CHICAGO-FOLK

[johnapril]

I'm 2 hours south, thinking of making a roadtrip up before Christmas. Anyone on the board know if the sales on Mich Ave. are worth the trip? Looking for suits and sportcoats, 42L.

Thanks.

 

[Steve B.]

John- save your money. Day after Christmas should be very worthwhile. Haven't been there since middle of last December, but here are the highlights I remember:

George Greene, Barney's, Tessuti, Loro Piana on Oak Street.

Sak's on Mich Ave 2nd best one in US.

Neiman's great if you like Brioni and Oxxford- Northbrook better if you like a more varied selection.

Nordstrom OK but IMO Oak Brook is better. Tommy Bahama in same complex.

Nice Zegna boutique.

Davis for Men a little north on North is nice (think they moved, then closed their store on Mich Ave). Mark Shale is somewhere on Michigan and is OK, but I like their Oak Brook store better. You may also find Apt. No. 9 on Damen interesting. Not much in suits or sport coats, but some great merchandise for the younger man. Paul Smith, Fred Perry polos, etc.

Syd Jerome on LaSalle is also a highlight- talk to Scott Shapiro and you'll get great service.

Morris and Sons on Roosevelt Rd. usually has some great deals, but I'm not allowed to say whose clothes they are. Gary Rosenbaum there is a good guy.

And of course you need a hat from Optimo on Western Ave. on the South side. Graham or Kevin can fix you up with the best hats in the world.

Do you want Southern suburbs too? Does anyone know if the Hickey-Freeman outlet is still open in Gary, IN? When I went by there last it was closed.

 

[joseanes]

I'm 2 hours south, thinking of making a roadtrip up before Christmas. Anyone on the board know if the sales on Mich Ave. are worth the trip? Looking for suits and sportcoats, 42L. Thanks.

The mathematical approach: 2 hour drive, it is about 120 miles each way. That becomes 240 miles each way. The goverment establishes that the average american car deteriorates and consumes gas and parts at a rate of $0.37. That is about $90 spent on gas, tires, car consumables, and gas. If you have to pay tolls, you get over a $100 bucks already. Of course, you also have to add up the 4 hours on the road. How do you calculate that? You have to save more than $100 (+ whatever price you put on your time) to make it worthwile. The phisolophical approach: I think that this kind of decission has to be made with the heart. Are you going to find something that can't be found anywhere elese, even online? (or something that has to be tried on, as it is the only way you will be able to know if you want it, like a suit). Are you going to learn what looks good on you? Are you going to find out the kind of fit that different brands and styles have? Unfortunately it is difficult to gain that advantage on small city shopping malls. In the end, I bet you will decide to take a saturday to do that

But then again, I do not live near Chicago, and Boston is already cold enough. I just felt like I had to type something.

 

[johnapril]

Yes. I mean yes to everything said so far. Plus, I need to get out of town, and Chicago is a good excuse.

So, "before-Christmas-sales" are not really sales, is that the consensus?