By Angela Hazen

If there is one thing locals and tourists like, it is the increasing variety of stores to shop at in Chicago. And while Chicago shoppers love their favorites stops, they are always open to adding a new store to the list. And when they show up for the grand opening of a new boutique, many are greeted with owners ready to show off their creations to their brand new clients. Some of the newer shops that opened in 2012 range in variety from men’s and women’s wear to bridal accessories. This brand new collection of stores has given shoppers even more to love while enjoying their days and nights in the Windy City.

(Credit: galleryaesthete.com)

Gallery Aesthete
46 E. Oak St., 4th Floor
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 265-1883
www.galleryaesthete.com

Guys looking to break away from a drab wardrobe will find themselves shopping in a luxury locale when they walk into Oak Street’s new boutique Gallery Aesthete. This high-end men’s boutique stocks some of the most exclusive menswear available. The atmosphere is extremely artistic with minimal design to please the eyes of customers. And when they walk out, they will be ready to show off their looks on the Oak Street scene.

(Credit: bellableubridal.com)

Bella Bleu Bridal
143 N. Northwest Highway
Park Ridge, IL 60068
(847) 696-7152
www.bellableubridal.com

Come and shop for wedding accessories at the gorgeous new bridal accessories store Bella Bleu. This brand new boutique is quickly becoming a go-to place for Chicago brides looking for spectacular accessories for their weddings. This recently opened Park Ridge treat has everything the elegant bride would want in an accessories stores with products for her and her bridesmaids. For brides that want a variety of looks for themselves and their wedding party, a trip to the new Bella Bleu can add even more fashion finds for their big day.

(Credit: blairchicboutique.com)

Blair Chic Boutique
1343 N. Ashland Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 349-4996
www.blairchicboutique.com

Want to add even more styles to your wardrobe? New in Chicago is the Blair Chic Boutique on Ashland, which caters to the plus-sized women who know they love fashion. Prices at Blair Chic are very reasonable and range from about $40 for blouses and dresses to around $200 for some of the more fashionable cuts. The clients are left pleased with affordable fashions, knowing they found themselves a new gem to stop into when out shopping by themselves and with their friends. Try shopping for the new looks at a new store, Blair Chic.

(credit: milkhandmade.com)

Milk Handmade Boutique
5137 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60640
(847) 833-6309
www.milkhandmade.com

Love the feeling of handmade clothing and accessories? Now you don’t have to search all over the city and suburbs for the fashions you love. Look no further than Milk Handmade on Clark Street, recently opened in Chicago. Dresses, skirts, tops and bags were made by hand to give your wardrobe a loving touch. You may get compliments on your new fashion finds and could be asked if you made it yourself. Stop in to Milk Handmade and check out this new store in person.

Angela Hazen lives in Oak Park, IL. She has worked as a model in Chicago and studied broadcast journalism at Columbia College Chicago. She has traveled to Europe on several occasions, and keeps her readers up to date with local and international style, shopping, fashion and beauty trends. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.