BOUTIQUES
AESOP
Founded in Melbourne in 1987, this renowned Australian skincare brand has brought its ultraluxe, carefully developed product lines—from facial toners and shampoo to body balm and fragrance—to the Midwest with this chic, sophisticated space in the heart of Bucktown’s Damen Avenue shopping district. 1653 N. Damen Ave., 872-8024626; aesop.com
ATHENE
Inspired by the “strong yet very feminine” Greek goddess of its name, this North Shore newcomer from fashionista Ashley Quicksilver takes style cues from rock ’n’ roll icons and Audrey Hepburn alike. The minimalist space showcases a luxe assortment of womenswear brands, from
Rona Pfeiffer to Rick Owens. 837 Elm St., Winnetka, 847-441-1918; athene-shop.com
BELLE VIE BRIDAL COUTURE
Chicago fashion dynamo and bridal style aficionado Amanda Bonnell presents the ultimate curated selection of bridal fashions, featuring exquisite gowns from the likes of J.mendel and Valentino, plus Bonnell’s own Audrey Grant line. 214 W. Erie St., 312-7512222; belleviebridalcouture.com
BILLY REID
Stock up on Southern-cool staples for men and women at the first Midwest boutique from this New York- and Alabama-based designer, the 2012 CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year, who has collaborated with brands ranging from Levi’s and J.crew to Neiman Marcus and K-swiss. 845 W. Randolph St., 312-614-1503; billyreid.com
BLAKE
One of the city’s most exquisite shopping destinations, this go-to from veteran style mavens Marilyn Blaszka and Dominic Marcheschi features a smart, fastidiously edited selection from top-ofthe-line designers like Balenciaga, Dries van Noten, Céline, and Marni. 212 W. Chicago Ave., 312-202-0047
BURDI
Trim, distinguished, and perpetually dapper, Rino Burdi is the ultimate ambassador for Gold Coast style. It’s only fitting, since he practically grew up in the neighborhood while his Italianborn father, master tailor Alfonso Burdi, was establishing his boutique as the city’s premier source for handmade Italian style. Decades later, designer Rino carries on the family name with flair. 58 E. Walton St., 312-642-9166; burdiclothing.com
C.D. PEACOCK
A Chicago jewelry institution since 1837, with three suburban shoppingcenter locations. Channel Grace
Kelly with Mikimoto pearls, or go contemporary chic with timepieces from the likes of Gucci and Chanel. INSIDER TIP: Jewelry repair, watch service, appraisals, and custom design, too. 4999 Old Orchard Center, Skokie, 847-679-1837; E-140 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, 847-619-6560; 172 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, 630-5715355; cdpeacock.com
DANIEL GEORGE
Among Chicago’s premier men’s clothiers, Daniel George offers an array of custom attire, from suits and blazers to dress shirts, overcoats, and tuxedos, plus belts, shoes, cuff links, and a variety of other accessories for the sharpdressed gentleman. 155 N. Michigan Ave., Ste. 770, 312-729-5202; danielgeorgecustomsuits.com
DOLCE & GABBANA
The Italian haute couture brand is one of the pinnacles of high fashion on Oak Street, with everything from vibrant footwear and showstopping gowns, jewelry, and accessories to men’s suits and street fashion from Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana’s latest
collections. 68 E. Oak St., 312-2550630; dolcegabbana.com
FASHION OUTLETS OF CHICAGO
With 130 stores offering savings of up to 75 percent, this shopping center specializes in the international arbiters of chic, like Burberry, Prada, Allsaints, and St. John. INSIDER TIP: Purchase a Green Savings Card for $5 from the Concierge Services desk on
Level 1 for additional discounts. 5220 Fashion Outlets Way,
Rosemont, 847-928-7500; fashionoutletsofchicago.com
GIORGIO ARMANI
Milan style near the Mag Mile. Explore the new Spring/summer collection from this Italian fashion powerhouse at its Gold Coast headquarters, featuring filmy fabrics and loads of fringe for women and easy jackets and pants for men. 25 E. Oak St., 312-751-2244; armani.com
GRAFF DIAMONDS
Renowned gemologist and Chicago store director Eve Rogers and her team showcase some of the most brilliant baubles in the world—from diamond-and-ruby-encrusted necklaces to extraordinary timepieces—at this jewelry leader’s Gold Coast location. 103 E. Oak St., 312-604-1000; graffdiamonds.com
GUCCI
The Italian fashion giant has unveiled a super-sleek flagship at the north end of the Magnificent Mile, featuring the latest collections from designer Alessandro Michele, including the ultimate in luxe suiting and evening-wear and the latest buzzed-about collab with street artist Guccighost. 900 N. Michigan Ave., 312-664-5504; gucci.com
