brown line to armitage

Whenever I head to Chicago on business, I try to schedule an afternnon of play which usually means taking a short EL ride to a delightful little shoping district on Armitage Avenue.

There are loads of lovely boutiques.  Some of my favorite stops…

art effect – they carrie lots of sweet things (including my designs)

1154 Lill Studio -an innovative design-your-own handbag studio

Lori’s Shoes – loads of cool soles

Two super cute pet places dog-a-holics and barker & meowsky

Paul Frank – his stuff is just fun

And there’s stinky pants… isn’t that cutest name for a fashion forward kids shop?

American Apparel – hip socially conscious jersey goods

the powder room – this make-up boutique has a fabulous window display

Paper Source – a dangerous place for anyone that enjoys paper, stamps, ribbons & findings

LUSH – a bath & body shop experience like no other (I like this place so much, I dedicated a separate entry about it)

Plus there are many more wonderfully unique shops that didn’t have web links so if you’re headed to the windy city, take a break from the Miracle Mile and discover some of these great independently owned gems!