chicago shops

Here are some resale shops in Chicago check them out when you can - thanks to redeye for the list.


Pistol Bazaar
1717 W. Chicago Ave.
In addition to the tons of clothes and accessories from the '50s through the '80s, the store features unconventional fixtures, like a mannequin in a bathtub covered with handbags, and a photo booth.

Haystack
2934 N. Broadway
This vintage resale boutique has bikes hanging from the ceiling, pastel-colored vintage phones and TVs, and display cases packed with costume jewelry and an entertaining collection of salt and pepper shakers. Much more edited than a Salvation Army, the stock is displayed in a thoughtful, boutique-like way.

Threads, Etc.
2327 N. Milwaukee Ave.
This furniture consignment shop helps you sell your furniture so you don't have to sit at home waiting for Craigslist customers. It splits the sale with you 50-50 (or 60-40 if they have to pick up the piece from your house). Good-quality furniture at reasonable prices (no Ikea stuff), and really cheap clothes.

Clothes Optional
2918 N. Clark St.
This vintage shop focuses on '60s- and '70s-era clothes, housewares and accessories. It offers tons of old T-shirts arranged by color, so it's like a giant color wheel of cotton. It also has a large collection of owls.

A Secret Closet
4617 N. Lincoln Ave.
This shop has a great jewelry selection (all new and many pieces made by local designers) at great prices, and a good selection of used and vintage clothes (with some new items mixed in), always reasonably priced. There also are lots of cool purses, scarves, hats and gloves. And the owner is so friendly.

White Elephant
2380 N. Lincoln Ave.
It has good furniture and clothes (designer a lot of times), and sales go to Children's Memorial Hospital.

Buffalo Exchange
2875 N. Broadway
Found a sleeveless black dress and a soft gray T-shirt with the skyline and words "The Best Girls are from Chicago" here, which together totaled less than $25. Definitely worth the money.

Plato's Closet
2150 N. Clybourn Ave.
The store buys and sells clothes that are current and slightly worn (think Abercrombie, Bebe, Forever 21, Steve Madden). It often has clothes with the original tags still on them. Targeted at teens, but so what?