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[title]Autrepart Nature
Looking for hard-to-find French beauty products? Chances are you’ll find them at Autrepart Nature. The store is the first to carry many French lines in Chicago, including Caudalie and Florame. Look for a variety of products such as organic herbal teas, pillow sprays, makeup and even purses and bags. Don’t forget to check out the wall of Savon de Marseille soaps ($6 each, five for $25), which include a wide range of scents such as strawberry and opium. 2052 N Halsted St (773-661-2694).
Shop 857
On a street packed with makeup and beauty shops, it’s nice to find a boutique option. Owner Kelli Jones came to Chicago from New York and wanted her store to have a Big Apple vibe. Translation: The sleek, minimalist shop features trendy womenswear lines such as Milly, Grayline, House of Harlow and more. Prices start around $60, so it’s easy to find something here for most budgets. 857 W Armitage Ave (773-525-1180).
Sylwia
Sylwia Wilczynska taught herself how to make clothing as a child and turned it into a career. At her Halsted Street studio/shop, you’ll find racks of her clothing, ranging from gowns to everyday work wear. The large table in the middle of the space is covered with measuring tape and fabric; it’s where she creates made-to-order designs (Wilczynska’s other specialty is wedding dresses). The store also offers locally made one-of-a-kind jewelry so you can complete your look. 2205 N Halsted St (773-497-4939).
eDrop-Off
If you don’t have time to deal with the inner workings of eBay, let the fashionistas behind this storefront do it for you. eDrop-Off specializes only in designer duds, so plunk down your big-name labels and owner Corri McFadden will post the pictures and make sure you get a good profit. (The shop takes a cut and usually ends up with a 25 percent higher final price than the average eBay seller.) And if you want to add to your wardrobe, check out the store’s listings through its website. Recent auctions include items by Chanel, Hermès, Victoria Beckham and more. McFadden is rumored to be shooting a reality show for VH1: Pop in the shop now and you might end up making a cameo. 2117 N Halsted St (773-525-7467).
Green Goddess
Walk into this Armitage storefront and you’ll immediately pick up on an Anthropologie-esque vibe. Just like the original location in Hinsdale, the focus here is on sustainable products—but with a chic slant. Look for ecofriendly bags, jewelry, apparel, soy candles and more. For example, purchase an item from the Love Heals jewelry line and the company will plant a tree. 1009 W Armitage Ave (773-281-5600).