Milwaukee Avenue is one of the most stylish streets in Chicago, lined with boutiques like Roslyn, Language, and Jade. We sat down with Laura Haberman, owner of Jade and local fashion expert.

How did Jade get started? Did you always want to be involved in the fashion industry?

Although I've spent many years of working in the fashion industry in some capacity, I've always known that owning my own business was my ultimate goal. At first, I wasn't sure what kind of store I wanted to open, so I researched many different ideas and possibilities before deciding on women's clothing and accessories. It's what I love the most and know the best.

What are some of the most popular labels and trends that you're carrying for spring and summer? What are some of your favorite individual pieces right now?

Some of the more popular labels/styles sold at Jade right now are the T-Bags long and short cotton dresses in solids and bright, fun patterns. They're perfect for day to night dressing. In addition, M Missoni has been flying off the shelves here lately – the traditional zig-zag knit tunics, dresses and cardigans. These are timeless, classic knits that can be dressed up or worn with jeans, and they always bring the compliments!

This summer is all about the dresses, and I've got every shape and style, including a lot of baby dolls, a-line and smock styles. They're not the best for every body type, but they do hide lots of imperfections! My favorite pieces right now are a Mara Hoffman one shouldered mini dress with a green vine print and colorful M Missoni wedge shoes!

Who would you love to have shop at Jade?

I've already had a few - Jessica Simpson and John Mayer, Lisa Ling, Robin Tunney, but I would love it if Jennifer Aniston or Molly Sims came by - that would make my year!

How did you choose your location? Why Bucktown/Wicker Park?

I lived on Milwaukee for 5 years before opening and always felt it was the perfect place for Jade. This area still has its own eclectic, grungy, meat-packing district feel but there are tons of young families and singles residing in the apartments and houses nearby. Although the neighborhood is growing rapidly, and I welcome change, but I don't want to see Wicker Park and Bucktown lose their originality and unique flavor like Armitage Avenue did.

What's your personal style like? What is your favorite piece(s) in your own wardrobe?

My personal style tends to vary depending on where I'm going or what I'm doing that day, but it is always laid-back and un-fussy – I wear pieces that I feel good in. Because I don't like to chase trends, I tend to have one or two items of clothing in rotation at a time for awhile and once I'm sick of it, I won't wear it again for a year or two! I also try to wear items from Jade – I'm my own best model in terms of showing customers how the clothes look on real people. Outside of the store I like to shop when I travel and pick up unique, interesting pieces. My favorite piece in my wardrobe currently is a Mike & Chris Sheldon jacket which is the material of a sweatshirt with a feminine cut.

What sets Jade apart from other Chicago area boutiques?

Jade is unique because I don't cater to every trend, but instead seek out styles and designers that will stand the test of time. I and my staff focus on customer service first, because a happy customer is a repeat customer.

What do you think will be popular next fall? Can you give me a preview of what you'll be carrying? Any new designers to look out for?

Next fall Jade will be carrying a ton of high-waisted, wide leg jeans and pants as well as many knit sweaters, jackets, and capes that can be worn in multiple ways. I'll also be stocking lots of print shawls from M Missoni , tissue thin sweaters by Dear Cashmere, ultra soft tees by Aude and so much more...

Check out Jade on the web at www.jadechicago.com

Where can you find shoes that are environmentally friendly, comfortable, and cute? Chicago shoe designer Annie Mohaupt has the answer. Her Mohop sandals are some of the most unique shoes around. Made from a wooden sole that's screen-printed with a variety of hand-drawn designers, wearers tie the shoe to their feet by lacing ribbons of their choice through the elastic loops.

Hhow did you come up with the idea for Mohop?

