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Oak Street’s toniest designer boutique, Ultimo carries a range of cutting-edge European and American lines for women as well as men.

This branch of the Big Apple’s downtown department store draws together the latest cosmetics, shoes, jewelry, accessories, and men’s and women’s apparel in a minimalist, open-plan, tri-level space.

An outpost of New York’s hometown department store that features in-store designer boutiques and a well-stocked shoe department.

Launched by a former Ultimo buyer, Ikram specializes in high-end women’s fashion sold at top dollar. Chic wares and lines change seasonally, but shop assistance is uniformly personal.

This massive four-story shop so thoroughly transforms itself from a store to a swell den devoted to Lauren’s to-the-manor-born lifestyle – note the horse and hound paintings throughout – that it warrants a visit from even the less well-heeled among us.

Parents accompanying girls age four to 12 make a beeline to this store, the only retail outlet of the popular American Girl line of dolls. A theater and café (see The Café at American Girl Place) supplement three floors devoted to dolls, books, and accessories.

Women’s apparel with a bohemian bent and housewares gathered from around the world sell briskly at this loft-like store.

Recalling the days of elegant steamships and grand hotels, this store uses old-fashioned suitcases and steamer trunks to lovingly display vintage china and silverware engraved with hotel and ship logos.

This arty River North shop is part art supply store, part stationer. The creative selection of cards and small gifts includes handmade stationery, cloth-covered sketchbooks, and novel desktop accessories.

Amid the River North fine art galleries, Fly By Nite sells Art Nouveau and Art Deco decorative arts, including malachite jewelry, art-glass lamps and vases, and collectible pottery.