Just north of Wicker Park, Bucktown is home to some of Chicago's best European and American boutiques. Populated by artists, urban professionals and young families, this neighbourhood of tree-lined streets offers an array of exceptional dining and entertainment, too. For shopping, you can't beat some of the stores listed below.

Apartment Number 9 - This unique men's clothing store is a bit hard to find, but well worth it. Designers like Paul Smith and Jack Spade are featured, and styles vary from casual to dressy.
1804 N. Damen

Belly Dance Maternity - The destination for designer duds and great-looking diaper bags for expecting moms.
1647 N. Damen

Habit - Over 75 independent, emerging Chicago designers show their wares at Habit. A lively mix of fashion-forward designs and avant-garde sculptural pieces, to whimsical t-shirts and skirts.  Many limited-edition pieces are available here, plus in-house alterations.
1951 W. Division

Helen Yi - A blend of couture designer labels and small-label contemporary collections, Helen Yi is the spot for everything from dressy pinstripe pants and silk tanks to simple sweaters in rich fabrics. Look for offerings by Chicago designers Itthi Metanee and Vatit Virashpanth and gems by Chloe and Derek Lam.
1645 N. Damen

Him - Male shoppers take note! Head to Him for casual outfits (and luxe price tags). Leave with sweaters from Raw 7, jeans by Serfontaine and t-shirts by Blue Marlin. In the mood for foosball? There's a table right in the store.
1653 N. Damen

Michelle Tan - With her sleek yet seductive style, Chicago designer Michelle Tan transforms silk, satin, cotton and other natural fabrics into romantic fitted tops, and pairs them with ladylike skirts. The look is feminine, cutting-edge and unlike anything else you'll see along Damen Avenue's fashion strip.
1872 N. Damen

Robin Richman - Steeped in antique chic, this fun boutique offers great vintage travel knick-knacks, great beaded jewellery and a men's and women's shoe section with some of the funkiest styles in Chicago.
2108 N. Damen

Scoop NYC - A New York favourite with an outpost in Bucktown, Scoop brings urban chic to a 10,000-square-foot showroom. Scoop offers everything from denim by Citizens of Humanity to Vera Wang gowns and men's t-shirts by John Varvatos. If you get hungry, there's even an on-site café.
1702 N. Milwaukee

T-Shirt Deli - They don't come on rye, but the world's first t-shirt deli creates personalised tees made to order. Dream up your own message or choose an iron-on design from the menu. Printed while you wait, your t-shirt will come wrapped in butcher paper complete with a bag of crisps.
1739 N. Damen