Best Places For Handmade Accessories In Chicago

Call it the "Etsy factor," but handmade is coveted because you want to say, "Oh, it's one of a kind, made by an artisan," when you get complimented for your stunning accessories. You don't have to be a world traveler to score handmade pieces, just head to any of these Chicago shops that stock an ever-changing array of crafted-by-hand jewelry, bags, scarves and all of the wonderful extras that help you shine.

Wolfbait & B-girls
3131 W. Logan Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60647
(312) 698-8685
www.wolfbaitchicago.com
 
This Logan Square shop stocks a wide range of jewelry and handbags, plus home goods and decor, made by local artists (between 150-170 to be precise) and two Chicago-based fair trade companies. The independent business is owned and operated by two native designers, Shirley Kienitz and Jenny Stadler, who fashion designs in the in-store workspace. It also features accessories by Aerial Skateboard Afterlife, Jill K. Bags, Kostick Glass Jewelry, Malia Bags, Red Ava, Nice Lena, Syd Liz Jewelry and many more.

Elevenzees
1901 W. Division St.
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 772-1150
www.elevenzees.com
 
Since May 1, 2014, Elevenzees has partnered with local artisans to offer quality handmade products right from the hot West Town neighborhood. Artisans at Elevenzees is a special section in the shop with the hyper-locally made wares of six local artists featuring candles poured right in Wicker Park, jewelry, cards, accessories and Chicago-themed gifts. Expect to fall in love with trinkets from heaven.

p.45
1643 N.Damen Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 862-4523
www.p45.com
 
This Bucktown shop, open in 1997, selects unique, timeless pieces from emerging and nationally known designers. Treasure hunt and eyeball a chic clutch or alpaca yarn woven belt created by Andean weaving cooperatives in Peru. There's stunning jewelry crafted by designers like Chicago-based Sarah McGuire and Nettie Kent and eye-popping kicks from Rachel Comey. Get on the mailing list to be notified of sales and events.
 
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Cerato Boutique
3451 N. Southport Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 248-8604
www.ceratoboutique.com
 
Since 2010, Cerato Boutique in Lakeview has curated clothing and accessories by established and up-and-coming Chicago and national designers. Snag a statement jade bib necklace by Rach B or hand-fabricated artisan earrings with attitude by Jules with natural gem stones and raw minerals - each truly one of a kind. Items can be a little pricey but you'll spend as much or more at upscale chain places like Anthropologie and see the exact same item on someone else. Keep an eye peeled for fabulous sales announced on the website.

Indie Designer Market
1350 W. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 666-1200
www.randolphstreetmarket.com/indiedesignermarket
 
The Indie Designer Market, held monthly as a part of Randolph St. Market, can't be beat for handcrafted, Chicago-designed accessories purchased directly from the designers. It's an exclusive round-up of handbags, jewelry, other accessories as well as clothing, art and décor. Pay for entry to the Indie Designer Market and automatically gain entrance to the Randolph Street Market, held one weekend every month, for a complete European outdoor/indoor shopping experience.
 
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Jacky Runice has been a columnist with the Daily Herald Chicago since grunge music and flannel was the new black. Her fingers and gray matter have been busy as travel editor of Reunions Magazine; penning a column that was syndicated around the nation via Tribune Media Services. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.