shopping in chicago
 

First time on Foders, I will try not to ask stupid questions. WE are a family of 4 embarking on a major holiday to the US and Europe. Due to the terrible exchange rate for us we will be doing any shopping we want in the US, (exchange rate a bit better). We are spending 1 week NYC and 10 days Orlando. Before flying to London we will have 3 nights Chicago. My daughters love to shop. they are 17 & 19. and love all things designer. Any recomendations for outlet type shopping in Chicago? Apart form general site seeing (tower etc.) Chicago will be our major shopping trip. All suggestion greatly appreciated and any other must do's for first time chicago travelers.

I'm not sure where you are coming from, but if they are 17 and 19, then take them to H&M even thought it is not outlet, it is pretty affordable (although you can do that in new york too), there is a Nordstrom Rack on State Street as well. Beyond that, most outlet style shopping is in the suburbs , and usually pretty far out there (unless some of my fellow residents can clue me into what I've been missing out on all these years) if you are interested in 'regular stores' then I could perhaps help a bit more.

Now, when you get to New York, go to Century 21.

Vittrad's right, the outlet malls are far from downtown, but if you're serious about shopping AND you're renting a car, you can drive to the "Chicago Premium Outlets" in Aurora. It's in a far western suburb (even though it's called Chicago Premium), but has many designer stores: Coach, Tommy, Dooney & Bourke etc. You can get driving directions at their website: www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=63

Sorry, coming from Brisbane, Australia. Would love to hear your 'regular' shopping tips. As I said they love all things designer ie:Tommy, Guess etc. which we pay an absolute fortune for over here. Is Century 21 right in NYC, and has anyone been to Woodbury Common in NY, and is it worth the trip out there. Thanks heaps, it really helps.

Century 21 is right in Manhattan and is discount designer clothes that you really have to "shop" for! It's a big hunt, but the bargains can be great. Try not to go there on a Saturday.

As to more shopping in Chicago, there are a few things:

* State Street in the Loop has Nordstrom Rack, Filene's Basement and TJ Maxx - all good for discounted designer clothing, but not generally super high end. You may find Tommy and Guess there though. Also, Old Navy in this area is popular for more reasonably priced but generally good style. Definitely designed mainly for teens! There is an H&M here and another on Michigan Ave. A Swedish (I think) chain of stores that only recently came to the states. While here you must check out the Marshall Fields flagship store. This is a mid-range department store (where you will find a decent designer department for designers like Tommy, etc.). But the Tiffany Glass ceiling near the cosmetics area is the big draw!

* Michigan Ave. north of the river has some more big-name stores like Banana Republic, Gap, Eddie Bauer, etc. There are a few nice shops in Water Tower place as well, plus the nicer department stores are here (Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Saks).

* Oak Street has very high end designer shops. I'm not sure this is what your daughters want as it's quite pricey, but if they do want big names (Prada, etc.) then this is the place to look.

* Boutique shopping in the neighborhoods, like Lincoln Park. You'll find smaller, non-chain, funkier stores, but a lot of stuff that older teens would like. Not cheap generally, but much more affordable than the Oak Street designers. You can see a good guide to Lincoln Park shopping here:

http://www.urbanstyle.com/neighborhoods/lincolnPark/

and then click to see other neighborhoods as well. It's a nice site for giving you an idea of what's there.

They may also enjoy browsing http://www.luckymag.com/chicago/ before coming to get more ideas for shops. Even if the advertised deals are no longer available when you're here, they'll certainly find stores that appeal to them.

One final thought about shopping - if you have access to it, they may want to have a look at Suzy Gershman's "Born to Shop NYC" book. A new edition was published last year, and it's very good at laying out the different neighborhoods and what you can find in each. Plus, she's good at making suggestions for inexpensive but fun souvenirs.

Have fun planning, and feel free to come back with more questions! :)

Another good street for Boutique shopping is Armitage street past Halsted. I just discovered that gem this past weekend (and how long have I been living here?). I had dismissed it as upscale yuppie, stuff I couldn't afford on my academic salary, but when I ventured over there, I found out there was plenty of options. I spent far too much money, and got some great bargains. There is a consignment shop over there (I need to look up the name) whose wares range from last season's Prada offerings (priced appropriately too ... sigh) to wonderful affordable finds if you are willing to search.

Aussie, All those suggestions are good ones. Also, your daughters would probably like Old Navy, cheaper, hip clothes. The biggest store is on State Street across from Marshall Fields. Also down State is Forever 21 and Nordstrom Rack (An outlet for high end Nordstroms department store on Michigan Ave.). You may find a few things there too!

P.S. as for must dos, when will you be here?

It looks like, from another post, you'll be here early January 2006. Way to plan ahead! :D But the planning is almost as fun as the trip itself.

The ice rink at Millennium Park will be open then and would be fun, followed by hot chocolate!

And check out the Christmas tree in the Walnut Room at the State Street Marshall Fields. Even if you don't eat there, you can go up and look. The Christmas windows along State Street and Michigan Ave. are fun too.

Actually, now that I think about it, didn't someone post a note that the tree might not be in the Walnut Room in the future? I thought I remembered reading that. Will have to go hunt for it.

After Christmas sales should make for some great shopping!

There will be plenty to keep them busy on and around Michigan Ave, but given their age...they'd probably have a great time checking out Wicker Park/Bucktown which has a lot of the funkier boutiques with more hard-to-find designers. Not to mention that it's a really cool area to hang out at.

Also, Chicago's great, but if you're going to be spending a whole week in NYC...save your $$ for that! NYC's shopping cannot be beat. If a designer exists, it has a flagship store there.

at the recommended marchall fields, take your passports up to customer service, and they will give each of you a gift pack with some great freebies.. coffee, cheesecake, discounts, etc.to use during your stay.(this is for any person who does not live in chicago. driver's license/hotel bill will suffice)

there is also another outlet mall up north.. gurnee ??

remember though that if you do big shopping, you pay NO TAXES ( up to items about 250$, i think)in new jersey, contrary to ny and chicago.

thank you thank you thank you. Yes I am a very 'forward' planner, but it makes for a great trip. Will be there 6,7,8 Jan'. Hope this isn't a 'silly' question, but while the girls are shopping, if I take a break is it possible to have a look at Harpo Studios? (not just from the outside) is it centraly located? I know its a bit odd, but we get a 'LOT' of Oprah here and it would be great to have a look at the place.

Harpo Studios is in my neighborhood, the West Loop. It's about 10-15 minutes SW of the the North Michigan Ave. shopping area, so I'm not sure if you're going to want to cab it back and forth just for a peak.

You could always try to attend the show itself. I see people lined up all the time, and you can inquire ahead of time about tickets.

you can see how to order tickets at www.oprah.com

From what I have read on the oprah.com website you have to ring for tickets. But I was also sure that there would be no taping on the 6-8 Jan.

I can't believe nobody has mentioned Gurnee Mills, 2 miles of outlet shopping from end to end. Again, you'll need a car or plenty of free time for transit. You can take the Metra up to Waukegan, then a Pace suburban bus to the mall.

www.metrarail.com
www.pacebus.com

If you do have a car, just about 10 minutes north in Kenosha, Wisconsin you'll find more outlet shopping off of I-94.