Spare Parts
2947 N. Broadway
Chicago
773.525.4242
http://www.shopspareparts.com/
I've typically blogged about small pockets of retail "clusters" in the city, but as I get around I find some singular places that stand out much more worthy of their attention than their neighbors. While there are plenty of places on Broadway that deserve attention, SPARE PARTS (2947 N. Broadway) is one that I was quickly able to see the quality of selection and editing to make this a unique accessories boutique that I hope my readers could appreciate. While I think some of the selection is marginal, there is some of the selection that is exceptional!!!
No doubt the Beatrix New York backpacks and lunchboxes caught my eye as an alternative to Hello Kitty or that frog (Kyropi? or whatever it is...) These guys are soooo cute! Great gifts that any young person would cherish. They have all types of animals to give a distinguished sense of personality to each piece. I know it's out of my typical sense of aesthetic to mention kids' backpacks, but they really are worth the effort to share with--.
SPARE PARTS also carries a TON of local artisan jewelry and vintage men's furnishings. The stand-out designer for me was Etta Kostick. She uses a creative process of stained glass and solder to make some really neat looking earrings and bracelets. Definitely conversation pieces and an "envy-inspiring" part of your jewelry collection. (Side Note: After I left Broadway, I saw Etta's work in one of the "blue chip" galleries of River North!)
The store is independently owned, by down to earth peeps, so leave the pretense in your Audi, and let Vanessa and Donte' show you around their humble place of awesomeness. Shop local and help your neighbors fulfill their dreams!
Showing posts with label Chicago Neighborhoods. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chicago Neighborhoods. Show all posts
Monday, November 15, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Webster Ave.
I used to pass through this part of town alot when I lived at Division and Damon. When I decided to start blogging about Chicago neighborhoods, I just KNEW I would have to include Webster Ave.
It was on this morning that I began to understand the "shopping" experience and yet it's what I've been doing for years now... and that's having fun. It became very clear to me that what people want to do is have fun and see nice things and just indulge the senses... and I can't think of a better place for a mid-morning indulgence than Webster Ave.
I started at Halstead and headed West. It's about four blocks before you get to the area I'm going to talk about, but it's a beautiful segueway from the bustle of Halstead to a blissful row of some Chicago's greatest under-the-radar hot spots. There's superb architecture to look at, tree-canopied sidewalks and it just makes for a picture perfect stroll in one of the best parts of Chicago.
There are a few sports bars that you'll come across and are probably worth skipping. If you need a haircut there are more salons than you can shake a stick at!!! There's also a yoga studio, a sports fan store and then Vrai Amour- a great little wine and craft beer shop. The interior is rustic and comfortable, the owners Dave and Matt are very knowledgeable. The selection is more than adequate and most of the wine is priced under $20! I found a light, sparkling Moscato for $15.99 that I would pair perfect for Webster St. You can also find all kinds of single bottles of specialty beer that you can mix-n-match and make for the perfect gift for a real beer lover... just ask for help and Dave can hook you up with the perfect drink for you and yer friends.
A little further up, is the Webster Ave. location for McShane's Exchange Consignment Boutique(1141 W. Webster). This location is the "lesser" of the two Lincoln Park locations (815 W Armitage), but don't let that stop you from checking out what they have, it's sometimes fun to find something that others have looked over. I found lots of great Kate Spade shoes and bags and a great pair of Gucci sandals, all in good condition. A few doors down is Havana Gallery (1139 W. Webster). It's a Contemporary Cuban Art Gallery. I'd recommend stopping in and having a look around. If you don't know much about art then it is a great place to go that is not intimidating to the art novice. The staff of young women are very candid and friendly and happy to answer questions. The art is reasonably priced and you can also pick from a variety of prints. (There's also a ticket box office in the back in case you were looking to go to a Blackhawks game or a concert?)