I was first inspired by my friend Susanna, a jewelry designer who encouraged me to share a booth with her at the Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago in September 2005. I always thought it would be fun to participate in a craft fair, and I wanted to make something really unique. Because I've always loved wooden shoes, I decided to try to make my own -- mainly because I wanted to make a craft that would be unusual and stand out at the fair. My original concept, which actually came to me suddenly one evening in May 2005, was based on the idea of a skateboard, which is also screen printed and composed of bent wood. I was thinking about lady-like mini skateboards for the feet, without the "skate" part.

What makes your shoes so unique?

First of all, I believe I'm the only person in the world who is making hand-bent wooden sandals. I actually didn't realize this for a long time. The idea of making sandals from bent plywood didn't seem that out of the ordinary to me so I was surprised to discover through research that I'm the only person doing this by hand. There are several major shoe companies who carry machine-made plywood sandals, however.

The concept for the most unique aspect of the shoes -- the interchangeable ribbon ties -- originated after I made the wooden bottoms of the shoes, I wasn't sure how to make the tops of the shoes without using a last -- a foot-shaped mold traditionally used to form shoes. When the idea of elastic loops came to mind, it was a total AHA! moment. The elastic makes the shoes very comfortable, allowing the top of the shoe to move with the foot instead of chafing. And the best part is the wearer can change out the ribbons to match her mood and personal style!

Do you follow trends in terms of color and pattern for ribbons, etc. or just go with what you like at the moment?

My current shoe line is not really trend-based. The idea is that the wearer can create the trendy looks themselves very inexpensively, by just changing out the ribbons. For example, yellow is a really hot color this summer, especially for accessories, but that doesn't mean you have to buy yellow shoes -- just lace your Mohops up with yellow ribbons! And if a certain color or style of ribbon is not available from my site, then a quick trip to the ribbon section of the fabric store will yield tons of choices. Also, for those who are feeling creative, pretty much anything can be used to tie the shoes -- scarves, yarn, fabric strips, d-ring belts ...

Much of the original artwork printed on the sandal sole is hand-drawn, and is developed from different styles of doodles I've been doing for as long as I can remember. I also love to travel and to incorporate images inspired by my trips.

Do you wear your shoes?

My personal style is very eclectic. I like to mix all sorts of pieces. I love to buy from fellow Chicago designers or other indie designers, and mix it with H&M or thrift-store finds. I tend to like lots of color, and can be very "girly" in how I dress -- I love the contrast of wearing a cute skirt while using my bandsaw.

I wear my shoes as often as I can. I wear my sandals every day about 6 months out of the year which is stretching the sandal season quite a bit here in Chicago! I actually am constantly evaluating my shoes for fit, comfort and durability and usually walk in them for a couple miles every day. No blisters! Ever!

Does Mohop have a core customer?

I'm happy to say that a wide variety of women of all backgrounds wear Mohop, from teenagers to grandmothers. My core customer, however, is the type who appreciates the work of smaller, emerging designers. They want to wear the newest, most innovative designs, tend to be creative and fashion-forward types and are intrigued by new ideas. Many of my customers appreciate specific aspects of my sandals -- whether she's a bride looking for the perfect match for her dress, a vegetarian looking for shoes that are free from animal products or a concerned individual looking for sustainable and eco-friendly footwear.

What's new for spring and summer 2007, and what do you have planned for fall?

I'm updating my sole designs for spring and summer 2007 and adding lots of ribbons to my online shop. In the next few weeks, I'll be adding platform sandals and a new design that incorporates cork for additional cushioning. Not that additional cushioning is necessary -- but some people, who have not actually experienced the comfort of wearing my shoes or other wood-soled shoes such as clogs or Dr. Scholl's, worry that a firm surface wouldn't be comfy ... some people see the wood sole and are concerned, so I'm adding the cork option. For fall, I'm working on some close-toed styles, so I and my customers in colder climates can wear Mohops all year round!

I've actually been so busy keeping up with orders for my current styles, it is very difficult to come up with new ones! Especially because I am very, very meticulous in testing all styles for fit, durability and comfort. Most shoe companies have teams of people designing new styles, and I just have me, so I have fewer new collections while I'm still in my new, up-and-coming stage. Eventually, however, I'd like to have a full range of shoes, including boots.

