They don’t call it the Mag Mile for no reason. A beautiful 14 blocks (give or take) full of distinctly Chicago shopping, the stretch of shiny window displays, latest fashion trends and designer names draws millions of tourists a year.
Big brand names include Neiman Marcus, Burberry, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton – plus a few shopping centers that offer even MORE brand names like Water Tower Place and 900 North Michigan Shops.
But if you’re like me, sometimes navigating the tweens, blind text-and-walkers, strollers, Segways and other tourists can be freaking exhausting. And totally not worth it just to snag the latest fast-fashion piece to be a clone of the 87 catalogues that came in your mailbox last week.
Lucky for us Chicagoans, we live in a mecca for merchandise. Not just of big box retailers and hot designers, but also shops and boutiques cultivated by locals and transplants alike, all offering a unique experience and variety of pieces that have been carefully selected. Below, I’ve broken down 5 hidden Chicago shopping gems for when you just don’t feel like braving Michigan Avenue.
Tribeca Boutique – 1035 W. Madison
While it is in the ever-bustling West Loop neighborhood, I know for a fact people come from all over the city to stop in this shop. The owner, Kim Hiley, has been in business for just about 20 years – at the first location in Lincoln Park for 9 and 10 in the bustling West Loop (it’s current location).
The main game here is “season-less” pieces – things you can layer and aren’t confined to just one type of weather. This is stuff I geek out over. Anyone who knows me knows I am a HUGE fan of functional form. I seriously lose it over reversible vests and purses with 3 different strap options. I just picked up a small black fringed cross-body back that I can wear all different kinds of ways. AND I can carry it as a wristlet or a clutch. (Insert nerd emoji here.) I also come here for statement jewelry, special occasion dresses and other items that mirror the latest trends but have their own twist!
The Fig Tree – 1037 W. Madison
I’m all about that kill-two-birds lifestyle, so the fact that this shop is right next to Tribeca is amazing (or a little dangerous, depending on your MO). Where else in the city can you get a wedding shower card that says “You’re getting married and I’m getting wasted!” on it? They clearly understand my sense of humor.
For someone who agonizes over whether to settle for a mediocre well-wishing message that only sort of fits the situation and include a lot of weird, sappy sentiment or to just yolo it and go with a non-related blank card, this shop is gold. They also offer accessories, candles, household goods and special occasion gifts (my go-to birthday gift is a wine glass that says “This wine is making me awesome”). Definitely a must-visit!
Related: need a lunch break? Check out this guide to Green Street Smoked Meats, which just so happens to be located a few blocks away from Tribeca and The Fig Tree!
The Randolph Street Market - 1340 W Washington Street
Just like Chicago, the Randolph Street Market has two very distinct personalities depending on the season – winter mode and summer mode. In the colder months, West Loop’s Plumbers Hall is transformed into a maze of antiques, unique foods and awesome finds. In the warmer months, the entire outdoor parking lot is set up with tents you can weave through, sunglasses on and cocktail in hand. Obviously, cocktails, live music and yummy food are a staple at both.
I have found some of the coolest pieces here – everything from amethyst geodes for our bar cart (at very reasonable prices) to handmade jewelry and hand poured natural candles that come in up-cycled alcohol bottles and smell like party from local Chicago Candle Company. I admittedly have never been much of a brand cult-follower, but I now follow many of these vendors around the city and shop specifically from them!
Photo courtesy of North & Hudson.
North & Hudson - many locations
Speaking of cult-followings and Chicago shopping, one of my favorite vendors I discovered at the Randolph Street Market is North & Hudson. I first came across the shop at one of the outdoor markets and was immediately obsessed with the traveling fashion truck. Not only does it have wood floors and air conditioning (hallelujah!), but also boasts a fitting room. How neat is that? This is my favorite place to pick up bohemian-inspired vests and cozy sweaters. The products are all locally made in Chicago and they care a lot about where their materials come from.
The more I’ve been following North & Hudson, the more they’ve been popping up all over the city. In addition to their traveling truck, they also have a pop-up boutique right outside the French Market at Ogilvy Transportation Center and they just opened another one at Block 37! You can also purchase from their website and Etsy shop.
Photo courtesy of Novaa.
Novaa - many locations
One of my newest discoveries, Novaa is a local Chicago boutique that focuses on mindful manufacturing and thoughtful sourcing. I met Becky and Bridget at the most recent Randolph Street Market and immediately fell in love with their bubbly personalities and brightly colored clothes. Rainbow colors and flowy pieces are my jam, yo!
Much like North & Hudson, you can find Novaa pop-up boutiques all over the city. They also have an online shop that shares more about their mission and brand and showcases the latest lines. All of the pieces are made either locally in the USA or sweatshop-free abroad.
Did I miss one of your favorite Chicago shopping hidden gems? Let me know in the comments! I’m always on the hunt for unique places to find new brands. Questions on the ones listed above? Let me know!