HALSTED EYE BOUTIQUE
Dr. Joanna Slusky offers quality comprehensive vision care, including Lasik consultations and cancer screenings, as well as contact lenses and a variety of eyeglasses from sophisticated brands like Tom Ford, Bulgari, Versace, and Chanel. 2852 N. Halsted St., 773-549-1111; visionsource-halstedeyeboutique.com
INTERMIX
On-trend fashions from a curated mix of designers, like Victoria Beckham and Alexander Wang, with locations in three of the city’s hottest shopping districts: the Gold Coast, Lincoln Park’s Armitage Avenue, and Bucktown. 40 E. Delaware Pl., 312-640-2922; 841 W. Armitage Ave., 773-404-8766; 1633 N. Damen Ave., 773-292-0894; intermixonline.com
NEW IWAN RIES
This family-owned tobacco lovers’ paradise has been a Windy City institution for 160 years. Along with a world-class selection of merchandise—including 15,000 pipes, plus cigars, lighters, pipe tobaccos, and more—the business boasts an on-site BYOB smoking lounge unique to downtown Chicago. 19 S. Wabash Ave., 312-372-1306; iwanries.com
JAMES & SONS FINE JEWELERS
The recipient of Hearts on Fire’s 2016 Global Retailer of the Year award, this service-focused business features luxe watches, jewelry, diamonds, and engagement rings. 1457 N. Halsted St., 773-3278800; 15234 S. Lagrange Road, Orland Park, 708-226-0800; 112 Indianapolis Blvd., Schererville, Indiana, 219-864-9090; jamesandsons.com
JIMMY CHOO
The fine footwear favorite has taken its place among its fellow fashion behemoths in the Gold Coast, settling into a gleaming new storefront on Oak Street. Shop the international icon’s latest collections, from pumps, sandals, wedges, and boots for women to men’s sneakers and dress shoes, plus bags, belts, and other elegant leather goods and accessories. 114 E. Oak St., 312-2551170; jimmychoo.com
KAEHLER LUGGAGE
Before embarking on a late-spring getaway, be sure to visit this expanded outfitter to the jet set, which carries a wide selection of luxury travel brands, such as Tumi, Filson, Rimowa, and the boutique’s own chic Kaehler 1920 line, featuring duffels, briefcases, and accessories made with the Windy City’s own Horween leather. 900 N. Michigan Ave., Sixth Fl., 312-9518106; worldtraveler.com
LESTER LAMPERT
Renowned for its stunning custommade pieces crafted on-site by expert gemologists, this famed family-owned Chicago jeweler has settled into a luxe new bilevel, 5,000-square-foot River North showroom boasting a watch gallery and a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and design room. 7 E. Huron St., 312-944-6888; lesterlampert.com
MARSHALL PIERCE & COMPANY
With a watch- and clock-making heritage dating back to 1880s Sweden, the Bern family’s Chicago jewelry business adds serious sparkle to the Magnificent Mile with a broad-ranging collection of timepieces, as well as bauble brands including Oscar Heyman, Roberto Coin, and Chicago’s own
Dana Rebecca Designs. 960 N. Michigan Ave., 312-642-4299; marshallpierce.com
MONCLER
The ultimate in alpine-chic outerwear for men, women, and children, this French brand, now based in Italy, features everything from luxurious parkas, cardigans, and sweatshirts to shoes, luggage, scarves, and eyewear, all with the label’s signature outdoorfabulous aesthetic. 33 E. Oak St., 312-361-8573; moncler.com
OXXFORD CLOTHES
The only suit maker in the nation that tailors its custom garments by hand, this famous West Loop-based label has been a Chicago institution since its founding in 1916 by brothers Louis and Jacob Weinberg. 1220 W. Van Buren St., 312-829-3600; oxxfordclothes.com
RAZNY JEWELERS
One of Chicagoland’s finest jewelry designers since 1951, this local mainstay recently opened an incredible new showroom in the heart of the Gold Coast on Oak Street. 109 E. Oak St., 312-663-8500; 1700 Green Bay Road, Highland Park, 847-432-5300; 37 S. Washington St., Hinsdale, 630455-1900; 1501 W. Lake St., Addison, 630-932-4900; razny.com
SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
Top designer brands (from Fendi and Balmain to Stella Mccartney) and of-the-moment fashions are on tap at this style-lover’s paradise, an upscale institution since the 1920s. The seventh-floor restaurant Sophie’s is a chic dining destination for lunching ladies and gents. 700 N. Michigan Ave., 312799-5211; saks.com
VERSACE
The ultimate Italian brand has returned to Chicago in an intimate bilevel space in the middle of the Gold Coast action, where loyal customers can peruse every one of Donatella Versace’s latest runway creations. 933 N. Rush St., 312-4459750; versace.com