Rotofugi
A mecca for toy enthusiasts, Rotofugi partners with local artists to produce limited-edition, anime-inspired figurines that are sure to be collectibles.
2780 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-868-3308, rotofugi.com
2780 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-868-3308, rotofugi.com
Jake
Closed A modern Hollywood Regency look—red lacquer cabinets, ornate oversize mirrors, midcentury pendant chandeliers—is a fitting setting for the elegantly tailored picks (many of which are exclusive to the store) from designers like Keith Lissner, Adam, and Sea.
939 N. Rush St., 312-664-5253, shopjake.com
939 N. Rush St., 312-664-5253, shopjake.com
Jayson Home and Garden
We're not sure what we love most at this outstanding haven for all things home: the flea market, the outdoor garden, or the indoor furniture and home accessories.
1885 N. Clybourn Ave., 773-248-8180, jaysonhomeandgarden.com
1885 N. Clybourn Ave., 773-248-8180, jaysonhomeandgarden.com
Virtu
Beautifully crafted home goods and accessories make Virtu a favorite general gift store of sorts, where you can find everything from Ed Wohl breadboards to precious metal rings from Anne Sportun.
2034 N. Damen Ave., 773-235-3790, virtuchicago.com
2034 N. Damen Ave., 773-235-3790, virtuchicago.com
Koros
Occupying a former gallery, the concrete-floor-clad space is a fitting backdrop for the elegantly cool labels here, such as Yigal Azrouël and Streets Ahead.
1039 W. Lake St., 312-738-0155, shopkoros.com
1039 W. Lake St., 312-738-0155, shopkoros.com
Krista K
Krista Kaur Meyers' light-flooded corner store—a onetime insurance office—has an easy-flow split-level layout: The upper half showcases the latest from indie labels like Elizabeth and James and Helmut Lang (plus a small selection of footwear); the wares downstairs fall into the more casual, jeans-and-tees camp.
3458 N. Southport Ave., 773-248-1967, kristak.com
3458 N. Southport Ave., 773-248-1967, kristak.com
Le Dress
It's dresses only at this Wicker Park boutique. Find names like Poleci, Hayden-Harnett, Haven, and Grace Sun.
1741 W. Division St., 773-697-9899, ledresschicago.com
1741 W. Division St., 773-697-9899, ledresschicago.com
The Mexican Shop
This mom-and-pop store closes for two months at the start of every year while the owners take a buying trip to a far-flung locale. They come back with amazing jewelry and accessories, most under $40.
801 Dempster St., Evanston, IL, 847-475-8665
801 Dempster St., Evanston, IL, 847-475-8665
Ouest
Specializing in Gallic favorites like Sonia Rykiel and R&Y Augousti, Ouest has a fanciful Frenchified look (bistro-tile floors, gilded wallpaper, and vases filled with peacock feathers).
1751 W. Division St., 312-421-2799
1751 W. Division St., 312-421-2799
Samantha Chicago
Done up with chiffon pink shag carpets, milk-glass lamps, and a circular faux-ostrich couch, this boudoir-influenced spot presents clothing as unabashedly feminine as the decor. Missouri native Samantha Mittelman has long been a fan of traditional glamour and has put a modern-day stamp on the aesthetic through her classically flattering picks, which include a Smythe black boyfriend blazer and a Haute Hippie grommet dress.
64 E. Walton St., 866-951-5383, samanthachicago.com
64 E. Walton St., 866-951-5383, samanthachicago.com
