Best of Chicago 2019: Buy Local

on November 6, 2019 at 12:00PM

Best boutique for women

on November 6, 2019 at 12:00PM

Hazel  Runner-UpWolfbait & B-girls Finalists: Una Mae's, Penny Lane Studios, Ikram

Best boutique for men

on November 6, 2019 at 12:00PM

Cowboys and Astronauts Runner-UpHazel  Finalists: Penny Lane Studios, CRAM Fashion, Phayes

Best T-shirt shop

on November 6, 2019 at 12:00PM

Strange Cargo  Runner-UpT-Shirt Deli  Finalists: Transit tees, Raygun, Sacra-tee

Staff Pick: Best T-shirt shop

Querying the concept of T-shirt shops

by Maya Dukmasova on November 6, 2019 at 12:00PM

Why are there four T-shirt shops within a block of each other in Andersonville? Strolling north on Clark from Foster Avenue one soon understands the absurdity of that question because "T-shirt shops" have about as much in common with one another as "restaurants."

Best streetwear brand

on November 6, 2019 at 12:00PM

Fat Tiger Works  Runner-UpDearborn Denim  Finalists: 6 Clothing, Sacra-tee

Best kids’ clothing

on November 6, 2019 at 12:00PM

Peach Fuzz  Runner-UpCloud & Bunny  Finalists: Little Threads, Monica & Andy

Best local clothing designer

on November 6, 2019 at 12:00PM

Sophia Reyes  Runner-UpMaria Pinto  Finalists: Dearborn Denim, Richard Dayhoff

Best local fashion blog or blogger

on November 6, 2019 at 12:00PM

Rescue in Style Runner-UpHoda Katebi  Finalists: Lakeshore Lady, Liz Adams

Best vintage store

on November 6, 2019 at 12:00PM

Lost Girls  Runner-UpKokorokoko  Finalists: Tilly’s, Vintage Quest, Seek Vintage

Best resale shop

on November 6, 2019 at 12:00PM

Brown Elephant  Runner-UpVillage Discount Outlet Store Finalists: Ragstock, Unique Thrift, Thrift and Thrive, Alex’s Attic

Staff pick: Best huge old thrift shop, about to disappear

The Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center

by Deanna Isaacs on November 6, 2019 at 12:00PM

In 1931, chewing gum entrepreneur William Wrigley Jr. gave an industrial building at 509 N. Union to the Salvation Army, which started collecting donated goods there in addition to housing Depression-era guys down on their luck. Ever since, it's been the go-to place downtown for great deals on used furniture, clothing, and just about anything else, including stuff you don't need but can't resist.

Best picture framing store

on November 6, 2019 at 12:00PM

Foursided Chicago  Runner-UpArtists Frame Service Finalists: Ilo’s Framing, CMMFraming

Best shoe store

on November 6, 2019 at 12:00PM

Alamo Shoes  Runner-UpLori’s Shoes  Finalists: Hanig’s, Click Shoes

Staff Pick: Best shoe store

Saint Alfred

by Leor Galil on November 6, 2019 at 12:00PM

Before Adidas opened its flagship Wicker Park store in 2017, Saint Alfred was the only shop along Milwaukee Avenue you'd be guaranteed to find sneakerheads lined up at the crack of dawn waiting to cop the hottest new shoe. The streetwear shop doesn't just cater to people who pack their closets with more footwear than clothes, and I've enjoyed the process of finding the right fit for my flat feet more there than anywhere else I've gone.

Best dancewear shop

on November 6, 2019 at 12:00PM

Chicago Dance Supply Runner-UpMotion Unlimited  Finalists: All About Dance

Best jewelry store

on November 6, 2019 at 12:00PM

Asrai Garden  Runner-UpBryn Mawr Jewelry Finalists: Nomadic Ant, Embellish Boutique

Best eyewear shop

on November 6, 2019 at 12:00PM

Eye Spy Optical  Runner-UpLab Rabbit Optics  Finalists: Visionary Eye Care, CustomEyes

Best bicycle shop

on November 6, 2019 at 12:00PM

Uptown Bikes  Runner-UpKozy’s Cyclery   Finalists: Johnny Sprockets, Roscoe Village Bikes, Comrade Cycles, Boulevard Bikes

Best tobacco shop

on November 6, 2019 at 12:00PM

Smokes on Clark  Runner-UpRoots Smoke & Vapor Shop Finalists: Up Down Cigar, Elevated Minds

Best record store

on November 6, 2019 at 12:00PM

Reckless Records  Runner-UpLaurie’s Planet of Sound Finalists: Bric-a-Brac Records and Collectibles, Dusty Groove, Rattleback Records

Best musical instrument shop

on November 6, 2019 at 12:00PM

Chicago Music Exchange Runner-UpOld Town School Music Store Finalists: Flatts and Sharpe Music Co., Rock and Roll Vintage Chicago Guitar Shop

Best independent bookstore

on November 6, 2019 at 12:00PM

Women & Children First Runner-UpThe Book Cellar  Finalists: Quimby’s Bookstore, Unabridged Bookstore

Best adult bookstore

on November 6, 2019 at 12:00PM

Pleasure Chest  Runner-UpRam Bookstore  Finalists: Lover's Playground (previously Frenchy's), Te-Jays Adult Books

Best used bookstore

on November 6, 2019 at 12:00PM

Myopic Books  Runner-UpUncharted Books  Finalists: Ravenswood Used Books, Open Books Ltd.

Best comics shop

on November 6, 2019 at 12:00PM

AlleyCat Comics  Runner-UpQuimby’s Bookstore Finalists: Chicago Comics, Challengers Comics, Graham Cracker Comics Loop

Best home-improvement company

on November 6, 2019 at 12:00PM

Crafty Beaver  Runner-UpAndersonville Kitchen & Bath Showroom  Finalists: Wade Brothers Carpentry LLC, Power Plumbing & Sewer Contractor Inc.

Best home furnishings

on November 6, 2019 at 12:00PM

District Chicago  Runner-UpVintage Quest  Finalists: Scout, Jayson Home, Alapash New Home, Cassona Home Furnishings and Accessories

Best garden store

on November 6, 2019 at 12:00PM

Gethsemane Garden Center Runner-UpAdams & Son Gardens Finalists: Sprout Home, City Grange

Best florist

on November 6, 2019 at 12:00PM

Flowers for Dreams  Runner-UpAsrai Garden  Finalists: Fleur Inc, Steve’s Flower Market