Chicagoans can buy Mohops at Wolfbait & B-Girls in Logan Square and City Soles in Lakeview and Wicker Park. Check out www.mohop.com for more retailers and new styles.

"I love to discover 'best-kept secrets ... develop new designers and carry lines that no one else has," says Melissa Shipley, owner of Lissa on Maxwell in the South Loop. Named after her childhood moniker (Lissa) and her location on historic Maxwell Street, Melissa's boutique is stocked with clothing and accessories by emerging labels like Castle Starr, Madison Marcus and Tony Cohen.

But though Melissa is passionate about introducing the work of little-known designers to her customers -- "Behind the Buy" placards around her store detail each designer's background and philosophy -- she notes, "One of the most important things I've learned since opening Lissa is how to combine my customers' wants and needs with my own personal style."

"I look for pieces that are feminine and little bit romantic but still very modern," she claims. "There's a certain elegance to everything I buy." She seeks out investment pieces instead of trendy, of-the-moment items, however, "I do buy the trends that appeal to my own sense of style." In fact, her fashion predilections play a major role in her selections. "I buy what I love and hope others love it too."

Tailored blazers by Smythe, Grecian-inspired cocktail dresses by Tony Cohen, and wide leg trousers by Castle Starr are all on her current must-have list. Despite the fact that stylish celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Sarah Jessica Parker would look right at home amidst her carefully edited racks, Melissa, a former CPA, insists "I would much rather see local women shop here than celebrities."

She prides herself on listening to her clientele and paying attention to what doesn't work. For fall 2007, Lissa on Maxwell will be featuring plenty of black, gray and midnight blue, because she says, "It is the palette that Chicago women want. We're also getting away from voluminous dresses and baby silhouettes because my customers are looking for something sleeker. And we're doing higher waists and wider legs in general."

Melissa also offers a unique reason to visit the South Loop's up-and-coming shopping district. In addition to the gorgeous merchandise, one-on-one service and exciting atmosphere, she boasts "[The neighborhood has] incredibly cheap and easy-to-find parking!" So you'll have some extra cash to spend on some fabulous additions to your wardrobe.

Lissa on Maxwell

729 West Maxwell Street

Chicago, IL 60607

(312)563-9470

www.lissaonmaxwell.com

Natalie Barber knows that women want: stylish clothes that are feminine and a little bit glamorous, and her Wicker Park boutique stays true to that.

How did Language get started?

My background is actually nowhere near fashion -- I began my career in finance nine years ago as a CPA for Price Waterhouse Coopers then quickly moved into investing. I worked for Standard & Poors and then most recently as a CFA & equity analyst for a large Chicago-based mutual fund. About two years ago I began to realize that my real passion lay outside of the financial world and since I had always loved fashion, I started toying with the idea of Language. By fall of 2005 I had made the decision to make the leap and Language opened its doors in March 2006.

What trends are you carrying for spring and summer?

My most popular labels right now are Debra Rodman's pinafore dresses & bubble skirt dresses, Ingwa;melero's sexy "Dita" dress and top, and Fluet's 3/4 sleeve trapeze dress. A big spring trend is vintage-inspired silhouettes like ultra-short dresses and swingy shapes. My personal favorites are probably the items described above, and I absolutely love jewelry by Iosselliani -- their 5 ring set is amazing.

Who would you love to have shop at Language?

My celebrity dream customers are definitely Sienna Miller and Kate Moss, because they follow their own instincts while everyone else is waiting to see which way the fashion winds are blowing. They also have a strong personal sense of what feels sexy to them -- they don't seem to care about the media's perception of sexy, and I like that. Kirsten Dunst has a great vintage style and I admire her willingness to be different and take risks with her look. And I think that Rachel Bilson is sort of a doll too.

