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Chicago shopping

HRHAndrew

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I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend.  My wife and I spent the weekend in Chicago.  It rained like crazy most of the time.  That did however force us to take it easy.  I took the opportunity to hit the shop on the "Magnificant Mile" and I was a bit dissapointed.  Here are my thoughts.
For overall selection, quality and most knowledgeable staff, the Saks Men's Store was the winner hands down.  They carried the major names that we talk about such as Kiton, Oxxford, Canali, etc.  But they also had a few Ciffonelli suits which I found quite nice.  The selection at Neiman Marcus was typical, they had a large Isaia selection, which is my personal favorite, but nothing too outstanding.  Both Saks and Neiman's were beginning their sales.  Keep your eyes peeled for the next 4 or 5 weeks, there may be bargains to be had.  I visited Barney's, and it was the first time that I was in a real Barney's.  I have been in the outlets, and all I have to say is where d othey get the stuff they sell at the outlets?  Sure don't see the quality stuff at the outlets.  Went into the Paul Stuart store and looked at the Genson Masterpieces up close.  They are very nice shoes.  I would agree with those that say they are a toss up with the C&J handgrade.  Couldn't find a pair of Lattanzi's and Mantellassi's anywhere on the mile.  The Ralph Lauren store had four Purple Label suits, and not a single pair of EG's.  The Hugo Boss Store had no Baldessarini items at all.  While I had a good time, I think I need to make a trip to the Big Apple to truly be able to drool over first rate items.  Here is a picture of me and my wife going out to dinner. I am not sure what my wife is wearing, but I am wearing a Baldessarini Cashmere suit, the Ralph Lauren EG's that many of us bought on Bluefly, and a Brioni knit shirt.  

On the way back to Michigan I stopped in Indiana and picked up my annual 4th of July fireworks motherload.  Here is a photo of this year's haul.
 

rsp1

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Did you check out the George Greene boutique on Oak Street? Probably the most upscale boutique -- handles Kiton MTM/bespoke, etc.
 

banksmiranda

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Saks has a good selection, though the man who seems to be in charge of the Oxxford/Kiton boutique doesn't seem to be very pleasant. I remember A Harris commenting on this man's demeanor in another post some time ago, so apparently I'm not the only one who feels this way. George Greene is a nice store, and the owners are pleasant. Syd Jerome(2 N. LaSalle) has a very good selection, though my experience there wasn't particularly good. Steve B. loves it, though. There's a place called Morris and Sons which sells in-season merchandise at discounted rates. I've never been to it, though. Davis for Men(they only have their North Avenue location now) is pretty nice. Davis moved its smaller 900 N. Michigan store to the Water Tower Place, but closed that location fairly recently. Neiman Marcus on Michigan Avenue has a huge Oxxford selection. I prefer the Northbrook Neiman Marcus, though - I would recommend taking a look next time you're in the area, HRHAndrew. The Northbrook NM has Brioni, Kiton, Oxxford and Isaia for suits; Brioni, Borrelli, Kiton, Fray, Lorenzini, and Truzzi shirts.
 

Len

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A great tailor with a beautiul store in Chicago is Chris Despos. You get a away from the "sameness" of the big name stores when you visit him. And better quality merchandise.
 

brescd01

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Your remark about "what your wife is wearing" is so funny. I am exactly the same way, I have no clue about what the Hell "they " do and I am not eager to learn. She is very beautiful I think. Your suit is lovely, but the coat is very long. Is this your preference, or is this to make you appear shorter (I can see you are very tall))?
 

HRHAndrew

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Thanks for the comments on stores to visit next time I make it to Chicago. Â I had a couple of those on my list to hit, but it was raining so hard much of the time that I was stuck in the spa. Â
the man who seems to be in charge of the Oxxford/Kiton boutique doesn't seem to be very pleasant. Â I remember A Harris commenting on this man's demeanor in another post some time ago, so apparently I'm not the only one who feels this way.
Your remark about "what your wife is wearing" is so funny. I am exactly the same way, I have no clue about what the Hell "they " do and I am not eager to learn. She is very beautiful I think.
Quote Your suit is lovely, but the coat is very long. Is this your preference, or is this to make you appear shorter (I can see you are very tall))?[/quote] It does look long in that photo. Â Probably has more to do with that I am not standing up too straight as I often do when I take pictures with the missus as I like to be closer in height.
 

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