Shopping - Chicago 2005 - page 236

Carson Pirie Scott & Co. Carson's still appeals primarily to working- and
middle-class shoppers. But this venerable Chicago institution that was almost
wiped out by the Chicago Fire has made a recent bid to capture the corporate
trade, adding a number of more upscale apparel lines, plus a trendy housewares
department, to appeal to the moneyed crowd that works in the Loop. 1 S. State
St. (at Madison St.). & 312/641-7000. Subway/El: Red Line to Monroe.
Lord & Taylor Lord & Taylor, one of two large department stores in Water
Tower Place (see Marshall Field's, below), carries about what you'd expect:
women's, men's, and children's clothing; cosmetics; and accessories. The for-
merly crowded first floor has gotten an upscale makeover, although the offerings
remain fairly affordable. The store's star department is definitely shoes, for its
good selection and sales. Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave. & 312/787-7400. Sub-
way/El: Red Line to Chicago.
Marshall Field's Although it's now owned by Minneapolis-based Target Cor-
poration, Chicagoans still consider Marshall Field's their “hometown” depart-
ment store. The flagship store, which covers an entire block on State Street, is
second in size only to Macy's in New York City. A number of exclusive “mini
boutiques” are scattered throughout the overwhelming space: the first Yves Saint
Laurent Rive Gauche accessories department in the U.S.; beauty stations where
you can get a manicure and pick up products made exclusively for Field's; and a
gourmet food department developed by celebrity chef Charlie Trotter. Field's is
the only U.S. department store to carry the full Designers Guild home collec-
tion, an eye-catching line of linens and accessories from British color maven Tri-
cia Guild. The enormous shoe department is another highlight, with everything
from killer high heels (at killer prices) to slippers and casual sandals. The breadth
is what makes this store impressive.
The Water Tower store—the mall's primary anchor—is a scaled-down but
respectable version of the State Street store. Its eight floors are actually much
more manageable than the enormous flagship, and its merchandise selection is
still vast (although this branch tends to focus on the more expensive brands). 111
N. State St. (at Randolph St.). & 312/781-1000. Subway/El: Red Line to Washington. Water Tower
Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave. (at Pearson St.). & 312/335-7700. Subway/El: Red Line to Chicago.
Neiman Marcus Yes, you'll pay top dollar for designer names here—the store
does, after all, need to live up to its Needless Mark-up moniker—but Neiman's
has a broader price range than many of its critics care to admit. It also has some
mighty good sales. The four-story store, a beautiful environment in its own
right, sells cosmetics, shoes, furs, fine and fashion jewelry, and men's and chil-
dren's wear. On the top floor is a fun gourmet food department, as well as a
pretty home-accessories area. Neiman's has two restaurants: one relaxed, the
other a little more formal. 737 N. Michigan Ave. (between Superior St. and Chicago Ave.).
& 312/642-5900. Subway/El: Red Line to Chicago.
Nordstrom The newest arrival on the Chicago department store scene, Nord-
strom has upped the stakes with its spacious, airy design and trendy touches
(wheatgrass growing by the escalators, funky music playing on the stereo sys-
tem). The company's famed shoe department is large but not overwhelming;
more impressive is the cosmetics department, where you'll find a wide array of
smaller labels and an “open sell” environment (meaning you're encouraged to try
on makeup without a salesperson hovering over you). In keeping with the store's
famed focus on service, a concierge can check your coat, call a cab, or make