Why did you open your store in Wicker Park as opposed to the other shopping areas in Chicago ?

Wicker Park and Bucktown are some of the last frontiers of Chicago shopping that have not been completely overrun with national chains. Even though this is changing as several chains have recently moved in (Urban Outfitters, Marc Jacobs, and American Apparel), but the artistic vitality and independent spirit is certainly still here and I think it will continue to exist despite the influx of bigger brands.

Do you wear any of the labels that you carry?

Yes, my entire wardrobe is from the store! My own look is very feminine and I'm almost always wearing a dress, but I keep it unfussy and a bit whimsical with pairing my dresses with vintage jewelry and other accessories that take things down a notch. The only time I'm not wearing a dress these days is when I'm wearing my braided high-waisted jeans by Grey Ant - I'm completely obsessed with this new silhouette!

What makes Language unique and sets it apart from all the other Chicago boutiques?

We are not a one-stop shopping place for all people. Instead, we focus on a particular customer who shares our sense of style -- the woman who loves to have some old-school glamour in her everyday life and wants each piece in her wardrobe to be special and timeless. In addition, we aren't interested in being a jeans and t-shirt emporium or a department store that sells lots of basics. Language sells very special pieces and we believe that our customers come here when they want something really beautiful and exclusive. In regard to trends, we skip over any that we find personally unappealing because we don't want our customers to look in their closet in six months and say "what was I thinking?"

What do you think will be popular next fall?

I'm personally obsessed with '70s glamour for the upcoming seasons -- think Bianca Jagger and Halston mixed with a little early Debbie Harry.

Are there any sales or events coming up that readers should know about?

Yes! Through July 31st 2007 all first time online shoppers will receive $20 off a purchase of $150 or more on any regular price item at Language's new e-boutique, www.shoplanguage.com

Language

1537 North Milwaukee Ave

Chicago, IL 60622

www.shoplanguage.com

A gorgeous piece of jewelry has a lot of power. It can transform even the most basic outfit into something special and it can become your signature -- an integral part of your personal style.

Chicago designer Tracey Mayer knows all too well the potency of beautiful jewelry. Her eponymous collection consists of bold, eye-catching pieces rendered in luxurious 950 silver, accented with cinnabar and hand-carved in Mother of Pearl.

Handmade in Indonesia by local artisans using traditional techniques, her design philosophy blends ancient craftsmanship with contemporary elegance. "Every one of the silversmiths and jewelers is an artist in their own right -- they've been born into artisan families and they each have their own individual interpretation and style. These subtle differences are proof that the jewelry is handmade and that's what makes it so special."

"I've always wanted to be in the fashion industry -- it's in my blood and I love what I do," she says, elaborating, "I studied textile design and marketing in college, but after traveling to India for the first time, I became fascinated by the silversmiths who still make jewelry by hand ... After several trips I decided to start designing jewelry and have them create some pieces for me."

Tracey says of the collaboration, "Watching the smiths work and seeing my ideas being translated into a finished piece of jewelry is a great source of inspiration." Inspiration also comes from what she'd like to see in her jewelry box as well as pieces she's already designed. "I'll freshen everything up each season -- add a second necklace, change the stones and just go more in depth with everything," she says.

Two of her more popular collections are the Daisy collection made from hand-carved Mother of Pearl and the Mystical collection which features silver set with old Chinese coins. She's also adding 10 to 12 new cufflink designs for men before the summer accessory shows, as well as wallet chains for both men and women.

For the coming seasons, Tracey is developing a new collection called "Chinese rose" that's crafted from black mother of pearl carved into hibiscus flowers. Fans of rich, vivid color will love her "Cinnabar" collection too. Furthermore, she's using unique, innovative finishes on her silver. For example, the 'near-melt' treatment involves taking the metal just to the point where it's about to become liquid and stopping, so that the result looks like tinfoil. (Of course this is a very high-end version of tinfoil.)

