Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
progressive rock, punk, soul, and jazz) here, along with 'zines and a small collec-
tion of DVDs. There's also a location in Wicker Park, at 1532 N. Milwaukee Ave.
(
&
773/235-3727
).
3157 N. Broadway (at Belmont Ave.).
&
773/404-5080.
Subway/El: Red
or Brown Line to Belmont.
SHOES
Carrara Children's Shoes
Hard-to-fit foot? Head to Carrara, where sizes
span a huge range, as does the inventory of styles. The focus is on Italian
footwear for kids, from infant to size 9 (yes, that's size 9 in men's and women's
terms). Anything from slippers to snow boots to sneakers is fair game here. Pick
up some socks and tights on your way to the register.
2506 N. Clark St. (at W. Deming
Place).
&
773/529-9955.
Subway/El: Red or Brown Line to Fullerton. Bus: 22 or 36.
Fleet Feet Sports
This store, owned by a former banker who decided to
follow his love of running to create a new business, is a wonderful place to buy
shoes for little athletes. Although running is the forte here, you can buy all types
of athletic shoes. The staff is made up of athletes who can relate when you com-
plain about your sore Achilles—and better yet, they can find a pair of shoes that
will help. You'll even get a chance to hop on a treadmill to get your running gait
videotaped. The staff will assess your style and bring you a variety of shoes to try.
(
Note:
Don't ask to try on a pair of shoes simply because you like the color. That
request is sure to get you a disapproving look!) There's a second location in the
Lincoln Square neighborhood, at 4555 N. Lincoln (
&
773/271-3338
).
210 W.
North Ave. (at Wells St., in the Pipers Alley complex).
&
312/587-3338.
www.fleetfeetchicago.com.
Subway/El: Brown Line to Sedgwick.
Piggy Toes
European makers are featured in this boutique's selection of shoes,
sandals, and boots, plus hats, socks, tights, and other accessories. Shoe sizes for
infants through children's size 6.
2205 N. Halsted (at W. Belden Ave.).
&
773/281-5583.
www.ptoes.com. Subway: Brown Line to Armitage.
Steve Madden
Funky and inexpensive, Steve Madden specializes in the
platform, chunky-heel style shoe. Your teenage daughter probably covets Steve
Maddens already. Boys' styles are appearing in the store as well, although it's still
female-dominated territory. Most styles start at size 5. When a sale is on, you can
sometimes pick up a pair for as little as $15.
Water Tower Place, 845 N. Michigan Ave.
&
312/440-1590.
www.stevemadden.com. Subway/El: Red Line to Chicago/State.
SHOWER & BABY GIFTS
The Red Balloon Company
This creative little shop in the trendy Wicker
Park neighborhood offers casual clothes for infants through age 8, hand-painted
furniture, linens, and books. It's a great place to find a special gift. Children's clas-
sic books such as
The Red Balloon, The Lonely Doll,
and
Mike Mulligan and His
Steam Shovel
are displayed atop decoupaged bedroom furnishings. There are lots
of vintage-inspired items, too, including Pinecone Hill reversible blankets, caps,
and burp cloths. The store features antiques and one-of-a-kind pieces. If there's a
furniture item you want made, just ask the staff—some items can be custom-
made.
2060 N. Damen Ave. (at W. Armitage Ave.).
&
773/489-9800.
www.theredballoon.com.
Subway/El: Blue Line to Damen.
SPORTS STUFF
Active Endeavors
Everything you need for the outdoor life can be found
right here, from camping gear to running shoes, plus everyday sporty apparel. For
the low-down on the kids' version of this store, which features outdoor clothing,
Finds
Value
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