Going on vacation...Chicago

[drays4life]

I am going to Chicago in July for vacation. I've never been shopping in a city this good. The best I've had is one day in Atlanta and then Tampa/Orlando. I know, this is sad. This will be a good shopping trip for me. While I am certainly not a high roller looking for Kiton (though I might look at it for fun), I am bringing some decent money on the trip and need to narrow my focus. Any suggestions on specific places to go? I've read some old threads that were informative, but I'm specifically looking at shoes (price range around $500, though I would consider higher if special)...Any suggestions on clothes are welcome as well. I've heard about Morris & Sons, George Greene, and Mark Shale. What kinds of shoes are available in these kinds of stores? Am I getting out of my league at this point? Also, is it worth a little drive to hit the Saks Off 5th? I am staying at the Intercontinental on Michigan Avenue and I'm not planning on driving much (unless I hit Saks 5th and the outlets there), though plans could change. Thanks for input!

 

[Tomasso]

Originally Posted by drays4life

I'm specifically looking at shoes (price range around $500)

Paul Stuart should have their Stuart's Choice (Grenson Masterpiece) on sale at their Summer sale in July. Back in the early 90's I used to pick up EG's, when they made for PS, for under $300.

 

[drays4life]

Nice tip. Definately worth a visit. Thank you.

 

[ChicagoRon]

Off 5th is good, but not worth the drive if you're visiting. There are no other good outlets up there and there's too much good stuff in Chicago. The only think that might justify the trip is if you want to hit the John Lobb and Kiton shoes at the NM in Northbrook mall. It's just a table, but it's a table w/ about $20k worth of shoes

With 2 Filene's and a Rack, your discount stuff should be covered. For the joy of window shopping and/or overspending, you must visit RL, Nieman's, Sak's Men's store, George Greene (on Oak), Barney's, Jake, Scoop NYC (in Bucktown), Hermes. I'm also a big fan of Bloomies and Marc Shale because they are more in my price range.

Send me a PM if you'd like some food tips.

 

[VMan]

Off Fifth is definitely not worth the ~45min to 1hr drive. Once in a while they will have a few really nice items in stock, but nine times out of ten, there is nothing at a good enough price to even bother with. I second the suggestion to hit the Filene's Basements on Michigan and on State, as well as the Rack on State. I usually am able to find a bunch of nice things there, but shoes seem to be lacking.

The old Marshall Field's store on State is also very impressive - beautiful store, and decent selection of nicer items. They also tend to run good sales.

 

[ChicagoRon]

Originally Posted by VMan

The old Marshall Field's store on State is also very impressive - beautiful store, and decent selection of nicer items. They also tend to run good sales.
Macy's hasn't killed this location as badly as the others, but I'd still skip Macy's in favor of Marc Shale and Bloomingdales. I did foget before...if you search the forum, there is some wholesaller that has massive discount suits somewhere in the loop. I've never been there and don't know the name.

 

[chorse123]

Originally Posted by ChicagoRon

Macy's hasn't killed this location as badly as the others, but I'd still skip Macy's in favor of Marc Shale and Bloomingdales.

I think it's worth it for historic value and spectacle alone.

 

[ChicagoRon]

Yeah......it is. Plus, I think the former chef of Tribute in Detroit has a noodle shop there, next to Rick Bayless's fast Frontera.

 

[Englishtea]

George Green and Syd Jerome.