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Summary:   Ready for a fun Chicago shopping tour? The Belmont area of the Lakeview district of Chicago has some of the best shopping in the country!

Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood is one of the most conveniently located and densely populated areas in Chicago, and for good reason - it’s steps away from beautiful Lake Michigan, it has some of the best ethnic restaurants in the city, and it has many of the city’s most eclectic boutiques, shops and specialty stores! If you’re looking for off-the-wall fashions or furnishings, or cool shoes and creative accessories, exit at Belmont and let the shopping begin!

Are you a serious thrift store junkie? Obsessed with vintage clothing? Then walk a few steps east of Clark Street to 812 W. Belmont, where you’ll find the Hollywood Mirror and Ragstock. Hollywood Mirror is located on the first floor of the building and it features some of the wildest window displays in the city. Walk through the turnstile and enter into a world filled with everything from wacky costumes and faux furs to vintage coats, sweaters, cords, jeans, t-shirts, dresses, blouses and shoes. Head downstairs to the basement level to check out antique or vintage furnishings including everything from sofas and dinette sets to 50’s style booths, groovy chairs and funky lamps and artwork.

After you’re done traveling back in time, exit through the front door and make a right to the alley. Go through the alley and up the stairs to Ragstock. Ragstock mixes vintage clothing with new clothing in order to appeal to a variety of different tastes. Here you can find fashions from the 50s and 60s up to today. Head to the back of the store for vintage clothing and the front for new clothing that won’t break the bank one bit. Ragstock and Hollywood Mirror are both located at 812 W. Belmont, Chicago 773-868-9263. Hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 12 p.m.-8 p.m. Sunday.

If you’re looking for bohemian, biker or beautifully dainty fashions, head to Chicago’s only alternative shopping complex, The Alley. Located down the street from Hollywood Mirror, The Alley offers several different fashion genres, all under one roof. Loyal customers from all walks of life have shopped here for the past 25 or more years, and this Lakeview staple shows no signs of slowing down. Customers can shop here for punk and goth gear, dresses and jeans, cool t-shirts and blouses, boots or heels, sneakers or flip flops and all types of jewelry, jackets, candles, incense, knick knacks, lingerie and cool leg-wear, and purses and nylons. This one stop shop is located at 3228 N. Clark Street, Chicago, 773-404-8000. Hours are 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11-12 a.m. Friday; 10-12 a.m. Saturday; 12-9 p.m. Sunday.

Want to stand out in a crowd? Check out Belmont Army Surplus and don’t let the name fool you! Sure, this place probably started out selling surplus Army gear 25 years ago (they still sell a fair amount), but today you’ll find absolutely nothing you need here and everything you want. Located right next to the Belmont elevated “L” stop, Belmont Army Surplus sells funky fashions for the most adventurous trendsetter. Bright colors, cool designs and New Yorkesque threads decorate the walls, racks and the shelves and for a couple of hundred dollars, you can find the perfect party threads for clubbing or show-stopping, as well as cutting edge, every day gear. Belmont Army Surplus is located across the street from one of Chicago’s oldest and most popular alternative dance clubs, Berlin and around the corner from The Vic Theater at 945 W. Belmont, Chicago, 773-975-0626. Hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.

Low-rise Frankie B. Jeans, glittery gaucho pants and sexy sweaters, heels and boots - Hot Threads sells the latest fashions and designs along with all kinds of club gear and over-the-top lingerie. They also sell costumes, beautiful gowns and casual dresses as well as jackets, cocktail dresses and accessories. When you walk into this place, don’t be surprised if you already feel like you’re at the club - they play killer house music at this hip little shop. Hot Threads has been in business for nearly 20 years and it’s located at 3223 N. Clark, Chicago 773-665-9988. Hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

If you’re after club clothes you might wear once or twice, stop by Nevermind or Pink Frog. Nevermind sells everything from cool jeans, lacy tops and cocktail dresses to cute clogs, strappy sandals and spikey heels. Pink Frog sells shoes that you will no doubt be able to wear for quite awhile, but you might want to retire the clothes after a few nights out on the town. Pink Frog sells the latest in shoe fashions at incredible prices as well as everything from casual street gear to trendy (and trippy) club clothes. Pink Frog is located at 3201 N. Clark Street, Chicago, 773-525-2680. Hours are 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1 p.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Nevermind is located a few steps away from Belmont Army Surplus at 953 W. Belmont, Chicago 773-472-4922. Hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sunday. Nevermind Detail (purses, scarves, jewelry, lingerie, etc.) is also open for business a few doors down at 957 1/2 W. Belmont, 773-281-2430.

If you get tired or hungry or you need to take a break, stop in one of the many coffeehouses, bars or eateries on the Belmont strip or on Clark Street. You’ll find Indian, Japanese, Thai, Italian, Chinese, American, Swedish, Ethiopian and Mexican fare and several diners in the area as well as a few greasy burger or pizza joints, if that’s what you’re craving. A word of advice about this area, parking is extremely difficult and it’s nearly impossible on weekends. It’s best to leave the car at home and take advantage of Chicago’s excellent transportation system, or simply hop in a cab - they’re everywhere!

All major credit cards are accepted at all Lakeview boutiques, shops and eateries, so you can truly shop til you drop!

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