I always love coming into Nordstrom when I'm in the area. It is a great place to shop and enjoy the…read moreair conditioning on hot summer days. I recently went in for a complimentary free styling session (booked online) with Megan. She took her time with me and helped me find exactly what I was looking for. She really gave me the full VIP experience. I'll continue to shop at this location when I'm in the city. It is clean, well-organized, and luxurious. The bathrooms are spotless and the salesfloor is pristine.

**Kari's Rating: 8/10** *(Would easily be a 9.5/10 if the beauty department weren't so…read moreoverwhelming.)* TL;DR * The beauty associates are *far* too aggressive--it feels impossible to browse without being approached every few seconds. * The café is still one of my favorite places in Chicago. * Free alterations on Nordstrom purchases and $25 for outside items is a huge plus. I've lived in River North for over eight years, and honestly, there's no place quite like Nordstrom. I grew up coming here with my mom, sitting in the café, eating pizza, and leaving with a "Nordy" balloon. Those are some of my favorite childhood memories, and to this day I still think about their margarita pizza. Now that I'm older, I bring my dog shopping with me, and she absolutely loves all the attention from the associates and other shoppers. We've been to the café countless times, and she would unquestionably give the kids' chicken and veggie meal a 10/10. Nordstrom is still my go-to department store because it's convenient, consistently carries the brands and style I wear, and the customer service outside of cosmetics has always been excellent. It's the first place I think of when I need clothing, shoes, or gifts. That said, the beauty department has become incredibly frustrating. I completely understand that many of the makeup associates work on commission, and I genuinely respect that they're doing their jobs. But there is a huge difference between being available to help and making customers feel like they can't exist in the department without being approached. Every time I walk through the makeup area, I can barely look at a product before someone is asking if I need help. If I say "I'm just browsing," another associate from a different brand approaches me literally seconds later. Then another. Then another. It gets to the point where I'm being interrupted every few steps. Instead of enjoying the experience, I feel anxious and rushed. I don't get to compare products or discover something on my own because I'm constantly trying to politely decline conversations. It honestly feels less like shopping and more like running a gauntlet. Ironically, the constant pressure makes me want to spend **less**, not more. I've actually skipped buying products because I just wanted to get out of that section as quickly as possible. I still love Nordstrom and will continue shopping here because it's my favorite department store and has everything I'm looking for. I just wish the beauty department adopted a more relaxed approach. Customers should be able to browse comfortably and ask for help when they're ready--not feel like they're being followed every few seconds.

I came down to this store all the way from Milwaukee just so I could trade in my scrubs and get new…read moreones. I'll be honest, their store is pretty nice and well organized for the size of it. You can even get your attire embroidered while you wait in the store. They don't have every single option in the store like the do online but they did have a good amount of sizes and colors to choose from. I do wish their system of recycling scrubs was easier. My wife dropped of a set and so did I...but I guess there was a typo or something so she never got a discount code for hers. Kind of sucks because there was nothing anybody could do about it. But oh well---I'll be back to recycle scrubs in the future. I honestly haven't found a better brand, these are always so soft and comfy. So with all their discounts you could possibly use if you are military or nurse, the value cannot be beat AND you don't have to worry about cancelling a subscription like you do with Fabletics.

This is the fifth location in the country and the first in the state. They have a large selection…read moreof men's and women's items. I tried a men's scrub on. The staff and service are figerrific.

I went to this location for the first time to see if they had this bag I saw online. My husband and…read moreI walked in and no one acknowledged us. Usually I don't like bothering employees so I try to look for the item myself. With that being said we didn't even get a "Hello welcome in" or anything. Once I looked around I did not see the bag so I want it to ask someone. The employees I saw did not approach me and when I went towards them to ask they walked away. Bad customer service unfortunately.

Very small free people boutique but still managed to find a cute little treasure :) I was hoping…read morefor the place to be a little bigger like the urban outfitter down the street, but just happy I was able to find a little something

A nice boutique in the Lincoln Square area. Sales Associates and owner have always been friendly…read moreand helpful. This store has a nice selection of brands and they carry Voluspa candles, which I love. I wish they had a few more accessories and gift items. Overall, I recommend you stop in while walking down Lincoln Avenue!

