Best Western
A bustling retail corridor blooms on Madison Street in Forest Park, Oak Park's neighbor to the west.
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From left: the trendy M. Santana; world-class tea merchant Todd & Holland; Treehouse Boutique for kids' clothing
WHERE TO SHOP
Foodies will find several appealing shops, starting with Flavour Cooking School. Besides offering classes in everything from knife skills and mixology to Sichuan and French cooking, Flavour also sells cookware, utensils, and gourmet foodstuffs, such as intensely flavored A L’Olivier passion fruit vinegar. Next door at HouseRed, Saturday afternoon means free tastings from among the in-depth selection of 200-plus wines. And at the world-class tea merchant Todd & Holland, co-owner Bill Todd willingly shares his encyclopedic knowledge of the 200 loose-leaf teas and dozens of teapots he keeps in stock.
If it’s fashion you came for, start with a good foundation at the lingerie shop Baubo’s Garden, named for the belly goddess. At newcomer Deedee & Edee, find a chic copper-colored swing coat created by the owner, a former banker who is living her dream of designing clothing based on vintage Vogue patterns. Pick up some high-end jeans from 1921 or Fidelity at M. Santana; then pair them with jewelry and a bag from Team Blonde’s selection of socially conscious options, such as a pop arty Vy & Elle purse made from recycled billboards. Complete your look with dressy designer shoes from Afkara or some adorable retro-style Re-Mix peep-toes from Heels. For the young fashionista in your life, hit Treehouse Boutique, which carries hip kids’ clothing up to size 8 for boys and 12 for girls.
A half-dozen antiques stores, several artsy home goods boutiques (such as Two Fish Art Glass), a luscious yarn shop (Chix with Stix), bead store (Briolette), and top-notch used CD and vinyl store (The Old School Records) round out the offerings.
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