As Promised...

Alright, so here's the post you've been promised!

Now, for those of you who live around the city of Chicago, you've probably been to the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Mag Mile, the Bean, and so many of the other kitchy tourist attractions. You've also probably been bored to tears by most of them after an hour. A lot of the tourist industry in Chicago depends on these landmarks, but I've learned that the best places for actual shopping are the places the locals go.

The locals LOVE Wicker Park. It's this alterna-hip area of Chicago right off the blue line that serves as the thrumming pulse of fashion in the city. I went here with a friend a few weeks ago, and as you can see from some of these pictures, everyone has a great sense of humor and they all make the most of the harsher economic times, making the atmosphere playful and energetic.

One of my favorite stores was Stitch (online at stitchchicago.com); they had an array of really eclectic stuff from utilitarian briefcases to cute bohemian-inspired laptop bags and a ton of well made furniture and other accessories. A lot of their stuff was very high priced though, so if you do go in, make sure to brace yourself.

If you're looking to avoid the splurge, there are also a TON of resale stores in the area (known to the locals as Bucktown; on the maps it'll come up as Wicker Park). All down North Ave and Damen, there are a ton of cute hole-in-the-wall shops with steals that you wouldn't believe. Lucky Magazine actually did a spread about one of the resale stores down there that specializes in Cowboy Boots (real, honest to goodness, beautifully made and beat-up-just-right cowboy boots) and I went to check it out. It turns out that I was misled by the magazine in thinking that the boots would be at resale prices because they were at a resale store, but it made for pretty, rustic decoration nonetheless. The boots ranged anywhere from $150 to $500.

Also, go into the store that says that it's really boring. It literally says that it's "really boring" on the outside. I swear, you need to go in, it's such a trip.

If you guys are into art-deco, I would also check out this AMAZING little chinese gallery; it's got furniture and beautiful household items all over the place. Obviously a little over priced, but very fun to browse in.

Now, that's going to conclude this post; I want to keep them shorter now just so that I can make actually getting these up more regular.

Is anyone reading, by the way? Drop a line, something...let me know that you're there!

Love you, whoever you are!

Miss Guided