Shopping - Chicago - page 140

and sales. Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave. (between Chestnut and Pear-
son sts.).

&

312/787 - 7400. www.lordandtaylor.com. Subway/El: Red Line to

Chicago.
Macy's When Macy's took over Marshall Field's—
Chicago's best-known “hometown” department store—in 2006,
there was much local hand-wringing about what the buyout meant
for Field's grand State Street headquarters. Although Field's iconic
green awnings and shopping bags have been replaced by Macy's
more dreary black, the good news is that the store itself remains
impressive. A number of exclusive “miniboutiques” are scattered
throughout the overwhelming space, including the 28 Shop, which
stocks the latest from hot young designers; beauty stations where you
can get a manicure and pick up exclusive products; and a gourmet
food department developed by celebrity chef Charlie Trotter. The
enormous shoe department is another highlight, with everything
from killer high heels (at killer prices) and boots to sneakers and
casual sandals.
The Water Tower store, 835 N. Michigan Ave. ( & 312/335-
7700 ), is a scaled-down but respectable version of the State Street
store. 111 N. State St. (at Randolph St.). & 312/781 - 1000. www.macys.com. Sub-
way/El: Red Line to Washington.
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 clothing. The top floor has
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. www.neimanmarcus.com. Subway/El: Red Line to Chicago.
Nordstrom Nordstrom's spacious, airy design and trendy touches
(wheatgrass growing by the escalators, funky music playing on the
stereo system) gives it the feel of an upscale boutique rather than an
overcrowded department store. The company's famed shoe depart-
ment is large but not overwhelming; more impressive is the cosmet-
ics 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). 520 N. Michigan Ave.,
inside Westfield North Bridge mall, 55 E. Grand Ave. (at Rush St.). & 312/379 -
4300. www.nordstrom.com. Subway/El: Red Line to Grand.