Staying on the south side of the street and moving a little further along there a few more boutiques and places to eat. You simply have to go into Kaveri (1211 W. Webster). It's Interior is VERY spacious and comfortable and contemporary! The lighting is low and calming. I felt really good in this space. It was drizzly and fairly cool out the Saturday morning I went and it seemed to be the perfect place to be. The young woman working stayed busy and out of my way, but attentive and ready to answer any questions I had. The clothing was a perfect selection of "staple" pieces that you could feel good about investing in for the sophisticated woman's closet. There's a "Little Black Dress" rack... and everything seemed to be very safe and traditional, but of a really high quality and great materials. A perfect find! Note: there were sample carmels from Floriole Cafe and Bakery (1220 W. Webster) that were to die for!!! ...and that's all I'm going to say :D
There are two places on Webster that were so excting and one of them is Local Lookbook (1211 W. Webster). It opened 3 weeks ago and is owned by Halli Mulei. She is so nice and is passionate about fashion and has a great eye for trends and tradition. She is a risk-taker and an inspirational woman who knows her stuff!!! Her space is a quaint little box with a nice selection. What makes her boutique so special is that she celebrates (and she really does!) Chicago designers. I immediately was drawn to the Marisa Swystun rack without knowing anything about her. Marisa recently won the FGI Rising Star Award 2010 and is featured in the current CS magazine with a full article about herself. So... I have to say that if you like being ahead of the curve, you MUST get over to Local Lookbook and pick up what Halli is throwin' down! *There's also a "Student" rack, where Halli lets students showcase individual pieces and she can give you a personal story for every one of them. This is the kind of place that makes yer shopping experience well worth it! Thanks again H.M. for doing what you do!
The second exciting place, yer going to love this, is erin gallagher custom jewelry boutique. I was SO ready to not even go in this place and dismiss it as a mediocre jewelry store. (I'm a guy! what do I care about looking at jewelry?!?!) On my way back towards Halstead, something made me decide to look anyways. erin gallagher (1013 W. Webster) is a concept boutique that is truly original and embodies the shopping/fun experience to it's greatest potential!!! I am so serious about this place! I had no idea what they do here, but as I looked around Christie asked what I was up to and I gave her my usual response of "Pleasure!" and I told her I was blogging about the street and she began to reveal to me the wonder that is erin gallagher custom jewelry boutique. She showed me some of the jewelry on the walls and in the display cases and ...eh! not too interesting to me, and then she told me about the other cases that were filled with little compartments of various gems and stones and she explains that all of the designs are interchangable with the variety of silver and gold and topaz and rubies and really that's just the starting place. You can "play" with the designs anyway that you want and become yer own designer of fine jewelry. We'll go ahead and talk price and get it out of the way... the pieces start at around $40 and up, but they don't get very expensive unless you start using more precious materials, which if they don't have in stock they can order. Now back to the experience, as a I sat at a high counter in bar-stool seat pearing into the glass top counter, Christie began showing me the differences in unfinished rubies and finished rubies and all the various pearls and it was an instant love connection as my curiosity sparked an hour long conversation... well, maybe it wasn't a real love connection, but definitely an inaugral meeting of our new mutual admiration society! Christie was very fluent in jewelry talk and made me so comfortable to be there and it was through our conversation that we both were able to really turn a slow, dreary Saturday into a little bit of enlightenment! Do yerself a favor-- get a friend or two and bring yer jewelry consultant a croissant too, and sit down and indulge in the erin gallagher "experience", whether it's for a wedding party or just a dreary Saturday morning that would be wasted on the same old brunch with mimosas that you normally do, try injecting some meaning into what you wear and design some jewelry. After the design is settled, they'll make the piece and snap a picture and name it after you for the lookbook.
At 1013 W. Webster is Sal's Deli!!! A Boar's Head Deli that is going to give you the custom, personable service that we love so much. It's local, and uses some of the finest ingredients available. I used to work at Marty's Deli (Harvard Ave. @ Comm. Ave.) in Boston and Sal's took me back to being 19 and my education of fine gourmet meats and cheeses, along with fresh breads. This is what a deli should be... scratch made specialty salads and mouthwatering hoagies. Get what you want, but get it at Sal's... then take yer lunch and cross the street and watch the kids play at Trebes Park.
