How's this for word association: I say Chicago, you say shopping.
Besides being my city of origin, Chicago is also one of my favorite long-weekend-with-the-girls destinations. And since shopping is usually a part
of everyone's agenda (OK, everyone female) while on vacation, Chicago has always been a throwdown shopping destination.
But the key to the best of Chicago, frankly, is getting off the most-visited Michigan Avenue. Just as Chicago's neighborhoods range from posh to funky, the stores and restaurants in these regions complement their surroundings. Two
standout areas are West Armitage Avenue and Bucktown.
West Armitage, between Lincoln Avenue and Clybourn, is just on the western edge of Lincoln Park -- and a debate rages among locals whether the area is truly Lincoln Park or not. Whatever neighborhood it falls into, it has plenty to offer in the way of unusual home furnishings.
TABULA TUA, 1015 W. Armitage, focuses primarily on casual everyday tableware, but has plenty of options in the way of serving pieces, linens, glassware and even small furniture items. Some of our favorites: glasses featuring the states in retro-postcard/geography format; Italian farmhouse dinnerware by Ubaldo Grazia; and a variety of pewter serving pieces starting at $20. (773) 525-3500, tabulatua.com
FADED ROSE, just next door at 1017 W. Armitage, is Paris flea market meets the Heavenly Bed. Couches are cushy, covered in comfy, inviting slipcovers; cozy throws just ask to be unfolded and wrapped around you; and pretty rugs decorate the floor. Beaded sconces, silk lampshades, and vintage-patterned duvets and pillows beg to be taken home. I would have moved in had they let me. (773) 281-8161, shopfadedrose.com
At NUADA, 1022B W. Armitage, everythings Celtic--and who knew Celtic could be so cool and contemporary? From beautiful glass bowls to forged iron candlesticks, the offerings are unusual and affordable, and truly make one want to jump on a plane for Ireland. Luckily, Chicago's a lot closer, and the Web's
closer still. Fave finds included said iron candlesticks from Cronin's Forge in County Cork and Tipperary Crystal bowls and candlesticks.
(773) 525-4200, nuada.com
A few blocks west and south, (Don't walk from Armitage to
Bucktown in high-heels, trust me) the BucktownWicker Park
area has made a big comeback, with an eclectic mix of art galleries,
clothing boutiques and home déer stores. You can stay and play for hours.
At STITCH, 1723 N. Damen Ave., furniture and gifts feature clean,
modern lines and lush fabrics. There are even fab personal accessories
-- beaded purses, baby gear and leather business accessories.
You gotta love a store were you can buy both a couch and a purse!
(773) 782-1570, stitchchicago.com
My gal pal, Julia, was on a mission this trip: cute boots. She scored at
CITY SOLES and NICHE at 1566 North Damen. It's two, two, two
stores in one. From silver Chuck Conners to puffy orange boots with
suede trim and wedge heels (Julias purchase) to soccer mom chic
sneakers (see above), it's a double dose of shoe nirvana.
(773) 489-2001, citysoles.com
When you're exhausted by all the shopping, pop into Chef John Bubala's latest offering: Baccala, in the space formerly occupied by his Thyme Cafe, and just opened in mid-March. Johns gone rustic Italian; choose from a small menu -- just ten or so selections -- in either appetizer of entree size; a few appetizer-only selections will also be available.
1540 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 773-227-1400
While you're enjoying John's fare, you can ponder how to ship all your purchases home -- but worry not. While shipping policies vary from store to store, many hotels do offer shipping as part of their shopping/accommodation packages. Ask the concierge at your hotel.
