Can you believe that, though I live mere hours from Chicago, and have been there a handful of times, I have never (never!) been shopping there?!?! My vacations usually involve eating, and I scope out the best restaurants, wine bars, and art museums, but next time You Know What is on my list!

Glad you had fun visiting the ol’ midwest, Angie.

I SO want to visit Chicago for the shopping. I’ve never been to an H&M or a Mango. And, although not on the Magnificent Mile, Chicago also boasts an authentic Japanese supermarket. I want to visit to buy some of the delicacies I’ve missed since moving from Japan.

We’ll have to exchange restaurant notes Christie! Chances are high that you’ll love H&M and Mango – fab and affordable…what’s not to love?

We have a fabulous Japanese supermarket called Uwajimaya here in Seattle. In fact other than Japanese supermarkets, Japanese department stores are one of my very favourite places to shop Kashmira. I particularly like Sogo and Takashimaya. Which do you like?

Hello Angie,
I have been enjoying your blog. I decided to respond to your blog when I saw the word “Chicago”. I live in Chciago now and glad to hear that you had a good impression of Chicago!! Just few blocks west of Magnificent Mile, there is another shopping place. There is Barny’s and other cute little boutiques. (the area is called Viagra triangle because of how the street corsses and the kind of people that gather: fashionable, rich and powerful etc.) I hope you will visit Chicago again and visit those places if you did not have chance this time.

P.S. Chciago’s Japanes supermarket is called Mituwa. It is not exactly a department sotre like Takashimaya but it has nice selection of food, plates, sweets, book and even cosmetics.

[...] until recently when designs become more feminine and refined. I popped into a Naturalizer store in Chicago last week and was delighted with what I saw. Alongside their usual casual and conservative styles, was a [...]

[...] until recently when designs become more feminine and refined. I popped into a Naturalizer store in Chicago last week and was delighted with what I saw. Alongside their usual casual and conservative styles, was a [...]

Angie,

I visited Chicago for the first time this past June. I had such a great time It’s a gorgeous city and although I spent a week there, it still wasn’t enough time to see everything! I would move there if it weren’t for the snow…

I see the Michigan Avenue bridge from my apartment, so I frequently fall prey to all these shopping establishments that you mention. Do NOT, however, overlook the neighborhoods with little boutiques… Mag Mile shops can be found in all big cities around the world, but the boutiques in Lincoln Park and Bucktown are one of a kind, and have some spectacular designs!

YAY! I’m so glad you enjoyed your trip to my hometown, Chicago!! The shopping IS fantastic. During your next trip, maybe you can check out the boutiques and shops in neighborhoods away from the mag mile…i suggest Wicker Park, Bucktown and Lincoln Park…you will LOVE them!

Also in the shopping area attached to Nordstrom on the South end of Michigan avenue is a great Forever21, on the small side but great selection. I also love the Forever21 on State–3 stories so brace yourself! Check out Akira Chicago next time you’re in town, too, great accessories and clothing for all budgets

I could go on and on and on…LOVE CHICAGO!!