QC’s Shop Hop highlights cool shops and salons in and around Chicago.
Want shoes that feel good, but leery of “comfort footwear” shops? A new Southport Corridor boutique has comfy, cozy shoes that still look stylish.
— Kelly Aiglon
The shop: Click Shoes & More, 3729 N. Southport Ave., (773-244-9141) opened in late March and stocks just about any women’s shoe style imaginable — including patent leather ballet flats by Jeffrey Campbell, wedge peep-toe slides by Seychelles and leather sandals by Born — plus a small handful of men’s shoes, such as Privo loafers. Tying the selection together is that the shoes are designed for comfort, thanks to extra-cushy soles and soft canvas and leather. Low prices are common denominators too; for summer, nearly every shoe is priced at less than $100. The “& More” refers to handbags (think black clutches and Judith Leiber-esque beaded bags priced at $18 to $42), watches, headbands and vintage-inspired jewelry.
The vibe: There’s nothing sparse about it. Resting on boxes and shelves of varying heights, the shoes look somewhat jumbled against the backdrop of the shop’s yellow and pink walls. Faux-crystal chandeliers give a more refined touch. You have to hunt for what you want, as everything is arranged by brand, not style.
The owner: Paula Eisen is the founder of Chicago Shakers Social and Adventure Club, a social networking group for people in their 30s and 40s; and ExpressDater, a speed-dating service. “I was used to saying [to club members] that there’s a shoe for every foot in the singles world, and now it has meaning,” she says.
The steal: Although nothing will break the bank, the real deals are $20 pairs of Reef flip-flops — some equipped with bottle openers on the bottom. Sounds like a summer barbecue waiting to happen.
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