The Haute Closet

Sofia on Oak

Sofia
^{Mens & Womens}

sofiavintage.com

Sofia is THE boutique on Oak Street.

Blending designer vintage with the best new labels, the store serves both men and women with a mix of cosmopolitan basics and on-the-cusp trends.

Owner Ashley Zisook and Buyer Lindsey Madigan really know how to edit a collection - custom Sofia jewelry, vintage CHANEL bags and super cute shoes find their spot amongst labels like House of Harlow and the best Chicago labels.

Personally, our favorite thing about Sofia is that you can pick up a complete outfit without breaking the bank (but you can if you like). Swimwear, jewels, dresses, vests, super-luxe furs, belts, hats, jackets - you name it, they've got it.

Hit it off with the friendly staff and you'll always never miss out on a must-have piece. Given the hip-factor of this place, you'll always leave with something fresh.

Gold Coast: 72 E Oak / 312.640.0878

nov

Vintage Adrienne
^{Mens, Womens & T-Shirts}

facebook.com/vintageadrienne

Not the easiest duo to track down, but, when you do, definitely worth it. 

Known to Chicago as Vintage Adrienne for a decade or two, the new gen is coming up (as in Tracey, Adrienne's daughter) and shaking things up ... and we couldn't be happier.

Going by the new moniker NOV (and trying to make a movement out of it, as in "that's so nov" loosely translating to "vintage > new"), one or both make appearances at all of the vintage meets, like Randolph Street, Modern Vintage, etc.

Adrienne is, to some, quite famous for selling the best vintage t-shirts in town. Plus - the jewelry offerings are stellar. As are the amazing vintage dresses. We're a huge fan and have added a considerable amount to our collection via Vintage Adrienne.

These two have taste. And a ton of fun.

Roving: Check their facebook page!

kokorokoko

Kokorokoko
^{Mens & Womens}

koko-rokoko.blogspot.com

We love vintage. We love great people. We love a good score.

Kokorokoko is a happy addition to the Chicago vintage scene, a spot unabashedly awash in the vain glory of the 80s, 90s and 'aughts.

It's a tiny shop, well merchandised, but not for someone that can't appreciate a pack of MC Hammer collector cards.

There's vintage floral bandage dresses, neon graphic tees, belts galore, sunglasses, jewelry, nonsense and good shoes. We recommend going if you're looking for a little color - this is a good place to find it.

Like all vintage shops, you might want to make it a habit. Or just make good friends with the owner.

Ukrainian Village: 1112 N Ashland / 773.252.6996

Lu Lu's

LuLu's at the Belle Kay
^{Womens, Jewelry & Bridal}

lulusbellekay.com

If you need something fabulous - and understand hands on attention and the precious nature of vintage dressing - go see Laurie Demma Davis in her fabulous salon. This woman danced her way through Studio 54 and has the archive of gorgeous pieces to prove it.

When you walk in you'll be asked to give the collection the utmost respect: Don't let this put you off. Experience the best collection of costume jewelry in the city. Score a sweet deal on Brian Atwood's runway shoes. Try on absolutely beautiful dresses and purchase that perfect frock. Go here if you want to feel truly woman.

North Center:     3862 N Lincoln Armitage / 773.404.5858      

Lenny and Me

Lenny and Me
^{Mens, Womens & Home}

lennyandmechicago.com

Since moving into a space that quadrupled their size, Lenny and Me, a decade-old purveyor of all sorts of home goods and no-name to big-name vintage clothing, is a clearing house for anything-goes vintage in Chicago. You never know what you're gonna get, so I highly recommend making regular trips down to this major outpost. The digging is half the fun and Lenny and Me keeps the ick factor down to a minimum.

Wicker Park:     1459 N Milwaukee / 773.489.5576      

Knee Deep

Knee Deep
^{Mens, Womens & Home}

kneedeepvintage.com

With a pair of the most passionate owners I've ever met, this place is thick with mens, womens and home goods having that slick vintage sheen. These two guys travel all over the USA to bring back truckloads of choice finds - fantastic party dresses, yummy flannels, and superb vintage boots not to mention the clever collections of retro kitchen stuff. Everyone I take here walks out with a great piece - see over-the-knee caramel suede boots for a fabulous Southern fashion plate, an intarsia knitted poncho for a handsome young dandy, and a gold mesh belt to cinch the waist of a truly funky disco queen. If you're looking for a signature piece to add to your own wardrobe, make your way down to Pilsen and wade in.

Pilsen:     1425 W 18th / 312.850.2510      

The Daisy Shop

The Daisy Shop
^{Womens & Accessories}

daisyshop.com

Wisdom gleaned from our first trip to The Daisy Shop: wearing a full length fur in Chicago is totally gauche. It's good to be in the know. Servicing the woman looking for some serious designer clothing, Barbara and her help sure know their merchandise and definitely go the distance when it comes to attentive service. When you score at The Daisy Shop it's going to be something you'll keep forever.

Gold Coast:     67 E Oak, 6th Floor / 312.943.8880      

Silver Moon
^{Mens, Womens & Bridal}

silvermoonvintage.com

Well, well, well: you're in luck, ladies and gents. Silver Moon has one of the most well-edited vintage collections in the city. It's clean, elegant, and chock full of some of the best designer labels going back to the beginning of the 20th century. Be sure to dip into Silver Moon if you've got an event, need a great coat or jacket, or you're a bride on the hunt for something truly beautiful and unique.

Wicker Park:     1755 W North Avenue / 773.235.5797