Will be in Chicago early next week and have a few questions:

1. Any suggestions on cute and not too expensive boutiques in both Lincoln Park and around Belmont (just discovered there is an Anthropologie there as well as on North State so hope to hit both of them)

2. Hotels are so-o-o expensive (well, not compared to S. Francisco or NYC but still alot to to me). Have any of you stayed in a hotel or bed and breakfast in Chicago that you would recommend? I know I could save staying in a suburb but am hoping to be in either the Loop or North Michigan area but would also consider Lincoln Park.

Thanks for any ideas/suggestions.