(Photos: Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Spring 2014)
PART 1
I have to admit that finding affordable elegance for someone as picky as I am about good fabrics and excellent cuts wasn't an easy task.
My first stop in the Magnificent Mile was Gap. There has been an improvement in the last few months and if you are looking for an easy cotton shirt, a casual t-shirt or tunic, a pair of Summer shorts, this is the place where you can find them.
Also good for underwear and sports clothing.
(Photo: Cotton tunic white with blue stripes from Gap, Chicago)
My next stop was Zara. This shop used to be better years ago -as far as quality of fabrics- before it became so popular, but you can still find here some pretty dresses, cotton jackets and shirts at very good prices.
There is less "made in China" at Zara than in other stores in Chicago: lots of made in Spain or Portugal, Morocco and India where the manufacture is not bad. I even found a very few items made in Italy (a sweater and a jacket).
(Photo: Zara Spring/Summer collection, by Zara)
(Photo: Yellow cotton/viscosa jacket at Zara store, Chicago)
Then I stopped at Ann Taylor. They have some interesting and original jewelry here and if you need to buy a classic top or a skirt/a pair of pants for work at a good price this shop is a good pick for you.
Most days like the one I went, they have everything 40% off.
(Photo: Inside Ann Taylor, Chicago)
My other stop was Nordstrom Rack. This place feels like a big market, where if you are lucky you can find something very good (half price) like a jacket by Fabiana Filippi, made in Italy and still unknown in the USA or a handbag by Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Kate Spade...even Furla!
And this will come to you as a total surprise, a bit like it felt at the good old and long gone Filene's Basement.
(Photo: Handbags from Marc Jacobs at Nordstrom Rack in Michigan Avenue, Chicago)
Another good store is Anthropologie: it is absolutely original and so colorful. Good place to buy a Summer easy breezy dress or a joyful top.
(Photo: Rayon top, by Weston Wear, made in San Francisco, Anthropologie, Chicago)
Finally, my last stop was J.Crew. Lots of Summer findings: nice cotton t-shirts, cute sleeveless tops and here too I found the jewelry to be quite lovely.
I bought this beautiful necklace at J.Crew:
(Photo: Elegant necklace found at J.Crew in Michigan Avenue, Chicago)
Then, there are some brands that not many people know: Bailey 44, Olivia Moon, Babeau, James Perse, Hartford, Pleione, Odille, Weston Wear, Splendid...You can find them in big department stores such as Saks 5th Avenue, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales and Anthropologie.
Those brands use nice quality fabrics, made in the USA at really reasonable prices, good for every budget!
(Photo: Stretch jersey knit with striped and perforated details by Bailey 44)
Part 2 to come out next week with more photos...stay tuned!
