Logan Square has a well-earned reputation for one of the most unique and local shopping experiences in the city. Much of that is due to independent retail shops that have distinctive – often locally made – goods and a personal service that keeps customers coming back for more. Notably, many of the top retail locations are owned by women. Here is a look at some of them.
Wolfbait and B-girls
Open since 2006, this is the perfect place to get a one-of-a-kind item that’s made in Chicago. A treasure trove of creations from more than 250 local artisans as well as local fair-trade companies are showcased at the store owned and operated by designers Shirley Kienitz and Jenny Stadler. It features unique and practical clothing, accessories and handcrafted goods, including jewelry, bath and beauty, books, stationery, home goods and prints and wall art. Kienitz and Stadler have their own clothing collections as well, known as Bruiser and Brazen Judy.
You can check out the ever evolving eclectic inventory at 3131 W. Logan Blvd., or to take a maker class and broaden your own skill set. Visit wolfbaitchicago.com.
Adornment + Theory
Adornment+Theory, 2644 N. Milwaukee, is a curated art jewelry and design studio representing 35+ artist and designers from around the world. They represent work that is fresh, forward thinking, sustainable, and pushes accessory design into wearable art. Viviana Langhoff, owner and jewelry designer, creates her one-of-a kind fine jewelry pieces in an onsite metals studio. Langhoff specializes in alternative bridal and custom ethically sourced gems. Visit https://adornmentandtheory.com.
City Lit Books
If you love to read books, City Lit Books is your kind of place. It’s more than just a store – it’s a community based around a love of literature that was opened by a longtime Logan Square resident, Teresa Kirschbraun, in 2012.
Its well-curated selections of fiction, non-fiction, biography, science fiction and children’s books – along with its active calendar of events – have combined to draw readers and authors from throughout Chicago and beyond. The store plays host to book clubs, Children’s Story Time and author events that range from national names to self-published authors.
Parking is available behind the store, which is at 2523 N. Kedzie Blvd. Visit www.citylitbooks.com.
Fleur
Fleur features floral, foliage, home goods, fine jewelry, fragrances and much more. Opened in 2002 as a floral bucket shop, Fleur has an eclectic collection of curated gifts that make it a sought-after lifestyle boutique.
Fleur’s creative design team helps plan elegant events. The shop’s wedding-related work has been featured in many online and print publications including Vogue, The Knot, Martha Stewart Weddings and Better Homes & Gardens.
Fleur also hosts classes in their boutique. Past topics have included plant classes, floral design classes and collaborations with weavers, calligraphers and watercolor artists.
Visit Fleur at 2651 N. Milwaukee Ave. or www.fleurchicago.com.
*play
*play, a store featuring toys, books and gifts, was started by a toy industry insider, Ann Kienzle, in 2010. She took her years of experience as a sales representative and consultant as well as a board member of a major toy retailers association and turned them into this fun and favorite neighborhood store.
The expertly curated store at 3109 W. Logan Blvd. specializes in toys and books for children. Grown-ups might find some gems that touch their heart as well. *play is a proud member of the Logan Square community and supports local schools, parks and organizations. You can always find the perfect gift at *play and if you need some ideas, the staff makes wonderful recommendations. Visit www.playtoysandbooks.com.