Get the Boot: 6 Sexy Must-Have Pairs For the Season

Rebecca Taras — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:00:00 CDT

One of the many great things about Fall is the opportunity to bust out a hot pair of boots. From tall to short, leather to suede, this season there are plenty of boots that are made for walking - or otherwise. Find your pair (or pairs) here.

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Guide to Damen Avenue's Designer and Big-Brand Shops

Kate Stahl — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 08:03:00 CDT

When I first moved to Chicago almost eight years ago (my how time flies), Damen Avenue was already a great place to shop - if you were in the know about independently owned shops like p.45 and Tangerine - still two of my favorite places to shop. Over the past few years, however, the street has become a hub for independently minded, but big-time designers, including Chicago native Cynthia Rowley and Marc Jacobs, the man who started the trend with his Damen Avenue Marc by Marc shop (shown below). While, thankfully, the indie shops still exist, Bucktown's busiest blocks are now just as known for its big-brand shops as it is for its freewheeling vibe.

The good news about shopping Damen's brand-name stores is that they all can be found within a block or two from one another, meaning you get a lot of shopping in a short distance. I'd start by taking the Blue Line train to Damen Avenue, and walking up a block to make your first stop at the Benefit Boutique (1616 N. Damen Ave., 773-342-8860), where you'll find lots of cleverly named, amazingly effective beauty products. My top picks are Bad Gal mascara and Dallas bronzer, but also try the brand-new B.right Radiant Skincare collection. Cross the street for your next stops, Nanette Lepore (1623 N. Damen Ave., 773-489-4500) for kicky, cute Spring dresses, and Lululemon Athletica (1627 N. Damen Ave., 773-227-1869) to stock up on the most addictive workout wear in the world. I blame the always-rotating selection of cute tops and the most comfortable, flattering pants ever. Keep reading to continue your Damen Avenue shopping crawl.

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Get the Boot: 6 Sexy Must-Have Pairs For the Season

Guide to Damen Avenue's Designer and Big-Brand Shops