It doesn't matter where yer from, local or visiting... Webster Ave. is YOUR neighborhood. The service is impeccable, the concepts are flawless and it's MY new favorite local Chicago spot that's under the radar. After yer visit, yer gonna have hard time keeping it a secret!
It was on this morning that I began to understand the "shopping" experience and yet it's what I've been doing for years now... and that's having fun. It became very clear to me that what people want to do is have fun and see nice things and just indulge the senses... and I can't think of a better place for a mid-morning indulgence than Webster Ave.
I started at Halstead and headed West. It's about four blocks before you get to the area I'm going to talk about, but it's a beautiful segueway from the bustle of Halstead to a blissful row of some Chicago's greatest under-the-radar hot spots. There's superb architecture to look at, tree-canopied sidewalks and it just makes for a picture perfect stroll in one of the best parts of Chicago.
There are a few sports bars that you'll come across and are probably worth skipping. If you need a haircut there are more salons than you can shake a stick at!!! There's also a yoga studio, a sports fan store and then Vrai Amour- a great little wine and craft beer shop. The interior is rustic and comfortable, the owners Dave and Matt are very knowledgeable. The selection is more than adequate and most of the wine is priced under $20! I found a light, sparkling Moscato for $15.99 that I would pair perfect for Webster St. You can also find all kinds of single bottles of specialty beer that you can mix-n-match and make for the perfect gift for a real beer lover... just ask for help and Dave can hook you up with the perfect drink for you and yer friends.
A little further up, is the Webster Ave. location for McShane's Exchange Consignment Boutique(1141 W. Webster). This location is the "lesser" of the two Lincoln Park locations (815 W Armitage), but don't let that stop you from checking out what they have, it's sometimes fun to find something that others have looked over. I found lots of great Kate Spade shoes and bags and a great pair of Gucci sandals, all in good condition. A few doors down is Havana Gallery (1139 W. Webster). It's a Contemporary Cuban Art Gallery. I'd recommend stopping in and having a look around. If you don't know much about art then it is a great place to go that is not intimidating to the art novice. The staff of young women are very candid and friendly and happy to answer questions. The art is reasonably priced and you can also pick from a variety of prints. (There's also a ticket box office in the back in case you were looking to go to a Blackhawks game or a concert?)
Staying on the south side of the street and moving a little further along there a few more boutiques and places to eat. You simply have to go into Kaveri (1211 W. Webster). It's Interior is VERY spacious and comfortable and contemporary! The lighting is low and calming. I felt really good in this space. It was drizzly and fairly cool out the Saturday morning I went and it seemed to be the perfect place to be. The young woman working stayed busy and out of my way, but attentive and ready to answer any questions I had. The clothing was a perfect selection of "staple" pieces that you could feel good about investing in for the sophisticated woman's closet. There's a "Little Black Dress" rack... and everything seemed to be very safe and traditional, but of a really high quality and great materials. A perfect find! Note: there were sample carmels from Floriole Cafe and Bakery (1220 W. Webster) that were to die for!!! ...and that's all I'm going to say :D
There are two places on Webster that were so excting and one of them is Local Lookbook (1211 W. Webster). It opened 3 weeks ago and is owned by Halli Mulei. She is so nice and is passionate about fashion and has a great eye for trends and tradition. She is a risk-taker and an inspirational woman who knows her stuff!!! Her space is a quaint little box with a nice selection. What makes her boutique so special is that she celebrates (and she really does!) Chicago designers. I immediately was drawn to the Marisa Swystun rack without knowing anything about her. Marisa recently won the FGI Rising Star Award 2010 and is featured in the current CS magazine with a full article about herself. So... I have to say that if you like being ahead of the curve, you MUST get over to Local Lookbook and pick up what Halli is throwin' down! *There's also a "Student" rack, where Halli lets students showcase individual pieces and she can give you a personal story for every one of them. This is the kind of place that makes yer shopping experience well worth it! Thanks again H.M. for doing what you do!
