Want to find the latest pair of fashionable Lucky Brand
Jeans? Looking for a kitschy Chicago souvenir?
Hoping to find that perfect sexy piece of La Perla lingerie or a pair of
authentic Ferragamo shoes? Or maybe you
are simply in the city to enjoy the ambience of big-city shopping and are
curious about those one-of-a-kind deals that come with perusing the various
Chicago boutiques and State Street retailers.
Whatever the reason, you've definitely made the right
decision to visit Chicago, a world-class destination for shopping. The city's "Magnificent Mile" area
boasts of diverse retailers, four multi-level malls anchored by classic
department stores such as Bloomingdales and Nordstrom, exceptional dining
experiences, and extraordinary hotel accommodations. "Oak and Rush" streets feature a
refreshing mixture of couture shops and high-end boutiques with prestigious
brand names like Kate and Jack Spade, Jimmy Choo, Prada, and Hermes (just to
name a few!). Not to be outdone, the centre
of Chicago neighbourhoods, "State Street", offers various speciality
retailers for those shoppers looking for a bit more affordable shopping
experience.
There are many other shopping excursions to venture out on
while you are in Chicago. Don't just
stay downtown. Live a little and take a
quick taxi ride or El ride into one of the many Chicago neighbourhoods and shop
with the locals. If you are a hip
designer conscious shopper who absolutely adores trendy, vintage, and/or
alternative digs, then the Bucktown and Wicker Park boutique circuit is a must-do! Casa de Soul, Eurotrash, Scoop NYC,
and The Silver Room are just a few of the stops along the way. Lakeview has its shopping highlights as
well. Gramaphone Records carries vinyl
copies of rare and imported dance, rap, and various commercial records. Century
Shopping Centre is your typical mall that went through a recent renovation in
1999, however, the best feature is its fine arts theatre that shows various
independent films on seven screens. Oh,
and if you're in for a day trip, Chicago (well suburban Schaumburg and
Boilingbrook) has two IKEA locations!
Chicago shopping has a lot to offer! Unfortunately, you just can't do it all in
one day. In an effort to have a more
pleasurable experience, please take into consideration the following:
1. How many dedicated
shopping days do you have?
2. What is your
shopping objective?
3. What is your
shopping budget?
4. Are you going solo
or are you shopping with friends, family, or even children?
5.
Transportation? Parking is not
cheap even if you do find a meter! Public transportation or taxi, if your
budget allows, is better for the serious shopper.
6. Where is your
hotel located?
7. Eating out or
packing a lunch?
8. You absolutely
must have comfortable shoes! There will
be a lot of walking involved.
So, hit the sidewalks, be brave, fight those crowds, and
find what you're looking for…right in Chicago.
Comments