Interior shot of Odile
Odile

 

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Best of Chicago 2010 »
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Our shopping reporter’s favorite new stores of 2010. PLUS: Tell us in the comments below, what’s your favorite new store in Chicago?

BABY ODILE Odile is a Gold Coast grandma’s nirvana, stocked with heirloom merchandise from European designers—mostly Italian, with some French. Almost all the designers represented in Camille Cozzini’s shop aren’t available anywhere else in Chicago. Keepsake gifts include silver rattles from Ari D. Norman ($190 to $300), Steiff teddy bears, hand-knit cardigans ($402), gingham overalls by the Italian brand Le Nouveau-Né, and a diaper bag from Gabriel et Valentine, which combines Loro Piana cashmere and leather ($1,800). 710 N. WABASH AVE.; 312-255-0800

HOME 610 HOME Many of Geneva’s stellar home stores have a traditional bent, but this newcomer takes a more citified approach to decorating that favors neutral colors and mixing styles. 610 Home stocks Regency chairs, midcentury desks, vintage chairs re-covered in unusual fabrics, and a new line of reclaimed wood furniture with a French aesthetic. Designers have gone gaga for the place. 610 S. FIRST ST., GENEVA; 630-262-3770, 610HOMEGENEVA.COM

LOCAL DESIGNER SWABY The Canadian transplant Shernett Swaby opened this eponymous boutique last year after she closed her Toronto shops to relocate here. All designed and hand-sewn by Swaby, the tops, trousers, skirts, and dresses emphasize timeless details like cascading ruffles, pleats, and impeccable tailoring. (Prices range from $500 to $5,000.) Although the shop is open by appointment only, it doubles as Swaby’s studio—odds are that she’ll be there. 1933 N. DAMEN AVE.; 312-533-1745, SHERNETTSWABY.COM

NEW RETAIL CONCEPT REVISION HOME Revision Home, a seller of vintage and new furniture that opened just ten months ago, has invented a novel business model: Four times a year, the owner, Katie Ernst, fills her warehouse with new inventory, opens for the weekend, then sells whatever remains online and by appointment. “I wanted to build that sense of anticipation and demand,” Ernst says. “It’s working.” Past sales have featured Asian-style lamps, vintage trunks and barware, unusual case goods, and artist-made tables, chairs, and living room seating; the next one is September 17th and 18th. 2132 W. FULTON ST.; 312-226-2221, REVISIONCHICAGO.COM

WOMEN’S SARCA Next door to Odile and owned by Camille’s sister Alexis Cozzini, Sarca has become a hot spot for local jet setters, who can now save themselves a flight to look for hard-to-find lines from Italy, France, England, and Australia. The boutique stocks the requisite high-end denim, flowy resort-wear dresses, evening gowns, fab shoes, and some nice city exclusives. 710 N. WABASH AVE.; 312-255-0900

 

Photograph: Kendall Karmanian