The second exciting place, yer going to love this, is erin gallagher custom jewelry boutique. I was SO ready to not even go in this place and dismiss it as a mediocre jewelry store. (I'm a guy! what do I care about looking at jewelry?!?!) On my way back towards Halstead, something made me decide to look anyways. erin gallagher (1013 W. Webster) is a concept boutique that is truly original and embodies the shopping/fun experience to it's greatest potential!!! I am so serious about this place! I had no idea what they do here, but as I looked around Christie asked what I was up to and I gave her my usual response of "Pleasure!" and I told her I was blogging about the street and she began to reveal to me the wonder that is erin gallagher custom jewelry boutique. She showed me some of the jewelry on the walls and in the display cases and ...eh! not too interesting to me, and then she told me about the other cases that were filled with little compartments of various gems and stones and she explains that all of the designs are interchangable with the variety of silver and gold and topaz and rubies and really that's just the starting place. You can "play" with the designs anyway that you want and become yer own designer of fine jewelry. We'll go ahead and talk price and get it out of the way... the pieces start at around $40 and up, but they don't get very expensive unless you start using more precious materials, which if they don't have in stock they can order. Now back to the experience, as a I sat at a high counter in bar-stool seat pearing into the glass top counter, Christie began showing me the differences in unfinished rubies and finished rubies and all the various pearls and it was an instant love connection as my curiosity sparked an hour long conversation... well, maybe it wasn't a real love connection, but definitely an inaugral meeting of our new mutual admiration society! Christie was very fluent in jewelry talk and made me so comfortable to be there and it was through our conversation that we both were able to really turn a slow, dreary Saturday into a little bit of enlightenment! Do yerself a favor-- get a friend or two and bring yer jewelry consultant a croissant too, and sit down and indulge in the erin gallagher "experience", whether it's for a wedding party or just a dreary Saturday morning that would be wasted on the same old brunch with mimosas that you normally do, try injecting some meaning into what you wear and design some jewelry. After the design is settled, they'll make the piece and snap a picture and name it after you for the lookbook.
At 1013 W. Webster is Sal's Deli!!! A Boar's Head Deli that is going to give you the custom, personable service that we love so much. It's local, and uses some of the finest ingredients available. I used to work at Marty's Deli (Harvard Ave. @ Comm. Ave.) in Boston and Sal's took me back to being 19 and my education of fine gourmet meats and cheeses, along with fresh breads. This is what a deli should be... scratch made specialty salads and mouthwatering hoagies. Get what you want, but get it at Sal's... then take yer lunch and cross the street and watch the kids play at Trebes Park.
It doesn't matter where yer from, local or visiting... Webster Ave. is YOUR neighborhood. The service is impeccable, the concepts are flawless and it's MY new favorite local Chicago spot that's under the radar. After yer visit, yer gonna have hard time keeping it a secret!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Southport Ave.
Southport is a great street to visit if you are in Chicago. It has lots to do and see for the local as well as the visitor. Sushi bars, a couple of pub/bistro fusions and ....Great shopping!!! under the radar foot traffic, yet you get an Anthropologie thrown in (a really good one too!). The 4 or 5 blocks that I'm going to talk about are from 3700-3300, from the Southport Brown Line stop at Roscoe heading North. There is more to do South of the train station as well... but that's another day.
The first place I came to was called Que Syrah Fine Wines (3726 N. Southport)... decent selection of boutique wines at reasonable prices. A local wine store. ...Galleria Liquers Fine Wines & Spirits (3409 N. Southport) has less of the independent feel, but truly a better selection plus beer and liquor. There were plenty of high-end wines and then some of my favorite "value" wines that are not so easy to find... Naia being among the most difficult to find/best value, you'll want a bottle of this for every hour that you are awake... don't say I didn't warn you. (Still looking for my OskarBlues brewery supply)
Get to know Southport Grocery and Cafe (3552 N. Southport). This place rocks!!! There are lots of cute eateries on the street, but yer going to pay for the ambiance, whereas at Southport Grocery and Cafe yer guaranteed quality ingredients. The grocery part seems small but when you see the selection of jellies and preserves and tapanades and other artisan stuffs in jars, your jaw will drop at the creativity of what yer next meal may be like!!! plus they have a bakery (CUPCAKES ya'll!!!) and a pleasant staff and they blog. Check yer pretense at the sidewalk and make this place yer stop for whatever snack or meal you need for yer visit to Southport Ave. ...P.S. it's child-friendly and I hear they carry Zingerman's candies.
