Best Places For Men's Accessories In Chicago
One might say that a man's best accessory is an eye-catching significant other on his arm. A good way to attract Romeo or Juliet is with the details; the ties, shoes, handkerchiefs, wallets and nice little accoutrement that make up the undeniably fabulous you. Shop these spots to snag unique and functional accessories for the male species.
Dovetail
1452 W. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 508-3398
www.dovetailchicago.com
Owner of Dovetail, Julie Ghatan, says, "We have awesome stuff for guys!" Snap up handmade bow ties, neckties and pocket squares by Stock Mfg Co, Vagrant Nobility and Dorus Mhor, all made here in Chicago (as well as Chicago-made-by-hand shirts by Glass House Shirtmakers and Vagrant Nobility). Duluth Pack backpacks handmade in Minnesota and guaranteed for life will help you carry your needs around town and leather cuffs handmade in Chicago by Shelby Steiner and vintage belt buckles will make you look masculine while doing so. For the lumberjack in you, there are manly scented apothecary goods (soap and incense) that smell like Pacific forests and solid fragrances and candles by PatchNYC that exude the scents of leather, wood, pipe tobacco and bourbon.
George Greene
49 E. Oak St.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 654-2490
www.george-greene.com
Perhaps the nexus of the modern menswear picture in Chicago, George Greene is pricey but saves you money in the long run because you needn't jet to Japan, London and New York to pick up labels such as Chrome Hearts, Thomas Browne, Yohji Yamamoto and Alexander McQueen - you can get it all here with a lot of friendly help. To accent the perfectly tailored clothing and crisp shirts at GG, you'll find Lanvin oxfords, boots from Yohji Yamamoto and Y-3 sneakers; buttery leather belts; on-trend sunglasses; biker chic accessories by Chrome Hearts; and UK brand Pantherella socks. Spendy? Yes. But, get to George Greene when it offers one of its regular sales.
Haberdash EDC
611 N. State St.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 646-7870
www.haberdashmen.com
Haberdash stocks beautifully made products for men from skillfully crafted Shinola watches to Filson's distinctive, classic bags that work on your back or your bike. Browse leather keychains, cool wool ties, footwear like Anonymous Ism socks, rugged boots by Trask, sporty shoes like Vans and minimalist kicks a la suede Chukkas. Get Ashland Leather Co., 100 percent designed, sourced and made in Chicago, wallets and card holders, whimsical or serious watches and hats, scarves and gloves to keep any man warm on a bitter day in Chicago.
Frederick Lynn Haberdasshere
9 E. Huron St.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 496-3994
www.fredericklynn.com
New in 2013, Frederick Lynn features high-end custom-made apparel but also those extras that separate the men from the sartorially challenged. Like what? "Frederick Lynn is one of two stores in the country to carry handcrafted luxury leather goods direct from England by Sterling & Burke, a family-owned company known for its exceptional quality and customized leather accessories," explains Caitlin McCarthy, Director of Operations. "From briefcases to flask sets to military wet packs - no request too small or incidental for the man in need of leather."
Stitch Chicago
1723 N. Damen Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 782-1570
www.stitchchicago.com
There are more leathery things at Stitch than at a tanning parlor: wallets, watches, bags, braided straps for keys and body adornments. Expect to try on more than a few pairs of trendy sunglasses, see how that slim, full grain leather briefcase feels in your hand and pick up a pair of colorful Italian socks just because. Stitch wants to outfit your home and office with fountain pens, bar ware, wall art and odds and ends. Bring the Mrs. and wee ones because there's stuff for them to fall in love with, too.
Jacky Runice has been a columnist with the Daily Herald Chicago since grunge music and flannel was the new black. Her fingers and gray matter have been busy as travel editor of Reunions Magazine; penning a column that was syndicated around the nation via Tribune Media Services. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
