Michael and Melissa Salvatore, the owners of Heritage Bicycles in Lake View, wanted a balance bike for their toddler. When they couldn’t find a design they liked, they enlisted the pros at their shop, which makes custom rides for adults. The resulting model was a hit with their son—but also with customers who wanted ones … Read more
For more than a decade, local jewelry designer Winifred Gundeck has run a successful business selling her constellation-themed cuffs and geometric necklaces to shops around the country, including Bird in Brooklyn and P.45 in Chicago. In May, she opened a boutique in Andersonville, where you can chat with her while you wait for charms or … Read more
High-five this master of enamels and the tiny brush.
Third time’s a charm for Mallory Ulaszek, who closed her shops Cityblue Apparel & Denim and CB last year to focus on this boutique. It keeps pace with current trends—stocking lines such as 10 Crosby by Derek Lam, ICB by Prabal Gurung, and See by Chloé—while taking risks with emerging brands and local labels that include … Read more
Every child of the ’80s needs to take a walk down memory lane and straight into this new Logan Square toy shop. Opened in March by husband-and-wife team Sam Wells and Liz McArthur, this silly store—its official name is Toy de Jour: Vintage, Toys, Arts & Farts—sells a serious collection of nostalgic toys from classic … Read more
Built around the idea that having a decent sofa to sit on or a place to stow your sweaters shouldn’t break the bank, Lake View–based Wrightwood Furniture stocks well-priced goods in a variety of styles, from French antique to industrial metal to rustic country. Prices hover around $100 for dining chairs and other smaller pieces, … Read more
During one of Chicago’s infamous winters, Monica Royer, homebound with her newborn, scoured the Internet for baby apparel. Not finding options that were both modern and functional, she last fall launched Monica + Andy, an online infant and toddler clothing line featuring soft muslin blankets, seersucker suits, and tutu dresses. In June, Royer opened a brick-and-mortar … Read more
From its 1960s bar to the collection of salvaged furniture sourced from shuttered spaces such as the Viaduct Theater, this year-old salon is all charm and just a hint of flash. Lead stylist Jamie DiGrazia opened the Logan Square storefront with Tricia Serpe last August. From a menu of 30 services (haircuts from $30, coloring from … Read more
The antithesis of fast fashion, this little indie store in North Center shuns trends. Instead, shopkeeper Leigh Deleonardo supports makers (most of them local) who construct their wares in small batches. As a result, everything feels special: gauzy scarves made from hand-spun linen, comfortable day dresses perfect for hot weather, and vintage-inspired jewelry cast in … Read more
Once a modest 1,000-foot Pilsen storefront, the new and improved Modern Cooperative doubled its space last fall when it moved to historic Thalia Hall. Now it’s a big one-stop shop for midcentury modern decor and furniture. You’ll find accent chairs, sofas, coffee tables, credenzas, gifts (including fantastic jewelry and handbags), and a taste of what … Read more
