In a city as vibrant as Chicago, making everyday decisions — where to order dinner, get a haircut, push your kids on the swings — can feel downright dizzying. Enter our (eighth annual!) Best Of awards: You shared your favorite spaces and places, we tallied the votes, and together we’ll celebrate all that makes our beloved communities shine.
Here are the Best of 2018: Shopping winners:
Best Bookstore (City)
Women & Children First
5233 N. Clark St., Chicago, 773-769-9299
The mission of this bookstore is to “promote the writing of women and other marginalized voices.”
Best Bookstore (Suburbs)
Book Bin
1151 Church St., Northbrook, 847-498-4999
For the second year in a row, you have voted this the best place to find that new favorite read.
Best Boutique (City)
Alice & Wonder
956 W. Webster Ave., Chicago, 312-253-7393
This Chicago-based boutique is all about everything pretty and fun, plus everything is under $100 (unless Alice & Wonder really believes it’s worth the price).
Best Boutique (Suburbs)
Juniper Boutique
1346 Shermer Road, Northbrook, 224-326-2412
At Juniper, you’ll find a selection that is described as “urban suburban — classic pieces with an edge — on trend but never over the top.”
Best Consignment/Thrift Shop
Village Treasure House
1460 Paddock Drive, Northbrook, 847-832-1030
Since 1998, this consignment shop has given more than $2,486,000 to organizations like Metropolitan Family Services, JourneyCare, and YWCA Evanston/North Shore.
Best Department Store | Best Men’s Clothing (City)
Nordstrom
Various
Whether you’re shopping for him, your home, your kids, or yourself, you’ll find a large selection of designer items at this favorite store.
Best Evening Wear (City)
Mira Couture
1 E. Delaware Place, Chicago, 312-255-1699
Find an amazing dress and accessories for your next event at this Chicago store.
Best Evening Wear (Suburbs)
Neiman Marcus
5000 Northbrook Court, Northbrook, 847-564-0300; 6 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, 630-572-1500
The classic department store boasts an impressive selection of gowns.
Best Eyewear (City)
Eye Spy Optical
3350 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, 773-477-2670
For unique frames, this award-winning (and green!) eye care center can’t be beat.
Best Eyewear (Suburbs)
Superior Optical Eyewear
2723 Pfingsten Road, Glenview, 847-564-3838
This family-owned business displays more than 3,500 frames and sunglasses from brands like Coach, Kate Spade, Ray-Ban, and Tom Ford.
Best Gifts (City)
Art Effect
934 W. Armitage, Chicago, 773-929-3600
Start shopping now for that just-right gift in categories like Chicago Gifts, Judaica, Feminist Gear, and Made in the USA.
Best Gifts (Suburbs)
la de da
1957 Cherry Lane, Northbrook, 847-562-1170
This repeat winner not only offers a variety of gift options, but will also offer suggestions if you’re too busy to stop in and shop.
Best Home Furnishings/Home Accessories (City)
District
4835 N. Damen, Chicago, 312-315-5156
You’ll find that primo piece to complete any room in your home.
Best Home Furnishings/Home Accessories (Suburbs) (Tie)
Mandarine Home
1820 Glenview Road, Glenview, 224-432-5906
This full-service interior design firm operates a retail store featuring furniture, accessories, and gifts.
Peachtree Place
303 S. Happ Road, Northfield, 847-441-7585
Go explore 11 rooms filled with lamps, prints, accent furniture, fine crystal, and more, plus the standalone children’s store Little Peach.
Best Lingerie
Chantilly Lace
1515 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, 847-256-8077
The team at Chantilly Lace believes that “the right lingerie and sleepwear change not only your look, but your outlook.”
Best Local Jewelry Store (City)
Winifred Grace
5642 N. Clark St., Chicago, 872-806-2455
Shop handmade necklaces, rings, and more designed in Chicago.
Best Local Jewelry Store (Suburbs)
Christopher Duquet Fine Jewelry
1224 Chicago Ave. #102, Evanston, 847-733-0656
The requirements for working at Christopher Duquet Fine Jewelry? “Must love jewelry making, must be a master craftsperson, must be awesome.”
Best National Jewelry Store
Tiffany & Co.
Various
Nothing beats that little blue box.
Best Men’s Clothing (Suburbs)
Country Classics
1405 Waukegan Road, Glenview, 847-998-4644
When you shop here, you know your man will be well dressed for the rest of summer and beyond.
Best Shopping Center/Mall (City)
Block 37
108 N. State St., Chicago, 312-261-4700
You can easily spend a full day here exploring the five stories of shops, cafes, and more.
Best Shopping Center/Mall (Suburbs)
Westfield Old Orchard
4905 Old Orchard Center, Skokie, 847-673-6800
The outdoor shopping center features stores like Anthropologie, Bloomingdale’s, Crate & Barrel, and J.Crew, plus restaurants like Frontera Fresco and Roka Akor.
