Shopping for that one item you need is rarely enjoyable. But shopping for the sheer fun of it is a great American pastime. Young boutique owners have made Division Street in Wicker Park a destination for funky clothes, hip housewares and beauty goods.
LE FETICHE
1939 W. Divison St., 773-252-5120
According to manager Hanae Mauldin, this year-old shoe boutique focuses on stocking “fashion-forward” goods and serving the neighborhood’s diverse population. Regular customers include working stiffs as well as the young and trendy, but whoever shops here has one thing in common: money (or debt). Argentine designer Luca Luca’s heels go for $400, and the cool geometric creations of United Nude–a London-based design firm co-founded by architect Rem Koolhaas–will set you back $250.
PENELOPE’S
1913 W. Division St., 773-395-2351
With its mod vibe and pop-art decor, shopping at this funky clothes and accessories store is like hanging out in your very fashionable friend’s loft–the friend who owns every pair of kicks you’ve ever coveted and whose great look appears mind-numbingly effortless. But thumbing through Penelope’s racks is even cooler, because your friend isn’t here. (‘Cause let’s be honest: You can’t stand that friend.)
MILK & HONEY CAFE
1920 W. Divison St., 773-395-9434
The only real lunch action on this stretch used to be the cheap and mildly grimy Leo’s Lunchroom. We love Leo’s, but for a sunnier nosh–albeit more expensive–try this gourmet sandwich shop. Herb crusted beef is delish and the homemade chips are enough to inspire a shopping hiatus.
STINKER BELLE
1951 W. Divison St., 773-252-4120
Yes, there are a lot of scruffy college grads living in Wicker Park. Yes, there is a lot of incense burned around the neighborhood. But people, please, can we grow up already? For a safer, fire-free version of your beloved burning sticks, check out Stinker Belle, 24-year-old Jennifer McCoy’s bath and beauty shop. McCoy studied classical voice, was a pastry chef for four years and is now peddling shampoo, skin-care products and, our favorite, Alora Ambiance, a natural, dare we say sophisticated, air-freshener. Young people, put down your lighters.
RUBY ROOM
1743 W. Division St., 773-635-5000
So you’ve been shopping for three hours and really need to sit down? Hit this spa, and plop yourself at the Sue Devitt makeup counter. Bring along your paint bag and Ruby’s knowledgable staff will sort through your stash, weeding out the good mascara from the bad and suggesting new options.
PAPER DOLL
1747 W. Divison St., 773-227-6950
We’ve never walked into four-year-old card and gift shop Paper Doll without a greeting from pug Maude. We’re not sure what Maude’s official role is, but with her knowing glare we like to think she’s secretly judging the customers. “Another belated birthday card for your wife? Nice going, pal.”
PUBLIC I
1923 W. Division St., 773-772-9088
Having a bad-body day? We know the feeling. And so does the friendly staff at Public I, the nine-year-old clothing store–or “urban department store”–which moved to Wicker Park from Lakeview two years ago and added menswear.
More Top Picks Wifi Router
We love the colorful selection of women’s blazers and men’s sport coats (like this one by Oliver Spencer, left), but mostly, we love manager Heather Bruno (inset), who makes us feel much cuter than we did when we walked in.
PORTE ROUGE
1911 W. Divison St., 773-269-2800
Porte Rouge carries beautiful, late-19th Century French and “French-friendly” antiques and housewares, but according to owner Kristin Drutchas, what pulls in the customers is the constantly brewing aromatic tea. In fact, the homey store has its own Salon De The (If you don’t know what that means, you’ve been shopping too long), featuring Mariage Freres tea from France. They sell the beautifully-displayed leaves in bulk and are always eager to pour you a complimentary cup. They’re not pushy, they just love tea.
Photos for the Tribune by Erik Unger.
The first of an occasional series on the neighborhoods where we buy, browse and beautify.