By Trent Modglin

Dearborn Denim
1504 E. 53rd Street
5202 N. Clark
DearbornDenim.us

The folks behind the rapidly expanding Dearborn Denim set out with a simple premise: to build a better apparel brand. The thinking was that “people deserve access to a great product, made the right way, and sold at a great price.” Easier said than done, typically, but they’ve cornered the market locally with two brick-and-mortar stores in the city, as well as a huge online presence.

Everything is made in house, sewn and manufactured in their Chicago factory, using only American materials. Particularly appealing is their stretch denim line, made from long staple West Texas cotton and loomed in the most technologically advanced denim mill in the country. But it doesn’t stop with just a good pair of jeans, as you can also find an assortment of handmade leather belts and soft t-shirts made from a type of cotton that actually increases in comfort and flattering characteristics throughout the aging process. And don’t forget free custom hems at the stores, where they carry products from other local brands as well. Dearborn Denim has two Chicago locations — in Hyde Park and Andersonville.

It doesn’t stop with just a good pair of jeans, as you can also find an assortment of handmade leather belts and soft t-shirts made from a type of cotton that actually increases in comfort throughout the aging process.

Tory Burch
45 E. Oak
ToryBurch.com

A staple on the famed Oak Street downtown is Tory Burch, representing an American lifestyle brand that embodies the personal style and sensibility of its CEO and designer by the same name. In total, there are more 140 Tory Burch boutiques, and the brand is sold at more than 3,000 specialty and department stores across the globe. Expect plenty of color, print and eclectic details from a collection that focuses on ready-to-wear clothing, shoes, handbags, watches, accessories and even home and beauty products.