Speaking of candy, let yerself loose in Candyality (3425 N. Southport). Mostly bulk selection of classic candy. The website starts off with an intro page that plays "The Candy Man Can..." from Willy Wonka. I first noticed the wax juicy bottles that I used to love chewing on (and trying so hard not to swallow). There is plenty of room to roam around and browse the selection of all yer favorites. Don't pass up the chance to smile and reminisce.
There were several shops and boutiques for the sartorial enthusiast... a super-great Anthropologie that was getting ready for Fall when I stopped by and then 3 other exceptional boutiques that are well worth making a part of yer visit to Southport Ave.
First, I visited Perchance a boutique (3512 N. Southport Ave.) NOTE: they're only open by appointment on Sunday. The interior is great! Very refreshing look. I love the wallpaper around the top of the walls. The racks are arranged for very easy viewing of the clothes and the selection for Fall was nice. They carry lots of safe, solid designs that are very creative in structure of the garment without being too edgy. Smart feminine clothing for all ages. Very contemporary and in-step with a solid understanding of traditional taste. I liked their sweaters and jeans. The staff seemed up-beat and chatty and didn't give this guy by himself any wierd looks. Check out their website, it's well-designed and easy to use with tons of info. Way to go Perchance Boutique!!!
Second, I visited Kista K Boutique (3458 N. Southport Ave.). Krista K is a 2-story boutique that has a huge selection for the urban woman. Top-notch designers, lots of leather, eclectic looks that are perfect for the L.A. and NYC style. I went downstairs first, because I was a bit intimidated by the shopping commotion upstairs. (It is what it is!) I found some great boots and was told that the downstairs are more casual pieces. Upstairs, I spied some awesome jackets and coats. There was also a great look-book. Definitely THE place for Urban Chic and something with a little attitude. I'm not sassy enough, but I know quality shit when I see it and the women there seemed to love it too! (It reminded me of Barney's.) They also have a maternity selection and stuff for babies. Not my bag, but no question... it's good shopping ya'll!!! Check out the website for a list of the designers they carry and a great blog.
Lastly, I went to Cerato Boutique (3451 N. Southport Ave.). What a great way to finish out my stroll. Cerato Boutique is new and just a great, humble place. It was like visiting a friend's place. The young women were so personable (even to the guy by himself). I love the hand-blocked wallpaper! The selection was a little more trim than the other two stores, but every piece was something exciting and tasteful to look at. Cerato also carries mostly Chicago designers, and that doesn't mean funky immature and unwearable designs, but that creative piece that you need to really get at expressing yerself. It's not just a boutique in Chicago, but a Chicago Boutique. If I were a woman, I would make every shopping trip include a visit to Cerato! There's plenty of room for improvement in the website, but I have full confidence that this place is THE place to keep yer eye on over the next year! Full of charm and unexpected surprises!
So, THANKS Southport Ave.! I enjoyed my afternoon passing through, I enjoyed all yer trendy brunette girls in their stunner shades and shoebox boutiques... get some home furnishing stores or an art gallery or two and you'll be off the charts! ...and you, Dear Reader, thanks for yer time and interest in what I have to say. Leave a comment, I'm also interested in what you have to say.
