River North Shops
Establishment
neighborhood
Fleur de Lis Florist
715 N. Franklin St., River North
Located in Chicago's River North district, Fleur de Lis is run by two women—one with a background in fashion and window displays and the other in graphic arts. They deliver Monday through Friday, offer floral design classes, and host events in the shop's great atrium space. Fleur de Lis has a few packages that make for a pretty great gift (that gives more than once): a year in flowers (an arrangement delivered each month) and a season in flowers (four times a year). This is also a nice option for corporate events.
P.O.S.H.
613 N. State St., River North
Come to this deliberately cluttered mom-and-pop (located in the historic Tree Studio building) for all the benefits of antique shopping, without having to deep dive for the good stuff—here, piles of vintage hotel silver salvaged from European estate sales sit next to 1950s maps found at local flea markets. And while everything on display is good, it’s the tiny kids corner—packed with books, serving sets, and vintage toys—that’s arguably the main attraction. Fair warning: Serious collectors have to be quick on the draw as much of the offering is one-of-a-kind.
Blake
212 W. Chicago Ave., River North
Every time we find ourselves in Chicago, we head straight to Blake (it's actually one of GP's absolute favorite stores in the world). They stock everything from Rick Owens to The Row to Saint Laurent, and round it out with more mid-priced brands like L’Agence. The buyers have amazing taste; it’s hard not to fall in love with this place.