Fashion Forward by Renae: A Visit to Evanston

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Looking for a different neighborhood where you can spend an afternoon shopping? Take a look at our northside neighbor Evanston. Accessible by El or Metra, Evanston's downtown area is a melange of brand name shops (Gap, Urban Outfitters, World Market, North Face, Ann Taylor, etc.) and independent boutiques. Throw in several dining options, and you've got the perfect destination to shop, browse, eat and enjoy a leisurely walk in a nice community.

I recently visited Evanston and found some spots that you should check out--especially as you're looking for holiday gifts for friends and family. One of my favorite boutiques is Asinamali (yep, strange name), located at 1722 Sherman Ave. Women's clothing, accessories and shoes are available, including many well-known labels such as Tulle, Free People, Michael Stars and Frye. Offering a fun, casual atmosphere, Asinamali's prices can be moderate to a bit high, but you're sure to get unique items and enjoy your time shopping here.

Fashion Tomato (1631 Sherman Ave.) may be just down the street, but offers something completely different. Check out this boutique if you're looking for trendy items but not any particular label. Reasonable prices make this shop a place to check out for an impulse purchase--maybe a cute top for a girls' night out?

If you're on the hunt for the perfect accessory, check out the Evanston outpost of Francesca's Collections (1706 Maple Ave.) While Francesca's has a few locations in downtown Chicago, every store has a different layout. Make this your last stop--you're bound to find the finishing touches to complete that new outfit you bought earlier.

Perhaps you're seeking unique gifts or just something different for yourself. Check out Ethical Planet, an all-vegan shop that's sure to carry any "green" item you may seek. Located at 111o W. Davis St, Ethical Planet has been around for just two years, but has amazing, eco-friendly options that should keep it open for a long, long time.

To complete your indie shopping trip, visit Vintage Vinyl Records. There are still a few of these hidden gems out there! Stop by Vintage (925 Davis St.) to pick up hard-to-find records and other music-related stuff you thought may have been lost for good because of those pesky big box retailers.

These are just a few of the options Evanston has to offer. Why not make a day trip out of it and check it out for yourself?

Renae Placinski is the managing partner of Maven LLC, a hybrid publicity and promotions company featuring clients in the lifestyle industry. From fashion to restaurants to nightlife, Maven is on the cutting edge of what's going on in Chicago and beyond. Visit www.maven-chicago.com for more information.

Labels: chicago, fashion