Though the title of this post may be common knowledge to many locals, I was not so observant. Wicker Park is essentially made up of thrift stores. Each one of which is more expensive than the other. Stores owners put a lot of effort into the clothes they find and sell. This effort is clearly underscored by the high prices they slap onto their garments.

Ragstock storefront.

Ragstock storefront.

One of my first stops was Ragstock. The store is set up a bit abnormally for a vintage shop. The first floor includes actual unused merchandise clearly bought from a wholesaler. The second-hand clothes are found downstairs in the basement. Though the prices were fairly reasonable (dresses for under $20) and racks clearly marked by genre of clothing (golf, retro), I was unimpressed by the selection. The clothes were definitely picked over, and the overall ambience of the store revolved somewhere around dank humidity. Needless to say, I was in and out in minutes.

Next was Lenny and Me.

Lenny and Me. Modern vintage.

Lenny and Me. Modern vintage.

This is one of the foremost examples of modern vintage, a veritable cashing in on trendy styles. The store included only the most viable, hand-selected fashions with designer names that would send any thrift-maniac squealing to the racks. But the more discerning bargain hunter would certainly not be satisfied. The loft-style setting of the store seems a touch disingenuous, and I could not help but feel out of place.

Crossroads Trading Company. Yeehaw!

Crossroads Trading Company. Yeehaw!

One of the last stores I visited was the Crossroads Trading Company. Fun name. Contradictory meaning. The shop instantly grabs you with the unbelievable collection of boots displayed in the storefront. But beware of sticker shock. Worn leather boots for $78. No thank you. I’ll buy them new. Shelves near the ceiling display designer purses which had the unbelievable sheen of fakes. The only worthwhile part of the trip was the adorable German Shepard mix who guards the door (and the over-priced shoes) and sighs gloomily as if to say, another afternoon in this place?!

Needless to say, I did not make away with any amazing loot. (I blame it in part on the company I kept that day.) The search continues, and I am quite sure it will not take me back into Wicker Park.

What are your thoughts on Skokie?

Delicious Earwax.

Delicious Earwax.

However I will leave you with this tasty highlight. For lunch, I happened upon a tantalizing cafe by the name of Earwax. If you can get past the name, the food will definitely win you over. If you are a tomato bisque fan like I am, this restaurant may serve one of the best cups in the city. Chunky tomato and bits of roasted garlic make for the perfect remedy to the oncoming spring chill. As is customary in many cafes around town, the menu offered one of the few vegetarian staples, the portobello sandwich. Served on fresh french bread, the grilled mushrooms are topped with carmelized onions and goat cheese. Fabulous. It needs no more saying. If you happen upon Wicker Park and are looking for a sandwich big enough to hold its own against its $8.75 price tag, this place will take you on.

-Ileana