When it comes to wearing her own pieces -- since most of her designs demand to be the focal point of an ensemble, as opposed to a mere accessory -- Tracey usually wears one piece at a time. "They are definitely 'wow pieces,'" she says, adding, "keeping it simple is so much more dramatic and sophisticated looking."

This said, the best thing about splurging on Tracey's jewelry is there's no guilt involved. A percentage of the profits from Tracey's designs directly benefit the people and cultures that inspired them. "My ultimate goal is to build my own orphanage in India," she explains. "I'm currently in training with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and that will allow me to do something here as I work towards my goal. I'll definitely continue to do whatever I can to give back."

www.traceymayer.com

Fashionably Evil on the Streets of Chicago

Lidia Wachowska has her finger on the pulse of Chicago 's street style with Evil Kitty, a collection of funky pieces that mix urban toughness with a colorful, poppy edge. In fact, her signature 'Evil Kitty' character has been spotted prowling the hippest joints in Chicago .

"I have always designed clothing for myself but never imaged that fashion would end up being my career." Lidia went to college for graphic design, where she originally created the "Evil Kitty" logo as part of digital collage assignment. "Evil Kitty represents the rebellious side of my personality," she says. "I put the character on t-shirts and stickers and people just loved them, so I continued making them after graduation." Now her line includes a ton of different variations of the original character on t-shirts, hoodies, minidresses and more.

Lidia finds inspiration for her creations everywhere, from trendy teenagers on the street to the classic silhouettes of the '40s and '50s. "Evil Kitty is always going to extremes. I like to mix different eras and sources, like punk rock fashion and Japanese street style." Fabric stores are also a fount of ideas. "Sometimes I see material and know exactly what I'm going to make from it, and sometimes I just buy a certain fabric because it's so great and I'll figure out what to use it for later."

Lidia knows she's her own greatest advertisement."I've had people stop me on the street and tell me how much they love the character," she says. "Since I began my company, I've had the ability to make everything that I want to wear but can't find in stores." Besides her own work, Lidia's a fan of the layered look. "I'm happy leggings are back because they make it easier to sell my shorter skirts" she claims. "But I also wear an indie, rock-n-roll kind of look -- like skinny jeans paired with Converse sneakers and long coats. I really like the way that Gwen Stefani and Rose McGowan dress and I'd love to see them wearing my work."

Every season features new variations on her best-selling hoodies, tees and tanks. "My pullover hoodies with tons of color and pockets, prints and stripes have been selling like hotcakes." She's also doing some shorts and capris for spring, as well as strapless and babydoll dresses with the evil kitty logo. Perfect for layering with leggings and tees, these eye-catching dresses are definitely for the girl who loves to stand out of the crowd. And if you're just not a cat person, she's designed some feline-free pieces, including tees with an "e for evil" logo and girly tulle and satin skirts.

"Do what you love and stick to it," is Lidia's advice for aspiring designers. "It's kind of a cliché but it really is tough to make it in this business. Lots of people don't have the passion but if you really believe in what you do, eventually you'll make it. It's not easy though -- there's lots of competition. Use whatever resources you have -- wear your own clothes, have your friends and family wear them, get the word out however you can."

Check out the line for yourself at www.evilkitty.net.

Where would Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston both shop if they lived in Chicago? Though hopefully not at the same time, they'd probably enjoy perusing the racks of Kaveri's carefully chosen collection of minimalist yet slightly bohemian pieces by designers like Rag & Bone, Nieves Lavi and Edun.

The interior of the boutique is modern thanks to high ceilings and exposed brick, but the honey-colored wood and thick oriental rugs keep everything cozy. Although there are plenty of evening options, owner Kaveri Satpathy's main focus is on luxurious daywear like elegant trenchcoats, classic denim and perfectly cut little t-shirts. She also stocks some of this spring's biggest trends including casual dresses, jumpers and knee-length Bermuda shorts. Think all-American classics updated with a rich-hippie twist.