The first place I came to was called Que Syrah Fine Wines (3726 N. Southport)... decent selection of boutique wines at reasonable prices. A local wine store. ...Galleria Liquers Fine Wines & Spirits (3409 N. Southport) has less of the independent feel, but truly a better selection plus beer and liquor. There were plenty of high-end wines and then some of my favorite "value" wines that are not so easy to find... Naia being among the most difficult to find/best value, you'll want a bottle of this for every hour that you are awake... don't say I didn't warn you. (Still looking for my OskarBlues brewery supply)
Get to know Southport Grocery and Cafe (3552 N. Southport). This place rocks!!! There are lots of cute eateries on the street, but yer going to pay for the ambiance, whereas at Southport Grocery and Cafe yer guaranteed quality ingredients. The grocery part seems small but when you see the selection of jellies and preserves and tapanades and other artisan stuffs in jars, your jaw will drop at the creativity of what yer next meal may be like!!! plus they have a bakery (CUPCAKES ya'll!!!) and a pleasant staff and they blog. Check yer pretense at the sidewalk and make this place yer stop for whatever snack or meal you need for yer visit to Southport Ave. ...P.S. it's child-friendly and I hear they carry Zingerman's candies.
Speaking of candy, let yerself loose in Candyality (3425 N. Southport). Mostly bulk selection of classic candy. The website starts off with an intro page that plays "The Candy Man Can..." from Willy Wonka. I first noticed the wax juicy bottles that I used to love chewing on (and trying so hard not to swallow). There is plenty of room to roam around and browse the selection of all yer favorites. Don't pass up the chance to smile and reminisce.
There were several shops and boutiques for the sartorial enthusiast... a super-great Anthropologie that was getting ready for Fall when I stopped by and then 3 other exceptional boutiques that are well worth making a part of yer visit to Southport Ave.
First, I visited Perchance a boutique (3512 N. Southport Ave.) NOTE: they're only open by appointment on Sunday. The interior is great! Very refreshing look. I love the wallpaper around the top of the walls. The racks are arranged for very easy viewing of the clothes and the selection for Fall was nice. They carry lots of safe, solid designs that are very creative in structure of the garment without being too edgy. Smart feminine clothing for all ages. Very contemporary and in-step with a solid understanding of traditional taste. I liked their sweaters and jeans. The staff seemed up-beat and chatty and didn't give this guy by himself any wierd looks. Check out their website, it's well-designed and easy to use with tons of info. Way to go Perchance Boutique!!!
Second, I visited Kista K Boutique (3458 N. Southport Ave.). Krista K is a 2-story boutique that has a huge selection for the urban woman. Top-notch designers, lots of leather, eclectic looks that are perfect for the L.A. and NYC style. I went downstairs first, because I was a bit intimidated by the shopping commotion upstairs. (It is what it is!) I found some great boots and was told that the downstairs are more casual pieces. Upstairs, I spied some awesome jackets and coats. There was also a great look-book. Definitely THE place for Urban Chic and something with a little attitude. I'm not sassy enough, but I know quality shit when I see it and the women there seemed to love it too! (It reminded me of Barney's.) They also have a maternity selection and stuff for babies. Not my bag, but no question... it's good shopping ya'll!!! Check out the website for a list of the designers they carry and a great blog.
Lastly, I went to Cerato Boutique (3451 N. Southport Ave.). What a great way to finish out my stroll. Cerato Boutique is new and just a great, humble place. It was like visiting a friend's place. The young women were so personable (even to the guy by himself). I love the hand-blocked wallpaper! The selection was a little more trim than the other two stores, but every piece was something exciting and tasteful to look at. Cerato also carries mostly Chicago designers, and that doesn't mean funky immature and unwearable designs, but that creative piece that you need to really get at expressing yerself. It's not just a boutique in Chicago, but a Chicago Boutique. If I were a woman, I would make every shopping trip include a visit to Cerato! There's plenty of room for improvement in the website, but I have full confidence that this place is THE place to keep yer eye on over the next year! Full of charm and unexpected surprises!
So, THANKS Southport Ave.! I enjoyed my afternoon passing through, I enjoyed all yer trendy brunette girls in their stunner shades and shoebox boutiques... get some home furnishing stores or an art gallery or two and you'll be off the charts! ...and you, Dear Reader, thanks for yer time and interest in what I have to say. Leave a comment, I'm also interested in what you have to say.
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