The Best Chicago Shops

For those of you that voted for the Best Chicago Shops on Instagram a few weeks ago, it’s finally here!! I’ll admit, I asked my Facebook Community Group for some help… and boy, did they come through!

The thing is, Chicago is an amazing shopping city – but unless you know where to go, it can be easy to think the Mag Mile is all we’ve got. Not true! Each neighborhood has so many unique stores that are definitely worth checking out, whether you’re a local or not! Here are the best…

My Personal Favorite Chicago Shops

Alice & Wonder

Pretty sure you all know that I love Alice & Wonder by now, right?! (If not, I gush about it here, here, and a lot of other times ?) Ali stocks the store with the cutest clothes, gifts and accessories – and they are all under $100! Next time you go to Homeslice, stop into this store before or after. You won’t regret.

Lori’s Shoes

This Lincoln Park staple is the best place to go shoe shopping. They also have the most amazing sales, so keep an eye out!

Art Effect

After you go to Lori’s, pop into Art Effect for jewelry, housewares and adorable dresses.

fluer inc

This may be primarily a flower shop, but it has so many other cute goodies in it too! Such a Logan Square gem.

Gifts and Goodies

Bow & Arrow Collection

This cute little Wicker Park spot was actually started by girls from my hometown. They’ve got great additions for your next party, knick knacks and other goodies.

Foursided

I’ve never been here, but according to you guys, they have multiple locations with custom framing, cards, and gifts. Definitely on my list now.

Neighborly

This store is for the Chicago-obsessed Chicagoan. Aka me and everyone else who lives in Chicago ?

The Fig Tree

This West Loop store has all of the funny and sometimes sassy goods that you never knew you needed. Or never knew all of your friends needed!

String On A Strand

Along with the ability to create your own jewelry, they also sell delicate pieces there, too. Great for everyday!

Enjoy, An Urban General Store

The best stop for novelty gifts. They even have a “swear word gifts” section ?

Scratchgoods

A natural, affordable skincare company founded by Chicago gals. What more could you want?!

Greer Chicago

All of the greeting cards you could work – including this Stranger Things card I got Adam earlier last year!

Home Goods

Jayson Home

This isn’t your typical furniture store! They have traditional and modern pieces, along with garden items, tableware, pillows and plants. So pretty!

South Loop Loft

I actually did a shoot here a few years ago, and I pretty much wanted to move in! Beth, the creator, has the most incredible eye for all things home decor. You need to schedule your visit, but it’s totally worth it!

Alapash New Home

This Ravenswood gem has one of a kind terrariums, along with unique blankets, rugs, ceramics, throws and more.

More Clothing

Bazar (Roscoe Village)

Hazel (Ravenswood)

Jayne (Lincoln Park)

Moon Voyage (Wicker Park)

Penelope’s (Ukrainian Village)

Una Mae’s (Wicker Park)

The Colette Collection (Lakeview)

Vintage Charm (Bucktown)

Vintage Finds

Beehive Chicago (West Town)

Lost Girls Vintage (Humboldt Park)

P.O.S.H. (River North)

Also, if you have kids, everyone suggests Monica + Andy and Twinkle Twinkle Little One. And if you want to hit up a bunch of chain stores all at one, you might want to go to one of the bigger shopping areas in the city. The most obvious one is (of course) Michigan Ave. You can start at the river, make your way up to Water Tower and the 900 Building, and end at Oak Street. There’s also a lot of shops around North and Clybourn, and around the Southport Corridor up north.

What are your favorite Chicago shops?!

Did I leave any out? I’d love to know!

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