Chicago Chic

WHERE TO SHOP

American Girl Place
Girls and grown gals alike are fond of their dolls and accessories. 111 East Chicago Ave., 877/247-5223, www.americangirl.com.

Architectural Artifacts, Inc.
With 80,000 square feet across five levels, and a museum dedicated to Chicago architecture, it requires more than a drop-in. 4325 North Ravenswood Ave., 773/348-0622, www.architecturalartifacts.com.

Barneys New York
“The place for fun shoes,” she says. “Robert in the shoe department is professional beyond words.” 25 East Oak St., 312/587-1700, www.barneys.com.

Douglas Dawson Gallery
“Interesting ethnic art,” says Branca. 400 North Morgan St., 312/226-7975, www.douglasdawson.com.

Ikram
Lanvin, Proenza Schouler, and Rodarte mixed with up-and-coming designers. 873 North Rush St., 312/587-1000, www.ikram.com.

Leslie Hindman Auctioneers
Everything from a Napoleon III gilt gueridon to a replica of the Batmobile. 1338 West Lake St., 312/280-1212, www.lesliehindman.com.

Michael Del Piero Good Design Studio and Home Furnishings Boutique
“She has an impressive sensibility for found objects,” says Branca of the owner of this Bucktown antiques shop. 1914 North Damen Ave., 773/772-3000, www.michaeldelpiero.com.

Pagoda Red
“People know I love chinoiserie,” says the designer. And Pagoda Red offers great Asian finds. 1714 North Damen Ave., 773/235-1188, www.pagodared.com.

Pavilion
“A chic antiques store with the best of 20th-century furniture,” says Branca. 2055 North Damen Ave., 773/645-0924, www.pavilionantiques.com.

Powell’s Bookstores Chicago
Great vintage books. The Lincoln Avenue location has the largest selection of art, architecture, and photography tomes. 2850 North Lincoln Ave., 773/248-1444, www.powellschicago.com.

Richard Gray Gallery
This 45-year-old art gallery specializes in American and European contemporary and modern art. 875 North Michigan Ave., Ste. 2503, 312/642-8877, www.richardgraygallery.com.

Ultimo
“Wonderful evening gowns and cocktail dresses,” Branca says. 114 East Oak St., 312/787-1171, www.ultimo.com.

Wright
“This auction house for midcentury pieces is where all the collectors from Los Angeles, New York, and Paris are going,” the designer says. 1440 West Hubbard St., 312/563-0020, www.wright20.com.

 

WHAT TO DO

The Art Institute of Chicago
Its collection of European decorative arts numbers 25,000 pieces and includes furniture, ceramics, silver, and glass. 111 South Michigan Ave., 312/443-3600, www.artic.edu.

Chicago Line Architectural Cruise
Rapid growth after the Great Fire begat skyscrapers. “We are blessed with some of the most striking architecture,” says Branca. 465 North McClurg Ct., 312/527-2002, www.chicagoline.com.

Millennium Park
Home of “The Bean” and the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion. 55 North Michigan Ave., 312/742-1168, www.millenniumpark.org.

Museum of Contemporary Art
A private gallerylike museum that’s always worth a stop. 220 East Chicago Ave., 312/280-2660, www.mcachicago.org.