I spent this past weekend in Chicago, and of course, I had to make time for a little retail therapy. I ended up trekking around the Southport neighborhood after grocery shopping with a friend, and the Lincoln Park neighborhood near my friend’s apartment. I came upon a number of cool places but there were definitely two front runners in the neighborhoods.

SOUTHPORT

If you’re in Southport, check out Cerato boutique for a mix of local Chicago designers and other awesome brands. There are two Chicago-based designers that caught my eye while browsing Cerato: Sophia Reyes and Alicia Mohr of Ali’s Collection. Cerato’s sampling of Sophia Reyes namesake collection consists of ultra feminine, flowy dresses made of 100% silk. The boutique also has an extensive selection of unique, statement making rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets from Ali’s Collection.

LINCOLN PARK

I can’t resist a good consignment shop, and near the corner of Armitage and Halsted, there are a few consignment stores worth hitting up. I snagged a couple gems at Second Time Around (STA). STA doesn’t quite make the cut for Chicago’s City Hot Spot because the consignment company has locations in eleven other states, but my finds are too good not to share. First I found a gray, wool Cartonnier blazer for $25.00. Cartonnier is a staple line at Anthropologie, and they make truly awesome blazers (I should know, I own two others already!). Next I made my find of the day: a double breasted Theory wool military style jacket in the Pantone color of the year, Radiant Orchid! This amazing item was a whopping $60! I must admit, I got these winter goods at such serious steals because all winter merchandise was an additional 50% off (wink, wink Chi Town ladies looking for an awesome winter deal).