Zara

More upscale than its fast-fashion peers, Zara’s higher price tags are worth it. There aren’t any frenetic fifteen-year-olds here, and they have a remarkably high ratio of “I’d totally wear that!” to “Oh my god, what were they thinking” pieces, while still managing to stay on-trend. Pick up their silk shirts and trousers, $40 ballet flats that won’t wear out any sooner than ones that cost twice as much, and whatever else you need this season—like sheer maxi skirts and color blocking accessories.

Zara
700 North Michigan
(312)255-8123
One West Randolph, Block 37
(312)368-6178
zara.com

Audience choice:
H&M
22 North State, (312)263-4436
840 North Michigan, (312)640-0060
hm.com

Best of Chicago 2011

The Haymaker Shop

While most of the home décor shops on Andersonville’s Clark Street hawk high-end salvage, Haymaker, which opened in June, features a curated selection of objects from local designers and artists. Proprietor Arrin Williams pairs contemporary, handcrafted furniture with dazzling posters designed by Sonnenzimmer and Legendre & Rutter.

The Haymaker Shop
5507 North Clark
(773)681-0798
haymakershop.com

Best of Chicago 2011

Amish Healthy Foods

When all the farmer’s markets are done for the season but you’re still looking to support local, sustainable food—that doesn’t break the bank—this Amish market really hits the spot. In addition to a fairly wide selection of meat, including grass-fed beef, the market also offers fresh butter, milk and eggs from an Amish farm in Indiana. Sometimes they’ve even got double-yolk duck eggs in stock. Seasonal selections like fresh vegetables and cider round out the selection. It’s not organic, but doesn’t have the pretension or price tags of some places that are.

Amish Healthy Foods
1023 North Western
(773)278-1717
amishhealthyfoods.com

Best of Chicago 2011

Method Bicycle

Garry Alderman handcrafts steel-frame bikes so visually pleasing that they’ve been exhibited in art galleries.

Method Bicycle
350 North Ogden #450E
(312)965-8635
methodbicycle.com

Best of Chicago 2011

Chanelle at Bliss Spa

Her attention to detail of the body’s needs goes beyond what your body even thinks it needs. Deep tissue treatment or a Blissage or the ginger rub, her code name should be milk because she does a body good.

Mr. Ash

Ashod Baboorian, more commonly known as Mr. Ash, returns to his native Armenia every other year to entertain underprivileged children. At home in Chicago, he’s said “abracadabra” to rooms full of revelers and tables full of diners. Mr. Ash sells disappearing coin, dancing rope and diminishing card tricks at his Ravenswood shop. You’ll find more magic tricks and gag gifts  than silk scarves in a magic top hat. For an amazing experience, ask Mr. Ash to demo a magic trick right at his shop for you.

Ash’s Magic Shop
4955 North Western
(773)271-4030
ashs-magic.com

Best of Chicago 2011

House Of Sole

If you are a woman who has an eclectic addiction to shoes like alcoholics who only drink twenty-five-year-old single-malt scotch, this is the place for you.

House of Sole
1237 South Michigan
(312)834-0909
houseofsole.net

Audience choice:
Akira
122 South State, (312)346-3034
835 North Michigan, (312)280-4820
668 West Diversey, (773)327-1040
1849 West North, (773)342-8684
shopakira.com

Best of Chicago 2011

Bianca at Center Nails and Dayspa

It’s the hands. Customers have said she owns the “Hands of God.” Soft, acute, personal, professional. If you’ve had fifteen facials this year alone you haven’t had a facial until “God’s hands” have found your face.

Center Nails and Dayspa
818 North State
(312)951-7332
centernailanddayspa.com

Best of Chicago 2011

Dusty Groove America

Walk into the door and you are trapped for two hours. Easily. Crate diggin’ at its finest. It’s a comic book store for beat fiends, vinyl junkies and urban music aficionados that #OCCUPYLADYGAGA.

Dusty Groove America
1120 North Ashland
(773)342-5800
dustygroove.com

Audience choice:
Reckless Records
26 East Madison, (312)795-0878
1532 North Milwaukee, (773)235-3727
3126 North Broadway, (773)404-5080
reckless.com

Best of Chicago 2011

Pan Am at Cram Fashion

In the 1950s, Pan Am stewardesses sported white gloves and smart suits. The retro look has been recreated in the movie “Catch Me If You Can” and the new TV show “Pan Am.” Though the television show may soon be grounded, Pan Am luggage is ready for takeoff. So embark on a trip to Cram boutique. You’ll find official, reissued Pan Am flight bags, shoulder bags and suitcases. Spring for a stylish bag in blue or black, with Pan Am’s globe logo imprinted in white. Then fly off to new horizons.

Cram Fashion
3329 North Broadway
(773)477-1737
cramchicago.com

Best of Chicago 2011