The best shops in Lakeview

Based on the owners' favorite Amsterdam emporium, Praha is ever so mindfully filled to the brim with an eclectic array of affordable, one-of-a-kind vintage pieces. You'll find furniture starting at less than $100 and decor like shabby chic window frames, vintage suitcases and antique signs. It's one of the few vintage stores where you'll always find something to buy, no matter when you decide to pop in.

This gem has been serving Lakeview's running community for 10 years, offering the best in footwear, accessories (Body Glide, foam rollers, etc.) and even Garmin GPS units. The store also hosts events like fun runs.

Hand-written employee recommendations line the shelves at the Unabridged Bookstore, offering heartfelt tips for customers. The decades-old Lakeview shop is known for its extensive children's section but also stocks a diverse mix of literary fiction and nonfiction for more advanced readers. You can also check available "in stores now" titles through the shop's website.

It's as if the two Lakeview outposts (one featuring custom frames, the other greeting cards and gifts) have morphed into the ultimate home-design general store. Yes, frames and greeting cards still make up a big chunk of the shop, but we're all about the prints (including vintage maps and medical charts), enamel pins and other cheeky art.

Female trendsetters of all ages rave about Krista K’s impressive collection of women’s clothing—including an entire level of denim from premium brands like J.Brand and AG Adriano. Plus, Rag & Bone parkas, A.L.C. sweaters and other seasonal items you probably don't need, but really, really want. The well-edited selection usually guarantees a positive, albeit expensive, wardrobe-altering experience.

This location of Red Balloon is the ideal Lakeview stop for new baby gifts, clothes for your own little one, children's furniture, books and toys. The Red Balloon also provides personalized shopping services.

One of the most comprehensive comics shops in town, Chicago Comics has occupied its current space on Clark Street since 1995. The new issues lining the walls include all the heavy hitters as well as one of the better selections of indie and small-press titles you can find (no surprise given the shop's relationship with sister store Quimby's). The bins in the center of the front room hold a large back-issues collection, with more valuable Golden and Silver Age titles displayed behind the counter. The shop also carries a variety of toys, T-shirts and collectibles.

These days the 35-plus-year-old store is more trendy garb than army. The sprawling two-story shop purveys studded skateboards, party dresses, hoodies and backpacks, but the hidden secret is the extensive thrift and vintage section on the top floor.

With more than 25 years in the music biz, Chicago Music Exchange has earned a reputation for its savvy staff of musicians and wide selection of inventory—whether you're seeking a 1920s banjo, a bargain on a used Gibson, a new drum kit, or just some accessories, this shop is great. Don't want to deal with the train ride? Order from the website instead. Easy peasy.