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ANNOUNCING: The 38 Essential Chicago Stores, July 2012
Today, it is time once again, we update the Racked 38. The Racked 38 is our list of the 38 best and most essential shops and shopping experiences in the City of Chicago. In this guide, all mapped out for you on the next page, we've included a variety of neighborhoods, merchandise selections and prices.
For this edition of the Racked 38, we're removing Fix Boutique after their dramatic sale and closure and Angela Finney-Hoffman's Post 27 for selling off a lot of her inventory, consolidating, moving across the street and changing focus to more interior projects to the likes of Optimo. Additionally, it was in deep sadness we had to remove June Blaker as her namesake boutique was coming up on the end of her lease and has decided it was time to move on. June will work from home and consider creating pop-up experiences in December. In their place we've added Loop staple, Michael Blossom's Florodora, Art Effect on Armitage and CityBlue Apparel & Denim in Old Town.
As always, if you feel we've misstepped our shopping territory, please let us know what we missed in the comments or via the Racked Tipline - especially since we update this once each quarter. Want to know where to shop on the coasts & online? Check out our sister sites Racked LA, Racked NY and Racked National.
Florodora
If there were a shop known for consistency in one of the coolest buildings in Chicago, this, ladies & gentlemen, is it. Celebrating 5 years this year, owner … Michael Blossom and his team of scandalous ladies responsible for bringing The Loop some of the most comfortable, wearable, and accessible lines of clothing around. Next door, is Florodora Shoes which in turn completes the outfit with a unique vintage vibe. The store is known for their Friday trunk shows, and semi annual Scandal Sale. [link]
Art Effect
Art Effect in the most boutique-y stretch in Lincoln Park has made sure the wardrobes of Chicago's trendiest women have been coming up roses for over 27 years - and … they've still got it. Shop an entire Lincoln Park lifestyle from maxi dresses and cardigans to pendants and bangles, sunglasses, gifts and home accessories. [link]
City Blue Apparel
For nearly one year, CityBlue Apparel & Denim has been undergoing a transformation of their first shop in Old Town and an expansion effort on The North Shore. We've … come to know CityBlue for stocking some of the hottest cuts in denim we've seen and as of late, have gone way more editorial and elevated the offerings of the shop. Look for local labels respectfully placed throughout the store and shop for higher labels as well as casual pieces. [link]
RSVP Gallery
Part luxury boutique selling Louis Vuitton collaborations and the like, part gallery of pop culture and music influenced design objects RSVP Gallery is a bright star in … the over gentrified urban landscape of Bucktown. Offering merchandise such as Comme des Garcons PLAY and Boxed Water, many of the products double as art. Visit the highly-curated collection of books, accessories, clothing, and art works while walking by on a whim or as a planned sought after destination. [link]
Syd Jerome Menswear
Syd Jerome has been a mainstay in the Loop for years outfitting bankers and execs in well formed classic midwestern business and country club attire. Service is spot-on … even without an established relationship with a sales associate. [link]
Dose Market at River East Art Center
For nearly a year the Dosettes of Dose Market have been bringing a level of taste city dwellers aspire to achieve. The market focuses on selling lifestyle enhancement … items that build the wardrobe, outfit the home, and stock pantry with locally produced and designed products. [link]
Judy Maxwell
A newcomer to the scene, this one-stop shop for all-things cool and kitsch is a celebrity-owned & operated playground focused on selling items to make grownups (and … children) happy. From crayons shaped like jewels and breakable plates to life-size movie star cutouts, designer furniture and neon rubber boom boxes to 10-gallon soup pots - the randomness of product offerings is charming, surprising and playful set in a care-free store environment. [link]
Sir & Madame
Sir & Madame has won acclaim for their 1920s functionality-meets-urban dandy sensibility on national blogs and high profile publications. Their refreshing take on … street wear is a force to be reckoned with in the transformation of West Town/ Ukrainian Village aesthetic. [link]
LuLu's at the Belle Kay
LuLu's at the Belle Kay is the secret weapon for socialites and those in the know with a fix for fashion. Known for their glitzy vintage jewelry pieces and contemporary … designer show-stoppers this shop in in West Lakeview has been serving those in need of a little sparkle for years. Shop dresses, furs, hats, gowns and party dresses from the 1930's to present. [link]
Akira All Locations
This home grown hero of a company is known for its wild runway shows and trend-driven merchandise. Having celebrated their 9th year anniversary they're looking toward … their biggest year yet. The brand now operates shops on North Ave, in the Loop, Andersonville, Gold Coast, Lakeview, the suburbs and locations soon coming in Milwaukee and Indiana. [link]
Apartment Number 9
Listen up men - this store is an amazing contemporary stockist of versatile brands. Mostly run by relaxed women, you can find Apartment Number 9 just past the viaduct in … Bucktown. Check out a true representation of midwestern style at its pinnacle. [link]
Architectual Artifacts
This enormous warehouse is a fantastic source for anything and all things vintage with a strong emphasis on monstrous show-stopping architectural salvage like gothic … pillars, castle doors and sometimes antique cars and jungle gyms from the 60s. [link]
Blake