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Heelz

Shopping & Services

Bikes

Cycle Bike Shop A full-service shop that also rents bikes for tooling around the hood—standard cruisers start at $30 a day. A “big small store” at 4,000 square feet, the shop features an impressive collection of old bikes hanging from the walls and ceiling.  Mon-Fri 10 AM-7 PM, Sat 11 AM-5 PM, Sun noon-4 PM, 1465 S. Michigan, 312-987-1080. —Paul Schrodt

Trek Bicycles Trek, right next door to the breakfast spot Yolk, claims to be the first green bike shop in Chicago (think bamboo flooring and recycled carpet). It stocks Trek as well as other bike brands. In addition to gear, clothing, and a full-service repair shop, there’s also bikes, shoes, and helmets designed especially for women.  Mon, Wed-Fri 11 AM-7 PM, Sat-Sun 11 AM-5 PM, 1118 S. Michigan, 312-588-1050 or windycitytrek.com. —Kelly Russell

Crafts

Knitwerks Here you’ll find hand-dyed yarn from all over the world, as well as shawls, scarves, and other finished pieces by owner Cherrl Harmon. In addition to classes, the store offers “knit-alongs,” where everyone works on the same pattern.  Tue noon-6 PM, Wed-Fri noon-8 PM, Sat 10 AM-6 PM, Sun noon-5 PM, 1934 S. Wabash, 312-949-9276 or knitwerks.net. —Heather Kenny

Loopy Yarns This State Street shop also sells a wide selection of yarn—including some spun from nettles in Nepal, some made by collectives in Bolivia and Peru, and even some spun from seaweed and silk. There’s a range of knitting and crocheting classes for beginners and enthusiasts alike. At the back of the store you’ll find cute printed totes for carrying your gear.  Mon-Thu 11:30 AM-7 PM, Fri 11:30 AM-9 PM, Sat 10 AM-6 PM, Sun 1-5 PM, 719 S. State, 312-583-9276 or loopyyarns.com. —HK

Fashion

Heelz As you might’ve guessed from the name, there aren’t any comfort shoes here. On display in the small loungelike space are some seriously sexy leather, satin, and bejeweled heels by high-end, mostly Italian designers; labels include Luciano Padovan, Giuseppe Zanotti, and Casadei.  Mon-Fri 11 AM-7 PM, Sat 10 AM-6 PM, Sun noon-5 PM, 69 E. 16th, 312-235-0467 or heelz.net. —HK

House of Sole Haute but not haughty, this women’s shoe store carries colorful, beautifully designed pumps, sandals, flats, and boots from brands like Corso Como, Cydwoq, and Fornarina, plus a nice selection of oversize totes and jewelry. Tue-Fri 11 AM-7 PM, Sat 10 AM-7 PM, Sun noon-6 PM, 1237 S. Michigan, 312-834-0909. —HK

Laughing Iguana There’s a little bit of everything here—jewelry, ethnic-looking duds, Croc clogs, Voluspa candles, Thymes body lotion. The small baby section carries good shower gifts, including knit caps and booties. Wed-Fri 11 AM-7 PM, Sat 10 AM-6 PM, Sun noon-5 PM, 1247 S. Wabash, 312-987-0995. —HK

Saca-tash This tiny store just opened in December and carries separates like metallic tops, embroidered white blouses, and printed shawls, as well as jewelry, including rhinestone bangles and silver chain-link necklaces. Tue-Fri 11 AM-6:30 PM, Sat 10 AM-6 PM, Sun noon-4 PM, 1507 S. State, 312-788-1055. —HK

Food & Drink

Canady le Chocolatier It’s hard not to press your nose against the glass when you’re forced to choose just a few of the exquisitely decorated sweets made on-site here by Michael Canady and his staff. In addition to truffles and chocolates in traditional and exotic flavors (like limoncello), you can enjoy coffee and perhaps a gelato-filled cannoli at one of the small tables.  Daily noon-9 PM, 824 S. Wabash, 312-212-1270 or canadylechocolatierchicago.com. —HK

Printer’s Row Wine Shop This three-year-old family-owned wine shop organizes bottles from all over the world into helpful categories such as “fruity and crisp” and “rich and creamy.” The vintage interior, with its tin ceilings and original wood floors, is complemented by jars of cigars and a red British phone box in the window. Mon-Wed 11 AM-10 PM, Thu-Sat 11 AM-11 PM, Sun 2-9 PM, 719 S. Dearborn, 312-663-9314 or printersrowwine.com. —HK

