Chicago Holiday Party Outfit And Accessory Shopping Guide
When you walk into the party, your outfit probably shouldn't compete with the bedazzled holiday tree nor be so subtle it borders on the Christmas mousy. And what could be worse than watching the same dress or slick suit coat walk in after you do? Perish the thought when you find festive solutions to what to wear this holiday season at these local shops.
Kiz Chicago
2035 W. Division St.
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 278-9800
www.kizchicago.com
Regulars swear by the Wicker Park boutique to score an outfit for any occasion without having to live on generic yogurt and tap water for the next month. Nearly every item is priced below $100 at Kiz, a women's clothing store that offers tons of great accessories and jewelry, too. Owner Simal Turan stocks new inventory every week with labels like Ark & Co., THML, Mono B and Flying Monkey as well as hand-made Kiz tags. For the holidays, Kiz promises racks of dresses, skirts, tops, jackets, jeans, as well as jewelry and other accessories to build the perfect look whether sparkly or demure. A full outfit at Kiz can be found for as low as $150, and you'll feel as though Santa smiled upon you. Since Turan doesn't order the same item twice, you can be sure your alluring look cannot show up on your ex's arm.
Haberdash Roosevelt Collection
150 W. Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 357-5134
www.haberdashmen.com
Haberdash is a one-stop mega men's wear dream that offers modern and classic lines with old-school service and advice. It's not just shopping, but an experience. Sip a steamy La Colombe cappuccino in the store's "H lounge," get an expert trim or a warm lather shave from The Blind Barber (pop up through December), shop the Apothecary featuring Aesop, Malin & Goetz and Baxter of California and choose from a coolly curated collection of sportswear, tailored clothing, footwear and accessories from world class brands including L.B.M. 1911, Southwick Clothing, Barbour and Alden. Under the "casual" category, you'll spy coveted brands including Gitman Vintage, Filson, New England Shirt Company, Reigning Champ, Hertling Trousers, Baldwin Denim and Wolverine 1000 Mile. You won't find this sartorial splendor at the mall.
Hubba Hubba
2040 W. Roscoe St.
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 477-1414
www.hubbahubbachicago.com
"Hot" is the new "hubba hubba" and the friendly staff at the Roscoe Village shop will help you attain said description with dresses, separates, jewelry and accessories. Romantic, dressy, flirty, sexy, bedazzled or a little understated, there's a dress or outfit here that you won't see sashaying into the same holiday party. The staff will help you find the right color, neckline, jewelry, belt and scarf that flatters your body.
Anastasia Boutique
1001 N. Damen Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
(586) 610-4096
www.anastasiachatzka.com
Modern silhouettes in regal color, interesting wraps to warm your shoulders, lace flourishes and knockout separates are on display in Anastasia Chatzka's fall/winter ready-to-wear collection (free alteration on all garment purchases, too). The Ukrainian Village shop just debuted tights from Japan and a beautiful selection of jewelry from local designers, too. You might want to go for Anastasia's One-Fit Custom Dress option: a made-to-measure holiday dress at an affordable price. Choose among different designs, have your measurements taken and then pick from a impressive range of limited edition seasonal fabrics. Opt for a shorter hemline or add an embellishment at just the perfect curve. Within two weeks, you're in the custom dress and having to answer, again and again, to "where did you get that?"
Le Dress
1741 W. Division St.
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 697-9899
www.ledressshop.com
Here is something that Chicago has not seen for decades - a real dress shop. Before women were relegated to rifling through the racks at Macy's, Nordstrom and the like, there were shops containing the perfect party dress, and Le Dress fills that void. In addition to dresses by Erin Fetherston, Nicole Miller, Ivy & Blu and others, there's an in-house collection called Denella with ready-to-wear dresses and blouses boasting great fit and fabric. Pick up fashion tape, commando thongs and backless, strapless and seamless undergarments to complete the look underneath it all so meeting the new boyfriend's parents at the holidays or looking stunning on NYE goes off without a hitch.
Related: Best Vintage Stores In Chicago
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.
