Shopping in Wicker Park and Bucktown

Saint Alfred is the patron saint of learning, and the expert staff at this Wicker Park boutique will gladly school you on the latest styles. Although it doesn’t offer customization, St. Alfred’s features limited-edition and collaboration lines such as Yohji Yamamoto for adidas and Japanese import Visvim.

Walking into this floral boutique offers a breath of fresh air, literally. Far from your average florist, Elizabeth Cronin decks the space in everything from wild flowers to extraordinary succulents, mixed in with home decor à la faux stuffed moose heads and citrus-scented candles.

Owned by a pair of, yes, BFFs, this new bike shop works diligently with customers to find the best bike for them. It offers Bianchi, Giant and Public bikes, as well as clothing for commuters and casual cyclists. Tune-ups and repairs are also available, as are group riding sessions. Serious female cyclists will dig the BFF Racing team.

Owner Kristen Basilo has a keen eye for design, and the proof is in her stunningly minimalistic Wicker Park shop, which has “gathered” an impressive variety of products for both men and women, including home decor, cards, apothecary, leather goods and accessories, jewelry and books—all made by small, independent makers. We challenge you to find a corner that isn't Instagram-worthy. 

Curated with the fashion-conscious, city-dwelling dude in mind, Mildblend offers a robust selection of premium denim brands (think Iron Heart, Naked and Famous and Pure Blue Japan) alongside shoes, bags and grooming products. The store also does expert repairs and alterations to ensure those baby blues fit just right. 

With a focus on organic, of-the-moment blooms, Pistil & Vine is a fresh destination among the city’s flower shops. Stop and smell the, yes, roses, hydrangea, anemones, calendula, tulips and more that fill the space, or request future orders for casual to formal occasions. While you’re there, take a peek at the eclectic assortment of home décor and gifts for sale.

Shop for those ubiquitous shoes and contribute to a great cause, all while getting your caffeine fix. One of the few Tom's locations to boast a "One for One" coffee shop, this Wicker Park spot is a great place to kill a few birds with one stone.

This longtime favorite recently moved across the street to its new location in the former Roslyn space. The charming lifestyle boutique sells jewelry, greeting cards, cookware, tableware and much more; many of the lines are from local designers.