Art Effect Limited is a wonderful place that features the creations of both local and national artists. Among the many items that are available for purchase are frames, clocks, albums, minitures, as well as clothes and jewelry. Similar to a boutique, Art Effect Limited emits more of an energy. It is a great place to not only find unique clothing, but also is a great place that just may inspire the artist or designer. Prices are a bit above average, but keep in mind that most of the monies from items purchased go straight to the pockets' of the creators. read more

Love their card and clothing selections. A little pricy but super cute none the less. A great place to get last minute gifts as well!!

Shockingly rude staff behind the counter. It's too bad - without their unbelievable attitude, I'd give this place at least four stars.

The store itself is pretty adorable. Perfect for cute gifts... The clothing, fragrances, toys, and home decor is simply fabulous and eclectic. The staff is super sweet and totally helpful and honest. Only downfall- shoe selection, at least in my experience. I'll continue to shop here for everything else. I can't really stop myself! read more

The store itself is cute but the service is horrendous. I am not a fan of being treated like the staff is doing me a favor by allowing me to shop in their store. I worked in a retail for a long time in high school and college - even back then I understood the value of being polite and welcoming to customers. There are so many other options along Armitage and Halsted, there is no reason to frequent a store where the staff is so rude and condescending to customers. read more

Art Effect is a place I've loved for as long as I've been cognizant to make a choice about the home accessories I've loved most, and the unique gifts I give. I have fond memories of oohing and ahing over my mom's wooden ink pen in a gorgeous wood box, a sea mist ceramic bowl, decorative and beautifully scented candles, writing papers, earrings/bracelets/necklaces I've seen nowhere else. There's meticulously made clothing, accessories, soaps, scents, ceramics and glassware and artsy stuff you've never imagined before. The shop is a feast for the eyes and consistently wonderful. The staff is terminally helpful and friendly. Everything down to the gift wrap screams artistic quality and it's tough not to love everything that's Art Effect. The only reason I've eliminated 1 of 5 stars is for the expense of these terrific artsy ideas. That little sprig of eucalyptus on the gift package is the sign of mucho dineros on the inside. That said, just about anything from Art Effect cannot be found anywhere else. read more

I have stopped in this store several times over the years. Each and every time, no one that works there has ever said hello or even made eye contact. EVER. On most occasions they are chatting with each other, not even busy. Lame. I'll take my money elsewhere. read more

Horrible customer service. I just had about 12 items in the dressing room and was quickly trying the clothes on before they closed at 6. I was interrupted at 5:55 from a woman who told me (for the second time) they close at 6. I asked if I could hold the items and come back in the morning to try them on. Before I could finish my sentence she exclaimed they do not hold items! I would have purchased at least 9 of the 12 pieces had I not been so rudely told to leave by 6. My friends and family have loved this place for years, but now I will not be going back and suggest others stay away, too. read more

This store is abundant with unique and fantastic items. I don't have the luxury to shop here all the time, but when I want to treat myself, this is the place I go. I find the sales staff to be very nice and helpful. I adore Neesh skirts and the staff took down my name and number and contacted me when the new shipment came in. A fantastic store. read more

Do you ever have one of those moments that just kills your interest in a store? Seriously had one of those today while shopping for Christmas presents at Art Effect. It's so sad. This store honestly does have a ton of cute, fun, beautiful things. They do. They're priced for Lincoln Park crowds, of course, so good luck looking for a bargain, but I could see myself picking something up here for special occasions or during a sale. I was enthralled by some of their adorable tea accessories and adorable mugs. I was considering dropping some cash to buy presents for my girlfriend or roommate. I saw something I wanted to get my grandmother. I ventured over to the clothing section. I saw a nice knit piece. And then I came upon the major buzz kill of the day. Rabbit fur vest. I'm sorry, what? Isn't this 2010? Aren't we in Chicago, not outer Mongolia? Like, I get cold like anybody else, but I'm pretty sure if you can afford a $200 rabbit fur vest, you could buy an entire coat at another store. And actually keep your arms warm. Look, this store is surrounded by upper middle class 20 and 30 somethings, college students, Humane Society activists, and hipsters. Why, oh why, would you sell one of the most divisive items of my generation? How many people come to Art Effect to buy fur? Anyone? If you are the type who buys fur, you aren't going here. You're going to a designer store or a furrier or a vintage store, but you aren't longing to buy that single fur item from Art Effect. So why, as a store owner, would you want to drive customers away over a single item? Ornaments with birds on them? Not likely to anger folks. Tea pots? Nope. Soap, stationary, sweaters? No way. But fur? Fur offends a lot of people these days, do you really need to sell a fur vest in a store catering to this mixed a crowd? Really, really stupid. I can promise that you lost probably a half dozen or more potential clients because I'd just been bragging about how cool Art Effect seemed to a few friends, and now I'll be forced to retract that statement. read more