I feel so lucky that I found Genevieve last summer. I had been frustrated and stressed for years…read moreabout finding clothes that felt like me. Most of what I saw was too trendy, too young, or too mature. Then I discovered Genevieve Boutique and knew I no longer had to worry--everything they select for the store feels just right. Thanks to Genevieve, I feel confident and happy about what I wear. I truly love this place.

This shop has so much cute chicago apparel and giftable items! They even have their own custom hat…read moremaking bar with adorable patches you can choose from. Most of their items are under $100 so it's affordable. I love browsing their section of homegoods because they're so niche and hard to find in regular stores. The staff is very friendly and accomodating.

Kind of in love with this adorable shop. I'm happy, but also scared for my bank account, that a…read morelocation recently opened in my neck of the woods! Alice & Wonder's tagline is "pretty fun things" and that's exactly what they have to offer! Lots of clothing, home goods and decor, accessories, and so much more! The design of A&W is so. stinking. cute. You can tell they really put a lot of pride into the light, airy aesthetic of the store and it reflects the products they sell perfectly. Overall, it does have a higher price tag, but I think the quality is there. I especially love their more local lines, like Sweet Home Chicago, which is filled with the CUTEST Chicago tees and sweatshirts you'll find in the city! I also adore their Little Wonder line (moment of silence that name), which is clothing for newborns, toddlers, and kids. I got a friend a cute set for her baby and just picked up a shirt that says "I still live with my parents" that will fit a 3-6 month old. A&W also started a beanie line called 'mad hatter' which has beanies in every color under the sun that are super soft and thick to keep your ears warm during the Chicago winter. Alice & Wonder has an online store and ships across the country if you don't live in Chicago but want to check it out. This will without a doubt be my go to shop for any thoughtful holiday or birthday gifts from here on out!

Margaret O'Leary is based in San Francisco and offers a variety of knitwear items. They have a…read moremodest collection of scarves, sweaters, tops, some accessories, jewelry, and shoes. My sister and I stopped by while in the area, and she fell in love with their sweaters! I liked one of their pink-colored scarves as well as some of their Hammitt cross-body bags and purses. Prices are more on the high end, but they do have a little rack in the front with sale items throughout the season. On a side note, some of their ankle boots were cute, but I found some long pieces of hair stuck on them, so they was pretty off-putting! There were SAs readily available, and plenty of dressing rooms to try out the pieces. Metered parking off of Armitage. +knitwear +carries Hammitt purses/bags +metered parking off of Armitage

I pass this shop all the time on the way to the train station nearby. I stopped in a few times and…read morewas impressed by the style. The clothes are pretty expensive but they gave great customer service and the quality seems pretty good.

Who doesn't love a drink while they shop? I do! Especially when it's water & not in a little cup!!…read more This place is the hidden-gem of mens fashion, it is pricy but when have you ever not paid the price for something worth having? The two gentleman that helped me were not invasive or aggresive, they just let me shop and mind my business while checking-in to see if I needed any help. I dress plain but I like nice things, so happy I was able to get a dover sweatshirt and can't wait to wear it out.

I stopped in to buy a couple of gifts for my dad. Tyrone who assisted me was very courteous,…read moreknowledgeable and helpful. The store was clean, bright and welcoming and everything was arranged perfectly. They were having a sale and I purchased a couple of great items. Definitely an excellent shopping experience. Thank you!

This luxury brand from California specializes in boho clothing in fine silk, velvet and velvet…read moreburnout. Many items of all material types have incredible embroidery and sometimes beads or other adornments. They carry everything from clothing and jewelry to belts, blankets and shoes. The sales staff are all super helpful in selecting items and providing tips on steaming and laundering their products, which I was very concerned about.

Lady in the counter was extremely helpful and helped me pick the perfect gift for my boss . Quality…read moreof the products is very good