Some current standout pieces are sleek day-to-evening dresses from Lyle and Nieves Lavi in city-girl shades of charcoal and black. In addition, there are a variety of nautical inspired pieces from Tory Burch, including preppy seersucker shorts and crocheted tunics. Kaveri also carries perfectly worn-in denim from Chicago 's most wanted brands like Edun and Earnest Sewn -- and they'll find you the perfect top to go with them, whether it's a summery cotton blouse or a sharply tailored jacket. You'll be able to accessorize your new duds with rich leather bags from Gryson and Tocca, and nature-inspired jewelry from Danish designer Julie Sandlau.

The staff is also incredibly welcoming and happy to help you sort through the racks of gorgeous merchandise (and unlike many high-end boutiques, they actually seem to enjoy talking to customers and will spend hours helping you choose just the right piece). In addition, Kaveri chooses pieces that will work on a variety of figures, so her boutique is not the sole province of razor-thin fashionistas.

Kaveri has only been open since September 2006, but it's already become the place to go when you're looking for fashion that makes you feel special.

Kaveri

1211 West Webster

Chicago, IL 60614

(773)296-2141

view map>

There's something about a new, sparkly accessory that can yield as big a smile as piece of candy and Brooke Harland creator of delicious jewelry line Earcandy certainly understands that.

How did you come up with the name "Earcandy"?

My very first creation -- a pair of earrings -- actually looked a lot like real candy because of the intense combination of pink, green, and turquoise.

How did you get started with Earcandy?

About a year and a half ago I was visiting my hometown of Milwaukee and stopped in a store filled with gorgeous strands of beads. I knew I had to do something with them, so I asked the clerk what I needed in order to make earrings -- the only jewelry I wore at the time -- and went home to experiment. After getting tons of compliments on my homemade jewelry, I decided to offer Earcandy to the masses.

Where does your inspiration come from?

I'm definitely a visual person and really attracted to color and texture, especially turquoise, yellow and green and really intricate patterns and designs. Talking to clients is important too. I do custom work and I'll sit down with them and discuss what they're looking for. Custom-designed Earcandy is particularly popular as a bridal party gift, because (bridesmaids) get something beautiful and unique that they can wear again and again. You can throw these pieces on with anything and they'll make your outfit more interesting.

I tend to generate designs during and after an overwhelming feeling of inspiration or passion - usually it's a reaction to the beauty I've found in people and places. My designs are a form of self-expression and the designing process itself is therapeutic for me.

What are your favorite pieces?

I like to work with turquoise, freshwater pearls, and jade in different combinations. The long dangly earrings composed of stacked Biwa pearls are excellent with more feminine clothes and the chunky turquoise and carved jade numbers are perfect for girls with a more bohemian look. My spring and summer pieces are lighter and brighter, while fall and winter are earthier. I don't try to follow trends; instead, I work with my mood and the colors of the seasons.

How about your personal style? Besides your jewelry, what do you like to wear?

I would describe my personal style as rather simple - I like to wear basic pieces, but in a unique way. Sometimes I will throw on layers of various fabrics/textures and other times just one vibrant or striking print. Regardless, I enjoy a clean but playful style that is comfortable to wear and interesting to see. Jewelry is key to my everyday outfits because I can wear simple and comfortable clothes, and still achieve a great look after adding even one piece of stunning jewelry.

Who would you like to see wearing your work?

Oprah would be huge, and she's such a hit-maker as well as a local favorite. I'd also like to see how Sienna Miller would wear it because she's got such a funky, edgy sense of style.

What is your favorite part of the job?

My favorite part of the job is designing jewelry that people not only look at and enjoy, but feel great wearing. It's very rewarding to know people receive compliments while wearing my creations. My least favorite part of the job is the inevitable paperwork and bookkeeping involved, but the good parts of the job definitely outweigh the bad.