15 years ago this used to be my favorite place to shop for women's clothes in the nation--and I have lived in San Francisco , NYC, and la. I went back this year and was really sad to see they had completely eliminated the kind of women's clothes they used to have--relatively expensive but very high quality and unique items, often by local designers. The gifts are still cute but the clothes they sell now are just the same as a million other stores--geared towards very young women, not very high quality, kind of cute but nothing I would ever wear for a special date or special work occasion. I'm sad it's no longer a destination for me. I used to go there every time I was in town but the last time it just made me sad. It's depressing to see a high quality women's clothing purveyor go for the same clothes all the other stores are selling and there is not much left for a woman who doesn't think of herself as a silly sexy little girl read more

The store is a little on the pricey side... but you can wait for them to put stuff on sale and the bargains are actually pretty cool. I've purchased 5 different Michael Starr t-shirts for the summer. The quality of the t-shirts are superior! read more

Great one stop shop. Definitely where I turn when I have to get a gift (yes, usually last minute) and I have no idea what to buy. Very fun browsing and there is something for everyone on your list..including yourself! read more

I used to shop here when I lived nearby. I thought they had some cute inventory. I went there this past weekend and was carrying my very small dog in a purse carrier - I WAS TOLD TO LEAVE! They said that someone who worked in the store was allergic - this is ridiculous - my dog is hypoallergenic - no undercoat or dander - she weighs 9 pounds and I carry her everywhere including on planes and other enclosed spaces. No one has ever had a problem. It is clearly a ridiculous rule to prevent dog owners from shopping here. So do them a favor - DON'T SHOP HERE!!!! The idea that we must prevent any species other than humans from existing in any public space is a ridiculous, unhealthy concept. Dogs are the most loving animals and allow people to interract with each other in a wonderful way. Stores that prevent this should be out of business! BAN art effect!!!!!! read more

Some great pieces of clothes, art, home decor, jewelry. It's fun just to browse. You'll find many items that you will love and just as you're about to buy out the store, they will tell you they do not take Discover. That hasn't happened to me in a while. It's a pricey store. Many of the beloved items are both expensive and made in China. I will never understand that. read more

Art Effect carries a wide array of really cute household items, picture frames, stationary, candles, monogramed soaps, etc. Great place to buy gifts, but tends to be overpriced. They also have an entire room dedicated to clothing and accessories. I've never been a big fan of the brands they carry except for simple Michael Stars shirts. read more

Tons of unique gifts for anyone...many Chicago inspired. Will go back soon!

I like the store. Cute stuff. Kitchen and home gadgets galore! Quite a lot of unique gift items as well! The clothes are nothing to special...kinda boring...plain and simple...prices are about middle of the road. All in all...its not my fav, but i will go back! :) read more

Super cute! Great selection for gifts for all ages and for home.

I love to look at their store windows. I love some of the treasures you can find-- I bought a Postcard stand....who knew! I like their travel section, too and their dressing rooms! I'll take anyone there who visits. Cheers!! read more

I like this little boutique. They have some really awesome t shirts. A bit pricey, but it's Lincoln Park and the cut of the t-shirts are really cool!!! I love to just browse round in here..great gift ideas. Check out the jewlery.. They have some really great bold earrings that are reasonably priced. read more

Love, Love Love this store. Great gifts, jewelry and clothes. I can not say enough good things about their merchandise. They are independently owned and have been a constant in the Lincoln Park area for over 20 years. Bravo! read more

Best store ever! I love supporting local businesses, and this is a true gem. They have wonderful unique merchandise, clothing and jewelry for all price ranges, and great staff. This is my go to shop for clothing and gifts. Check this place out!!!! read more

If I need a great gift, I stop by Art Effect. They have fun gift ideas for all ages and both genders - from unique home goods to adorable baby items and bath/body luxuries. They also have a great selection of jewelry, ranging in price from low to high-end. A great neighborhood stop! read more

Very overpriced. The staff is uncaring and rude. One time I had to circle the store 3 or 4 times before anyone acknowledged me. The stuff is cute, but not worth the time or the money, I've had better. read more

Rude staff Iam a very good customer of this store for ALL my gifts. I was in last week and saw a gift a liked, but it was for a woman. I called to ask who made that item so I could see if the company made the item for men that I could purchase online. The sales lady (could have been the owner) gave me a big lecture on the phone about how they don't give brands out of the items they carry, but if I came in the store, I could find the brand on the item itself. She didn't want to tell me over the phone. Meanwhile, it was a silly gag gift that only cost $30. It was very rude, and needless to say, I found the brand on my own online ALL over the internet. I will not be returning to this store and not telling my friends about it, either. read more