Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.
'Tis the season for "festive attire." In our world, that means full skirts, sparkles, and sophisticated bows—and we're sticking to it. Here, we've rounded up a few local stores that sell such festive little numbers. As always, our map goes from north to south. Now, get frock-ing!
The new Roslyn x Suite collaboration offers festive frocks with oversize bows, as well as metallic-brocade skirts. And if you pop by the shop on Wednesday through Sunday, you can place a custom order. Photo: Courtesy of Roslyn
Ok, so Club Monaco isn't what you'd call an under-the-radar find. But we recently popped into the shop, and were surprised at just how festive (and lovely!) the current merchandise is. There are short feathered skirts, sparkly dresses, frocks with jewel-hued prints, and sparkly statement necklaces to go along with them. Photo: via Club Monaco
This affordable shop stocks on-trend clothing (loads of dresses, check!) and accessories. Its holiday merchandise includes sparkle-dusted dresses and skirts, as well as styles with festive touches like bows in the back. Photo: via Piper Boutique
The hometown designer puts out collection after collection of girly, party-ready styles, and this season is no exception. In particular, we have our eye on this full-skirted, neoprene number that shines like a disco ball. Photo: via Cynthia Rowley
Store owner Erica Cook is psyched about the holiday dresses she has in store this season. She sent us photos of some of her faves, including this style from Cynthia Vincent that is, she says,"so much more than your typical LBD." There are also looks in from Tibi, KLD Signature, and more. Photo: Courtesy of Trillium
The name says it all. The pink-walled shop offers cocktail dresses from designers such as Amanda Uprichard, Erin Fetherston, and Milly. The shop also offers free styling service, and handy accessories such as Fashion Tape. Photo: via Le Dress
Local designer Anastasia Chatzka trained under dress-centric designers like Betsey Johnson and Anna Sui. At her Wicker Park shop, racks are lined with beautifully made cocktail and evening dresses. Photo: via Anastasia Chatzka
Good-deal alert! This season, the Juicy Couture boutique has festive, deco-printed dresses that make a colorful splash at parties. There are also a number of styles already on sale, including embroidered lace looks and a boho-style paisley dress. Photo: Courtesy of Juicy Couture
This jewel box of a West Town shop stocks locally made goods and vintage clothing— including throwback party dresses. One example: this black-and-gold, polka dotted number from the '80s (size small.) Photo: via Dovetail
Of all the local Anthropologie outlets, the downtown location gets our vote for smiliest, most helpful employees. Which can come in handy when you need to pick one holiday dress from the current selection of beaded, brocaded, and full-skirted gems. Bonus: the brand just expanded its petites collection. Photo: via Anthropologie.
New to the shops at Roosevelt Collection, bevello has affordable party dresses from brands such as Line and Dot, French Connection UK, and Lucy Paris. Most styles are less than $100. Photo: via bevello
The new Roslyn x Suite collaboration offers festive frocks with oversize bows, as well as metallic-brocade skirts. And if you pop by the shop on Wednesday through Sunday, you can place a custom order. Photo: Courtesy of Roslyn
Ok, so Club Monaco isn't what you'd call an under-the-radar find. But we recently popped into the shop, and were surprised at just how festive (and lovely!) the current merchandise is. There are short feathered skirts, sparkly dresses, frocks with jewel-hued prints, and sparkly statement necklaces to go along with them. Photo: via Club Monaco
This affordable shop stocks on-trend clothing (loads of dresses, check!) and accessories. Its holiday merchandise includes sparkle-dusted dresses and skirts, as well as styles with festive touches like bows in the back. Photo: via Piper Boutique
The hometown designer puts out collection after collection of girly, party-ready styles, and this season is no exception. In particular, we have our eye on this full-skirted, neoprene number that shines like a disco ball. Photo: via Cynthia Rowley
Store owner Erica Cook is psyched about the holiday dresses she has in store this season. She sent us photos of some of her faves, including this style from Cynthia Vincent that is, she says,"so much more than your typical LBD." There are also looks in from Tibi, KLD Signature, and more. Photo: Courtesy of Trillium
The name says it all. The pink-walled shop offers cocktail dresses from designers such as Amanda Uprichard, Erin Fetherston, and Milly. The shop also offers free styling service, and handy accessories such as Fashion Tape. Photo: via Le Dress
Local designer Anastasia Chatzka trained under dress-centric designers like Betsey Johnson and Anna Sui. At her Wicker Park shop, racks are lined with beautifully made cocktail and evening dresses. Photo: via Anastasia Chatzka
Good-deal alert! This season, the Juicy Couture boutique has festive, deco-printed dresses that make a colorful splash at parties. There are also a number of styles already on sale, including embroidered lace looks and a boho-style paisley dress. Photo: Courtesy of Juicy Couture
This jewel box of a West Town shop stocks locally made goods and vintage clothing— including throwback party dresses. One example: this black-and-gold, polka dotted number from the '80s (size small.) Photo: via Dovetail
Of all the local Anthropologie outlets, the downtown location gets our vote for smiliest, most helpful employees. Which can come in handy when you need to pick one holiday dress from the current selection of beaded, brocaded, and full-skirted gems. Bonus: the brand just expanded its petites collection. Photo: via Anthropologie.
New to the shops at Roosevelt Collection, bevello has affordable party dresses from brands such as Line and Dot, French Connection UK, and Lucy Paris. Most styles are less than $100. Photo: via bevello