Gifts

Spertus Museum Gift Shop The gift shop in the revamped Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies offers a wide array of Jewish-themed objects and accessories, from cuff links and candlesticks to CDs and books. In the “kitsch” collection, as it’s described there, you’ll find a pair of holographic glasses that turn points of light into Stars of David (priceless, really, but they go for $2) and a Moses action figure (“with removable stone tablets and staff!”).  Mon-Wed 10 AM-6:30 PM, Thu 10 AM-7 PM, Fri 10 AM-3 PM, Sun 10 AM-6 PM, 610 S. Michigan, 312-322-1740 or spertusshop.org. —KR

Pets

Dogone Fun! The bold doghouse facade of this pet service provider lends some spunk to the otherwise drab corner of 17th and State. Dogone Fun! offers a range of services, including boarding, walking, training, grooming, and “spa” services like massage and aromatherapy. A vet is available by appointment on Wednesdays. You can even rent a space to throw a party for your pooch. A shop up front sells food, toys, beds, and other supplies. The day-care service accommodates an average of 50-60 dogs a day. Mon-Fri 7 AM-7 PM, Sat 8 AM-5 PM, Sun 11 AM-7 PM (boarding customers only), 1717 S. State, 312-765-9364 or dogonefunchicago.com. —KR

Kriser’s Pet Supplies The “Whole Foods of pet food,” according to one employee. Everything here is natural—free of chemicals, preservatives, and other additives; there are even wheat-free options. They also stock a range of specialty products, including Doggles UV-protection eyewear, SPF 15 spray mist, and soap on a rope for dogs with sensitive skin.  Mon-Fri 10 AM-8 PM, Sat-Sun 10 AM-6 PM, 1103 S. State, 312-765-8883 or kriserspetsupplies.com. —HK

Soggy Paws Soggy Paws is a self-service grooming spot for dog and cat owners. You pick the beauty products—from milk and honey shampoo to aromatherapy mist and foaming facials—and your drying method. The house staff cleans up the mess afterward—or if you prefer they can take care of the whole process. Retail offerings include high-end food and treats and hand-tied rope toys. Last wash is 45 minutes before close “unless you’re Oprah.” Tue-Fri 11 AM-7 PM, Sat 9 AM-6 PM, Sun 10 AM-5 PM, 1912 S. State, 312-808-0768 or soggypaws.com. —KR

Salons & Spas

The Abyss Salon With its wood floors and sleek leather furniture, this little salon has a swanky yet comfy neighborhood feel. Owners David and Sharron Gilty pride themselves on a multicultural clientele, and are on hand daily for cuts and consultations. Wed-Fri 9 AM-7 PM, Sat 8 AM-4 PM, 67 E. 16th, 312-880-0263 or theabysssalon. —KR

Aniko Salon & Spa (formerly Spa Ariel) A full-service salon and spa for men and women, Aniko offers head-to-toe grooming and pampering: hair, nails, waxing, massages, body wraps, and facials. Products are custom blended to your skin type. The Moroccan-inspired relaxation room features a gently splashing waterfall.  Tue 11 AM-8 PM, Wed-Fri 9 AM-9 PM, Sat 9 AM-6 PM, Sun 10 AM-5 PM, 1111 S. Wabash, 312-431-1573 or anikosalonspa.com. —HK

Equilibrium Energy + Education Afraid of needles? This shop offers colorpuncture, which involves the focusing of colored lights onto acupuncture (and other) points. Also available are other “energy-based therapies”—from reiki to “Holographic Memory Resolution”—for detoxification and general well-being. Tue-Fri 11 AM-8 PM, Sat 9 AM-5 PM, 47 W. Polk, suite M-5, 312-786-1882 or equilibrium-e3.com. —HK

Lillian Dion Salon This giant contemporary salon offers the usual—cuts, styling, mani/pedis—along with braiding and extensions and special treatments to detoxify, calm, or nourish hair. Tue-Thu 10 AM-6 PM, Fri 7 AM-5 PM, Sat 7 AM-3 PM, 1020 S. Wabash, 312-386-9311 or lilliandion.com. —HK

Mi Spa This Egyptian-themed spa offers a diverse selection of services geared to help you relax, including hot stone therapy, couples massages, and even a caviar and champagne facial.  Tue-Wed and Fri 10 AM-6 PM, Thu 11 AM-7 PM, Sat 9:30 AM-4:30 PM, 1509 S. Michigan, 312-986-1500, mispachicago.com. —KR

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