Shopping - Chicago - page 141

Saks Fifth Avenue Saks Fifth Avenue might be best known for
its designer collections—Valentino, Chloe, and Giorgio Armani, to
name a few—but the store also does a decent job of buying more
casual and less expensive merchandise. Still, the mood here can be
somewhat chilly, and the high-fashion clothes on display seem
geared toward the super-skinny. The men's department is located in
a separate building across Michigan Avenue. Don't forget to visit the
cosmetics department, where Saks is known, in particular, for its fra-
grance selection. Chicago Place, 700 N. Michigan Ave. (at Superior St.). & 312/
944 - 6500. www.saksfifthavenue.com. Subway/El: Red Line to Chicago.
GOURMET FOOD
Fox & Obel The city's top gourmet market is a foodie para-
dise: from the wide selection of specialty cheeses to the mouth-
watering display of desserts. An easy walk to Navy Pier and the
lakefront, it's a great place to pick up a picnic lunch or a bottle of
wine and some chocolates to enjoy late-night in your hotel room.
There's also an in-store cafe if you want to take a break while
strolling around the Michigan Avenue area. 401 E. Illinois St. (at McClurg
Ct.). & 312/410 - 7301. www.foxandobel.com. Subway/El: Red Line to Grand, and
then 65 Grand bus.
Goddess & Grocer This upscale version of a neighborhood deli
stocks everything you need for a mouthwatering lunch or dinner on
the go—from specialty sandwiches to chicken and pasta dishes to
freshly baked cookies and brownies. There's also a good selection of
wine and prepackaged snacks. The same owners run another,
smaller, outpost in Bucktown, 1646 N. Damen Ave., at North Ave.
( & 773/342-3200 ). 25 E. Delaware St. (at Rush St.). &

312/896 - 2600.

www.goddessandgrocer.com. Subway/El: Red Line to Chicago.
HOME DECOR & GIFTS
Art Effect Classifying this wonderfully eclectic Armitage
Avenue shop is no easy task (the owners refer to it as a “modern day
general store”). It's got everything from aromatherapy oils and
kitchen mixing bowls designed by cookbook author Nigella Lawson
to handcrafted jewelry and gag gifts, not to mention a whole room
devoted to hippie-chic women's clothing. The merchandise has a
definite female slant, with a vibe that's young and irreverent rather
than fussy, but the laid-back, friendly sales staff makes everyone feel
welcome. 934 W. Armitage Ave. (at Bissell St.). &

773/929 - 3600. www.art

effectchicago.com. Subway/El: Brown Line to Armitage.