Shopping in the U.S.
By Brooke Comer
Chicago has been a shopper's paradise since the 1850s and
was considered the 'Paris of the West,' when it burned to
the ground in 1871. The Great Chicago fire levelled one third
of the city but did not deter regrowth.
By 1891, Chicago was a cosmopolitan power again, and city
dwellers were riding the El (elevated railway) to work --
quite a sophisticated mode of transportation in those days.
Today, Chicago visitors can stretch their legs with a walk
down the Magnificient Mile (Michigan Avenue), which is lined
with literally hundreds of upscale stores, including Brooks
Brothers, Burberry, Hammacher-Schlemmer, Saks Fifth Avenue,
Bloomingdale's, Filene's Basement, Pottery Barn, Express,
and North Face.
If you're on a budget, pass up Saks and Burberry and head
for Filene's. But the Christmas decorations and shop windows
alone are worth a walk down Michigan Avenue if you find yourself
here during the holiday season.
Just off Michigan Avenue, Oak Street offers one solid block
of designer boutiques, including Barney's of New York, Versace,
Armani, Hermes, Sonia Rykiel, and Stephane Kelian -- but don't
expect any bargains here.
Off the beaten path, you're more likely to find unusual and
unique gifts. Alcala's Western Wear (1733 W. Chicago Ave.)
has more than 10,000 cowboy boots in stock. Name your colour
and your skin; they've probably got it.
It's considered the best source of western gear on the eastern
side of the Rocky Mountains.
Thrifty shoe shoppers take note: Chernin's (606 W. Roosevelt
Rd.) has a wide array of footwear, all at discounted or reasonable
prices.
 And
Celeste Turner (Fremont and Armitage Ave.) is a refreshing
change from trendy designer boutiques.
Designer Celeste Turner focuses on Chicago designers, and
her store features an array of striking but unpretentious
(and unpretentiously priced) suits, dresses and sweaters.
For truly unusual clothing, visit Flashy Trash (3524 N.
Halsted St.). This is top of the line vintage shopping, whether
you want stiletto heels, platforms, fur, feathers or dresses
from the 40s or the 70s. The funky fashions draw models, locals
and visitors to this unique boutique.
Chinatown, on Wentworth Ave. between 22nd and 25th Streets,
is a maze of delightful shops.
 It's
not as big as the Chinatowns in New York or San Francisco,
but you can find charming, inexpensive souvenirs, ginseng
tea, fortune cookies (when boxed, they make great gifts --
they also come in 'adult' versions), woks for stir-frying
and, of course, wonderful restaurants.
If you've come to Chicago with a mission -- to find an out-of-print
movie or jazz record -- you're in luck. Facets Video (1517
W. Fullerton Ave.) may be the best place in the country to
find rare, foreign, obscure or out-of-print films.
And Jazz Record Mart (444 N. Wabash) will yield that elusive
out-of-print John Coltrane album.
New releases and rare older music are both available here,
on vinyl, CDs and cassettes. If you have a question about
a jazz artist, don't hesitate to ask one of the knowledgeable
staff members, all experts in their field.
For Flights and Airfares to the U.S - click
here for the Travel Homepage.
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