The Real Chicago

Top Menu

  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

Main Menu

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
Sign in / Join
  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

logo

Header Banner

The Real Chicago

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
Breaking News

Chicago’s hidden gems: Kiss Kiss Cabaret, Unabridged Bookstore, Lulu Belle’s Pancake House and TNT at The Annoyance

Other Recent ArticlesShop Around the Corner
Home›Other Recent Articles›Shop Around the Corner: Vile & Valiant and RR # 1

Shop Around the Corner: Vile & Valiant and RR # 1

By TheRealChicagoOnline
May 1, 2013
1174
0
Share:

Browsing Chicago’s unique, trendy neighborhood stores and boutiques

Vile & Valiant
1359 W. Grand Ave.

www.VileAndValiant.com

Vile & Valiant is a truly unique shopping experience. The boutique offers wares from mostly independent designers — some local and some from London, where Vile & Valiant owners Mark Millar and Mariel Westermeyer hail from as well.

Millar is passionate about this project and excited about their location in the up-and-coming River West neighborhood. He compared the area to London’s East End, which was once a warehouse district and continues to grow into a destination for fashionable and creative types.

Acutely aware of the distinction between a shopping trip and a boutique experience, Vile & Valiant holds regular events like design competitions, vintage markets and trunk shows to get people excited and involved.

“It’s not like a department store where you just put things out and they buy it,” says Millar. “You have to offer people a bit more than that. So we’re trying to make it a bit more interactive.”

Many of the pieces have been expressly crafted for Vile & Valiant — you simply won’t find them anywhere else. The high-quality garments perfectly combine vintage feel and fashion-forward flare, meaning there is something here for everyone.

— Corey O’Day

 

 

RR#1 Chicago
814 N. Ashland in Ukrainian Village
www.RR1chicago.com

Whether you’re looking for a gift for your waspy grandmother or hipster boyfriend, RR#1 has what you need.

The ultimate Chicago gift shop, this store supports local artists and tries to keep it green with an impressive collection of unique cards, books and stationary. Where else can you find a card congratulating a friend for passing their urine test and a book on how to stay alive in the woods?

For some fun gifts for that big kid in your life, look no further. Choose from a collection of board games, Japanese collectible toys, stuffed animals, plastic handcuffs, tiny maracas, mustache magnets, stickers, tutus and so much more.

Give your girlfriend those funky ninja socks she’s always wanted, a onesie with the Chicago flag on it for your brother’s newborn, or a coin purse in the shape of a frog. For that workaholic friend — how about some paper clips in the shape of sharks?

An old-fashioned shop with modern gifts, the majority of the items they carry are new in order to ensure all price points are covered.

However, you may stumble upon the occasional vintage gem. The store also showcases handmade jewelry and hair accessories, candles, lamps, incense oils, purses, scarfs, pillows, dishes and other home décor.

— Nicole Weddington

 

TagsChicago ShoppingChicago storesCorey O'DayLondon East EndMariel WestermeyerMark MillarNicole WeddingtonRiver West ChicagoRR# 1Ukranian VillageVile & Valiantvintage shopping
Previous Article

A sitdown with Stephanie Izard: Mimosas and ...

Next Article

First look review: Barnum at the Mercury ...

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

TheRealChicagoOnline

Related articles More from author

  • Shop Around the Corner

    Shop around the corner: Enjoy a friendly, neighborhood vibe and a long history of stylish lids at Goorin Brothers Hat ...

    June 17, 2016
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Shop Around the Corner

    Shop Around the Corner: BucketFeet brings artistically designed footwear to Bucktown

    November 15, 2015
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Shop Around the Corner

    Shop around the corner: Fresh, unique art and apparel make it difficult to just window shop at Arts & Artisans

    September 2, 2010
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Shop Around the Corner

    Shop Around The Corner: The West Loop’s Smitten Boutique has something for every special occasion

    August 8, 2016
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Shop Around the Corner

    Shop around the Corner: Reckless Records and Havilah

    January 5, 2013
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Shop Around the Corner

    Shop Around the Corner: Plenty of designer brands to go around at Luxury Garage Sale

    October 28, 2014
    By TheRealChicagoOnline

You might be interested

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    The best of Broadway: Plenty of diverse food options call this lively street home

  • Around TownHidden Gems

    Chicago’s hidden gems: Swim Cafe, Rudy’s Roundup General Store and Colors and Bottles

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Love is in the air: Romantic spots to spend Valentine’s Day in Chicago

Originally launched in 2006, The Real Chicago — as a glossy entertainment magazine, website and email newsletter — has consistently provided the very best insider information, features and reviews to help both tourists and active locals get the most out of exploring the greatest city on Earth.
© Copyright The Real Chicago. All rights reserved.

Login

Welcome! Login in to your account
Lost your password?

Lost Password

Back to login