What has been the biggest lesson you've learned so far?

I''ve learned the importance of fousing on my own inspirations and ideas without concerning myself too much with the influence of others. It is so easy to get caught up in generating feedback and creating what people want and request, but it's much more important as an artist to stay true to my own style.

How would you describe Earcandy (in your own words)?

Earcandy is art that can be worn by any woman, from the most conservative to the most bohemian dresser. Its the perfect feminine touch to complete a classy but sassy look.

Are there any sales or specials going on?

If you refer 15 or more people to my mailing list, you'll get 50 percent off of your own piece of Earcandy.

Sweeten up your day at EarCandyCafe.

of Earcandy.

"When I see the fabrics, the designs just come to me," says Ukrainian-born, Chicago-based fashion designer Vika Brown. But while inspiration comes the instant this Macy's Distinction in Design Award-winner finds a fabulous piece of luxurious fabric, Vika aims for her Eclectica (by Vika) label to have staying power. "I want to create clothes that will last for longer than one season and compliment what's already in my customer's closets," she says.

Which is why you won't see any super-bright colors or wild prints in her spring summer line. The color palette is made up of natural fabrics like linen, cotton, and silk charmeuse in black, white and other neutral shades. Vika explains, "I basically wanted to design very classic pieces that are more modern and a little bit sexier for summer," crediting fellow designer Narciso Rodriguez -- who is best known for his sleek, feminine clothes in bold black and white -- as one of her many style inspirations.

But beyond inspiration, Vika's designing principle for Eclectica is a marriage between classic simplicity and funky edge. 'If I had to dress a celebrity," she says "I would pick Jessica Simpson, because you could do so much with her style. She can be very classic or very funky."

Now almost 10 years after she got her start by designing dresses for friends and relatives in the Ukraine and experimenting with different hand-knit projects using novelty yarns, Vika reflects. "I always knew that I loved fashion and that I had to be involved in it somehow."

Chicago shoppers can find her collections at Unique-So-Chique, Wolfbait & B-girls, Eskell, and Habit, or online at the Second City Style Store. Fashionistas everywhere can visit www.vikabrown.com.

Italian Luxury in the Heart of the Windy City

It's the ultimate in luxury -- shopping for gorgeous Italian shoes in a beautiful salon while sipping a glass of champagne. If that gets you asking "so where do I sign up?", then look no further than Heelz Chicago in the South Loop (it's the perfect antidote to a stressful day at the office).

Their motto is "Unique...for the particular" and owner James Newsome and manager Dayanara Ramirez definitely select some of the most unique shoes available in Chicago. Although the trendy silhouettes and styles differ every season, the distinctive Heelz look does not -- it's always sexy but with a funky twist. These are not shoes for wallflowers; a few standouts include open-toe snakeskin pumps from Luciano Padovan, pointy crocodile Mary Janes from Casadei and colorful round-toe pumps from Giuseppe Zanotti. Heelz features Italian-made leather goods exclusively -- it's like a little bit of Milan right here in Chicago . Although shoes are definitely their main focus, Heelz also stocks a selection of handbags and accessories from designers such as Due Farina and Ananas.

The staff believes that shopping should be all about your pleasure. After all, why else would they serve champagne and caviar? Plus, the beautifully-appointed store (burgundy velvet, hardwood floors, and shoes displayed like works of art) will make sure that you keep coming back whenever you want to treat yourself to a show-stopping pair of shoes.

69 East 16^th Street #1

(312)235-0467

www.heelz.net

Chicago 's Hidden Gem

Valentine's Day may be over, but it's never too late to pamper yourself with some gorgeous, girlie stuff. Wildflowers Lingerie is just the place to do it. Located in the cozy Gaslight Courtyard in Old Town, the boutique has a sort of luxurious European quality that's reminiscent of finding a hidden gem of a boutique somewhere in