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A slew of chain stores line this legendary street, but it’s the two old-time department stores that make it unique. Marshall Field’s, on this strip since 1907 has merchandise to satisfy every wealthy woman’s needs. At Carson Pirie Scott & Co., the prices are lower, but the variety is still extensive.

Some 450 stores make this stretch of North Michigan Avenue one of the world’s retail meccas. Besides sophisticated designer boutiques, there are malls (each with high-end department stores); and big-name chain and flagship stores (see Magnificent Mile).

If you have to ask how much it costs, you should probably plan on just window-shopping along this stretch of Chicago’s upper-crust Gold Coast. Boutiques here sell designer wear, accessories, and shoes fit for a Paris runway – and include some shops exclusive to Chicago such as Tessuti (mens-wear) and Designs by Ming (custom clothing design).

This small strip in the Loop boasts a large number of jewelers that sell everything from discount diamonds to top-of-the-range gems. The Jeweler’s Center at the beautiful 1912 Mallers Building packs about 50 wholesale and retail jewelers and appraisers into 13 floors.

Once a hot-spot for starving artists, Bucktown and adjacent Wicker Park are now gentrified locales brimming with vintage clothes stores, edgy music shops, high-style designer boutiques, and antiques importers.

An old-time movie palace marquee indicates the 1939 building that houses this market. With 85 dealers stocking artwork, jewelry, clothing, and more in styles such as Arts and Crafts, Art Deco, and Victorian, you’re sure to find something that pleases.

It’s fitting that a city known for its architecture has one of the best architectural bookstores in the world. Besides carrying a range of 17,000 new and 7,000 out-of-print titles, the store is also appointed with furniture designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies van der Rohe, and Le Corbusier.

Located in the historic Santa Fe Center, this shop is part of the CAF’s ArchiCenter, which also puts on exhibitions and runs city tours. Browse the shop for architecture and design-related books; art-glass panels and lamps in Frank Lloyd Wright designs; desk gadgets; and desirable kitchen gizmos.

This store’s lovingly restored 1913 Moorish-style building is an attraction in its own right. Inside there’s a sleek, four-level atrium with home decor departments that sell everything from high-thread-count bedding to chic cook-ware and top-quality furniture.

This tree-lined street in Lincoln Park (see Armitage/Halsted Shopping District) is a favorite for those who are seeking out-of-the-ordinary clothing, home decor, bath and body products – and don’t mind spending more to get it. Have patience finding a parking spot on weekends; once you’re in, just shop-hop from one adorable boutique to the next.