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Five independent shops on Southport

While chain stores have hit the neighborhood, independent boutiques like Krista K. and Cerato Boutique still give this shopping strip character.

By Jessica Herman
Published: April 26, 2012

374.sh.ss.sab.southport
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Custom Eyes
Krista K
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Uncle Dan's
  • 374.sh.ss.sab.southport.ceratoxSS.jpg

    Cerato Boutique (3451 N Southport Ave, 773-248-8604)
    While you can find a handful of non-Chicago labels such as BB Dakota and Corey Lynn Calter at this store, it’s the list of locals that goes on and on: Elise Bergman, Eskell, Lara Miller, Horacio Nieto, Kate Boggiano, to name just a few. Notice sweet details like a vase of branches displaying affordable jewelry and spacious dressing rooms with wallpapered and exposed-brick walls.

    Photo: Nicole Radja374.sh.ss.sab.southport.ceratoxSS.jpg374.sh.ss.sab.southport.ceratoxSS.jpg152913861
  • Custom Eyes

    Custom Eyes (3539 N Southport Ave, 773-871-2020)
    Any four-eyes understands the importance of finding the best pair of frames for your face. It’s like investing in jeans to the umpteenth degree. This nine-year-old shop carries a solid selection of fashionable lines from relatively affordable Ray-Bans to the slicker, more expensive Salt and Dita. Plus, you can take care of eye exams on-site with the resident doctors.

    Photo: Tessa Marshall374.sh.ss.sab.southport.CustomEyesxSS.jpgCustom Eyes152913912
  • Krista K

    Krista K (3458 N Southport Ave, 773-248-1967)
    This two-level shop has been on the block for ten years. Over the course of that decade, not only has Krista K doubled in size (find an expansive selection of denims plus beach-friendly wares in the basement level), it’s also grown up: There’s a second location down the street for moms-to-be.

    Photo: Tessa Marshall374.sh.ss.sab.southport.KristaKxSS.jpgKrista K152913963
  • 374.sh.ss.sab.southport.perchancexSS.jpg

    Perchance (3512 N Southport Ave, 773-244-1300)
    A dramatic baroque backdrop with a dripping black chandelier and white-and-black wallpaper distinguishes this boutique (which now has a second outpost in the Gold Coast) from your standard storefront. Between the two locations, Perchance carries Catherine Malandrino, local Blake Standard, Brochu Walker, Erin Fetherston and many more.

    Photo: Sarah Bonk374.sh.ss.sab.southport.perchancexSS.jpg374.sh.ss.sab.southport.perchancexSS.jpg152914014
  • Uncle Dan's

    Uncle Dan’s (3551 N Southport Ave, 773-348-5800)
    Among the many outdoorsy staples at this jam-packed shop—North Face, Patagonia, Eagle Creek—you’ll also encounter quirky accessories such as quick-dry thongs (just what you need for camping) and rice paddy hats (one of the store employees points out the hats double as six-pack caddies in the pool). Hiking shoes, backpacks and water bottles abound.

    Photo: Tessa Marshall374.sh.ss.sab.southport.UncleDansxSS.jpgUncle Dan's152914065

Cerato Boutique (3451 N Southport Ave, 773-248-8604)
While you can find a handful of non-Chicago labels such as BB Dakota and Corey Lynn Calter at this store, it’s the list of locals that goes on and on: Elise Bergman, Eskell, Lara Miller, Horacio Nieto, Kate Boggiano, to name just a few. Notice sweet details like a vase of branches displaying affordable jewelry and spacious dressing rooms with wallpapered and exposed-brick walls.

Photo: Nicole Radja

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