Chicago Vs. NYC

[oldskool]

I just moved to Chicago from NYC. I never considered the huge differences in personal style beween urban areas more than I am right now. I mean sure, LA vs. NYC has clear differences... but Chicago seems to be a land of its very own rules. For example, thick soled shoes... with suits... common. It's not winter. In general a distinct lack of panache can be found here, despite the fact that the largest RL store in the country is right here.

Can anyone local comment on Chicago style?

 

[johnapril]

Well, say what you want about Chicago, but if you venture to Indianapolis, you will feel true pain. I suppose none of this matters unless the dullness of others inhibits you who wish to shine. I don't wear the khakis and logoed polo because that's not my style. But in Indianapolis that is a viable option for most, and that is what most do. Same story with the shoes, only worse. The finest men's store in town stocks loafers and boat shoes almost exclusively. I suppose they know their market...

 

[Patrick06790]

It's an old, old story. I refer you to A.J. Liebling's "The Second City" (in and out of print - check www.alibris.com) for the story of his exile from New York.

 

[dorian]

Chicago has the largest RL store in the country.?

 

[johnapril]

Chicago has the largest RL store in the country.?

Don't let the term "corner shop" fool you.

 

[dorian]

Larger than the Rhinelander Mansion in NYC?

 

[johnapril]

Big enough to tear the ears of a Gundark.

 

[imageWIS]

Larger than the Rhinelander Mansion in NYC?

I think so.

Jon.

 

[kabert]

Chicago has one of the three Paul Stuart stores on the planet - - how bad can it be if it can support a PS store, not to mention the line-up on Michigan Avenue.

 

[briancl]

keep in mind that chicago is where the midwest goes to shop. chicago might be able to support the shops that it does based on the business that comes in from out of town.

 

[Buster]

I guess you will not see a lot of people donning PS suits with their Grenson masterpiece in the corn fields. So there should probably BE somewhere in Chicago people that dress well.

B

 

[AlanC]

chicago might be able to support the shops that it does based on the business that comes in from out of town.

The same could be said for NYC.

 

[Steve B.]

A lot of the better stores in Chicago are in the suburbs. Pair that with the reasonable lineup on Oak St/Michigan Ave (although one of my faves Syd Jerome is actually on La Salle) and it's quite respectable. Arguably top 3 in U.S., top 5 w/out argument.

Bring it on guys, store for store I'll debatcha- haven't been in a good one in a while...

 

[countdemoney]

keep in mind that chicago is where the midwest goes to shop. chicago might be able to support the shops that it does based on the business that comes in from out of town.

keep in mind that chicago is where the midwest goes to shop.

No, no, no. That's wal-mart.

Chicago has some good dressers, it's just that the geographical size of it, compared to say, manhattan, means that you don't have that many great dressers in one spot.

Chicago also has excellent shops, it's just that the people don't always know what to buy, or how to put it together.

 

[novalis]

Well, detractors and killjoys dismiss Chicago as the "Second City" but others, including myself, regard it as the quintessential American city for its geographical setting (situated between the Great Lakes and the prairie) and the pivotal role it has played in industry (e.g. retail, meatpacking, transportation), culture (jazz & blues), architecture and ideas (think Chicago School of economics). Â Here's a brief list of where Chicago comes out on top in my book, an obviously subjective list for the most part: Â (1) Best RTW/MTM suit made in America - Oxxford, based in the West Loop of Chicago (2) Best restaurant in America - Charlie Trotter's (3) Best symphony in America - Chicago Symphony Orchestra (with strenuous objections from Boston, NY Phil, Philadelphia, Cleveland Orch duly noted) (4) Most intellectual student body and campus in America - University of Chicago (5) Best hot dog in America - Chicago style (w/sliced pickle, onions, peppers) (6) Tallest building in America - Sears Tower So welcome to Chicago and enjoy what it has to offer. Â And I forgot to mention Wrigley gum and Tootsie Rolls.