When I asked my Chicago-native colleagues where we could find, for example, the local, avant-garde furniture-maker’s shop, or the one-off, home curiosities or vintage shop, I was told we had to visit Andersonville, a Swedish neighborhood on the Northside of Chicago with a growing reputation for small, soulful home boutiques. So on Saturday morning after brunch at The Bongo Room, we headed North on Clark Street to explore the neighborhood, and here’s what we found!
Our first stop as we headed North on Clark was Foursided, a curiosities shop that I’d compare to Patina here in Minneapolis, only with more vintage gems mixed in. Everything from vintage maps and medical charts to greeting cards to local lithographs and art framing services, we thoroughly enjoyed the mix. Foursided. 5061 N. Clark St.
Hallie Borden’s women’s clothing and accessories boutique, Milk Handmade, is an independent designer collective with friendly staff and reasonable boutique prices. Remember my ‘Midwest is Best’ tee that I found at Milk?! I love it not only for the hand screen-printed design, but also because I’m supporting the cause of the local creative community. Milk Handmade. 5137 N. Clark.
Brimfield had me engaged from the moment I laid eyes on their store windows. The stories told through, owner, Julie Fernstrom’s thoughtful and quirky vignettes transport you back to the earlier part of the 20th century with a mix of two parts Mad Men and one part Teddy Roosevelt, a simpler time, when plaid was paramount. Brimfield. 5219 N. Clark St.
Scout is a home boutique like no other. Their one-of-a-kind vintage pieces ranging from furniture to lighting are restored with both integrity and the element of surprise by local artisans. A must see in Andersonville! Scout. 5221 N Clark St. Exterior Photo via Sugar Scout.
White Attic is a charming mix of refurbished mid-mod and early 20th century pieces, as well as new lighting, art and accessories. Their Lamp Bar, with an array of fabrics, shade silhouettes, and bases to choose from, allows for easy custom accent lighting. The art piece in the lower right image was stunning in person and reminded me of intricate lace at first glance, but it’s actually the ceiling view of the light court at the Rookery in Chicago. I really wish I would have taken note of the artist’s name! If anyone recognizes it–please comment! White Attic. 5225 N. Clark St.