Fashion and Shopping in Chicago

Photo Credit: Enterprise Wordpress.com

Photo credit: YouLookFab.com

For many shopping and fashion is something boring, unnecessary and time consuming. For others fashion is their passion. I happen to be one of the latter. In Chicago the shopping alternatives are many depending on what kind of mood you are in and what you are looking for. Michigan Avenue is also known as The Magnificent Mile and one of my favorite places not only for the beautiful architecture but for the great shopping. It stretches from North Michigan Avenue to the Chicago Loop in the downtown area of Chicago. The stores on the Magnificent Mile includes NIKETOWN, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Saks Fifth Avenue and many more. Although these stores are a little pricey, don’t worry. The Magnificent Mile also includes stores like Forever 21, H&M and Express. At North Bridge, 520 North Michigan Avenue, you can find a variety of stores collected in one place.

State Street is another downtown favorite. Usually if I can’t find what I am looking for on Michigan Avenue I will go straight to State Street since they have the same stores but with different products. H&M, Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, Charlotte Russe and Akira are all lined up one after another. It is shopping heaven!

My favorite thing about Chicago is all of the different neighborhoods. You can find everything in this city and depending on what el stop you get off at, Chicago will show you a different world. Lincoln Square is a quite hidden little gem right off the Western brown line stop. There you can find amazing clothes and accessories at DLR Clothing and Accessories. My favorite store is Hanger 18 where you can find jewelry, accessories and home décor. It is a perfect store for fun birthday presents or just some new earrings to light up you day with.

Belmont is a cool, relaxed neighborhood and a great place to find cute and authentic things. It is right off the red and brown Belmont el stop. The all time favorite is Belmont Army with its five floors of shopping. This place has something for everybody. Their first floor is filled with fashionable clothes and accessories from brands like Acne and Weekdays (both from Sweden). The second floor is filled with old army/navy suits and outfits. On the third floor you are guaranteed to find the perfect shoes for that dinner party, day in the park or just for a night out on town. The top floor is packed with vintage dresses, shoes, jackets, accessories, and hats. Another beloved store of mine is the Hollywood Mirror. This store is filled with great vintage clothes such as jackets, jeans, skirts and tops. Hollywood Mirror also has a lot of fun and genuine home décor. This store is a must if you are in the neighborhood.

Wicker Park is another amazing neighborhood northwest of the Loop. It offers great shopping for people who knows what they want. At Untitled you can find some great brands like Miss Sixty, Nudie Jeans Co and Obey. The Steve Madden store in Wicker Park is amazing and I always end up buying a new pair of shoes when I go there. Wicker Park is known for its laidback atmosphere and a place where many artists choose to live. It is definitely a place to visit if you want to find great shopping and fashion without the commercial stress you might find on Michigan Avenue.  

After this little tour of Chicago's shopping and fashion, I hope you feel ready to dig in those deep pockets of yours and enjoy the fabulous shopping!

Photo credit: Stina Alverdal

Photo credit: Stina Alverdal