Since 1938 Paul Stuart has been a leading arbiter of taste, style and fashion for luxury men's and women's clothing in the United States. At their Oak Street location in Chicago, Paul Stuart carries finely tailored clothing, sportswear, and furnishings for both women and men.

Open Books is a Chicago-based nonprofit with a mission to improve the city's literacy rate and a multifaceted approach to accomplishing it. Since 2006, the organization has been expanding its literacy programs for children, teenagers and adults and has also been collecting thousands of donated books. In November 2009, Open Books finally opened its own used bookstore, where the donated fiction, nonfiction and children's literature line colorful shelves. The cheerful décor and comfy couches make the space a great place for browsing and leafing through the expansive selection. Open Books offers reasonable prices and maintains an inventory of their stock, so if you don't see the book you are looking for, ask the staff to check its availability. Every penny of each purchase goes towards funding literacy programs in Chicago, making Open Books a truly unique and feel-good store to buy books. - Betsy Mikel

Browsing the shelves, POSH feels like browsing the stalls of a European flea market. There are old keys, vintage ashtrays, and slightly weathered leather-bound books. But unlike a European flea market, it's not necessary to sift through items to find something interesting. The owners have already done that for you. Much of their inventory is imported from their trips to France, England and Belgium flea markets where they handpick things for sale. POSH also sells an impressive variety of vintage hotel silver and unused restaurant china and dinnerware. The organized mishmash of contemporary and vintage inventory makes this boutique a place to find a gift for anyone who is hard to shop for. - Betsy Mikel

Located in Chicago at Grand Avenue, this shop is treasure trove of distinct pieces. It houses some great collections of jewelry, art and crafts. Shoppers are sure to find great jewelry from designers such as Carolyn Zakarija and Dirk Awater. From delicate earrings to chunky bracelets, unusual pins to elegant cuff-links, you are sure to be in two minds about what to buy. Apart from the fine gold and platinum trinkets, find home furnishings, scarves and other customized gifts for corporate and personal gifting purposes. The staff here is very friendly and they often give customers a free bag of Pistachios with purchase of items from the shop.

MaxStudio.Com is a premier store featuring the latest trends in clothing for women. From casual pants, skirts, tops to office wear, party wear etc., one can find everything here. Max Studio also features a beautiful range of accessories like shoes and bags. All in all this is a one shop stop if you want to upgrade your wardrobe with the latest in fashion.

Rogers & Hollands Jewelers is a fine combination of tradition, perfection and ethics. It houses an extensive collection of sparkling diamond jewelry. The exquisite earring collection that spell-bounds you, will perfectly complement your chic evening gown. Check out the delicate bracelets that suit the boardroom look as well. Teenagers can don the trendy princess cut pendants. Men need not sulk, an array of rings and accessories awaits them. The skilled and amiable staff always guides you in shopping. Drop in at store located in Water Tower Place and explore the dazzling world of jewelry.

Fur coats and mink jackets have always adorned the runway models and divas. Check out the loveliest collection of scarves and wraps at the Alaskan Fur store. Add a finishing touch to your wardrobe with the Dyed Pink Beaver Bolero jacket or Natural Ranch Mink Coat. It has an array of fur coats and jackets for all sizes from petite to plus. Expensive fur apparel and accessories need to be maintained, so avail of the repair and restyling services. Pick up the Blue Fox Coat from the store located in Water Tower Place and surprise your spouse.

Be it stylish footwear or trendy handbags, Aldo is the name synonymous with quality and innovation. Be it any season, the brand always manages to introduce new designs and patterns. The footwear apart from being classy is also very comfortable and soft. An array of belts and bags await you at the stores spread across the globe. Protect your eyes from the scorching sun with the hip shades. Surprise him with a cool watch or a smart leather wallet. Do visit the store, located in Water Tower Place

French Connection, the renowned and famed brand, believes in upgrading and adapting designs to suit the ever changing needs of global customers. Apart from incorporating the latest trends, it also ensures that the clothes are comfortable. Get the complete corporate look with the wide range of trendy yet formal tops and trousers. It also houses a special collection for men ranging from shirts to jackets. Enjoy a unique shopping experience at the store located in Water Tower Place.

Your feet carry you throughout the day. So why not care for your feet and choose the best when it comes to footwear. Step in the Banana Republic store at Chicago which provides stylish and comfortable footwear for men and women. Right from flip-flops to stilettos for women and loafers to boots for men, this brand seems to offer you the right choice for every occasion. Stroll through the displayed collection and you are sure to find a choice that suits your personality and need. So step in this store and step out with happy feet.