Chicago-Based Wardrobe Consultants Divulge the City's Best Resources

Personal shoppers and wardrobe consultants Julie Watson and Annie Barlow of Julie Watson Style have a new appointment space on the fifth floor of the 900 North Michigan building (900 N. Michigan Ave., 312-890-9084), outfitted with a big comfy dressing room where clients can try on looks while enjoying lunch, coffee, or a glass of wine. In addition to pulling pieces from local boutiques and department stores for clients, Barlow and Watson also plan to host trunk shows by local and national designers. We tracked them down and got their tips on where to shop around the city.

"Winifred Grace (1422 W. Willow St., 312-961-0370, winifredgrace.com) offers pieces with the perfect combo of crystals and shine with tough edge."

Forever 21 (835 N. Michigan Ave., 312-202-9103, forever21.com) "Everyone will think you are wearing the real thing--when all you paid was $3.99!" 

BAGS:
Barneys New York (15 E. Oak St., 312-587-1700, barneys.com) "Their private label shoppers and totes are chic and unique. We also love their huge canvas satchel bags, which make you want to pack up and get away for a weekend."

Marc Jacobs (1714 N. Damen Ave., 773-276-2998, marcjacobs.com) "Because we are obsessed with a cross-body bag, and they have the cutest by far for the price."

FAVORITE ALL-AROUND LOCAL BOUTIQUE:
Sarca (710 N. Wabash Ave., 312-255-0900, shopsarca.com) "Fun, fun, fun, for day and night, boots, heels, and jewelry."

P.45 (1643 N. Damen Ave., 773-862-4523, p45.com) "Because owner Trica Tunstall is an urban pioneer. She was one of the first, and still the best, in Bucktown, with designers nobody else carries and service with a smile!"

FAVORITE VINTAGE SOURCE:
"LuLu's at the Belle Kay (3862 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-404-5858, lulusbellekay.com) for evening. Jewelry, unreal dresses, and purses at unbelievable prices."

"Sofia (72 E. Oak St., 312-640-0878, sofiavintage.com) for every day. Edgy, cool, young, hip, and super-fun." 

BEST GIFT-BUYING RESOURCE:
Elements (741 N. Wells St., 312-642-6574, elementschicago.com) "Gifts range from amazing placemats to jewelry to huge birdcages."

Vintage Pine (904 W. Blackhawk St., 312-943-9303, vintagepine.com) "With two floors of delights--from furniture to vintage prints--this place makes us feel like kids in a candy store. Carve out a few hours and take it all in." 

FAVORITE SPAS:
The Spa at the Peninsula (108 E. Superior St., 312-337-2888, peninsula.com) "Get off the elevator here and you feel completely transported."

Spa Emilia (21 W. Elm St., 312-951-7415, spaemilia.com) "Spectacular manicures and a quick facial that gets you refreshed in no time." 

BEST MANI-PEDI:
Princess Nail Lounge (8 E. Chestnut St., 312-944-4790, princessnaillounge.com) "Long-lasting, and they have a great mani-pedi deal Monday through Wednesday: $39 before noon."

FAVORITE LOCAL DESIGNER:
Kate Boggiano (kateboggiano.com) "Her tank tops are thick (to help keep your lines smooth), come in great colors, and fit everyone. Also, custom shirts for any size and shape--she has made many of our clients very happy!"

FAVORITE LOCALLY BASED E-COMMERCE SITES:
twentythirtyforty.net "We love their approach, style, sensibility, and blog." figaroantiques.com "An amazingly curated selection of vintage fashion illustrations. Jeanne Steen, the owner, is a fashion connoisseur."