jewelry in the city. Score a sweet deal on Brian Atwood’s runway shoes. Try on absolutely beautiful dresses and purchase that perfect frock. Go here if you want to feel truly woman.

North Center:     3862 N Lincoln Armitage / 773.404.5858

lulusbellekay.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

Vintage Adrienne

Not the easiest duo to track down, but, when you do, definitely worth it.

Known to Chicago as Vintage Adrienne for a decade or two, the new gen is coming up (as in Tracey, Adrienne’s daughter) and shaking things up … and we couldn’t be happier.

Going by the new moniker NOV (and trying to make a movement out of it, as in “that’s so nov” loosely translating to “vintage > new”), one or both make appearances at all of the vintage meets, like Randolph Street, Modern Vintage, etc.

Adrienne is, to some, quite famous for selling the best vintage t-shirts in town. Plus – the jewelry offerings are stellar. As are the amazing vintage dresses. We’re a huge fan and have added a considerable amount to our collection via Vintage Adrienne.

These two have taste. And a ton of fun.

Roving: Check their facebook page!

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

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