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hicago, dubbed "The Second City," has traditionally always lagged behind its East Coast neighbor, New York City, in matters of food, theater, and fashion. But Eskell, the Wicker Park brainchild of design team Kelly Whitesell and Elizabeth Del Castillo, should help the Windy City emerge from behind New York's fashion shadow. Eskell's eponymous clothing line, informed by a sense of nostalgia and inspired by American style icons, incorporates custom vintage prints into shapes reminiscent of the sixties and seventies. "Our collections usually start with a strong story," Elizabeth says, "A seventies school girl romance, or Jackie O on holiday. There's always a strong concept." Eskell also offers an impeccable selection of vintage wares, and jewelry and clothing by independent designers like Vanessa Barrantes and Prairie Underground, making this a one-stop shop for one-of-a-kind fashion finds.

The Goods: Check out military-inspired high-waisted trousers, ruffled sixties-style georgette silk deer print blouses, pin tuck baby doll dresses, and loads of other fashion-forward offerings.