Many many years ago, I dreamt of opening my own store. I wanted a store that was inspiring, eclectic, vintage, bo ho, and everything in between. My personal dream never came to fruition..but I found it realized in Art Effect. This store is Trouble with a capital T. You can easily spend hours here oohing and ahing, spending money on items that you never knew existed, and never knew that you wanted or needed. I felt like a drug fiend in their store. They had the most beautiful pieces of clothing. I was gaga over some of their handmade skirts and sundresses. I bought the perfect black button down blouse. It was exactly what I was looking for. I found a few kitsch items for my house, and an incredible waterproof zebra tote bag that folded into a tiny little roll to tuck into my purse for whenever I needed one. Luckily I only had 20 minutes to browse while my son was in class. Had I been given more time..I could have really gotten myself into trouble. There are tons of gorgeous jewelry there to be had, journals to fill, stationary, soaps, unique home decor, the list is endless. It will unfortunately be a regular stopping place for me in the weeks to come. I can't wait to introduce the store to my son. He will have a field day in the kids section. I would buy one of everything in there if I could. read more

I absolutely love this store! When you walk into this place the first thing you think is "wow this is what urban outfitters ripped off" It's amazing great gifts! great clothes this place is really a chicago treasure! read more

If you've ever been to Pylones in NY, multiply it by 4. This place has EVERYTHING, and makes it all a little bit cuter. Stationary becomes more fun, tea becomes more fancy, luggage tags become more fasionable, cooking utensils become more patterned, etc. In Art Effect, anything goes. Its a little overwhelming but I could browse around (and did) for an hour. A great place to get unique eclectic gifts. read more

Someone call the police. No, seriously...Art Effect has stolen all of my money! I love this place. So much that the man has put a hold on our credit card until I learn how to walk in, browse and leave. Which is nearly impossible. I always find some sort of cute house item, book, decor, or indulgence. The perfect pick me up after a bad day, and the perfect place to shop for a sweet gift for friends. Their jewelry and clothes are really cute, albeit being just a little pricey, but its totally worth it. My main problem is that...its just walking distance from home, therefore quick weekend stops in have turned into a real spending problem for me. I've resulted in gifting many friends with "just because" gifts and cards because I cant help myself. -1 star because I tried to take my mother here when she was in town visiting, and they girl working that night shooed us away as soon as we stepped in the door because she wanted to close. 30 minutes before the posted closing time. Oh well...til next time. read more

This is probably my #1 shop when I'm looking for a gift for someone. They have a huge variety of items here...housewares, candles, lotions, great kitchen gadgets, plates, decorative bowls, odd toys, stationery, watches, jewelry, clothes...you name it they probably have it. I have spent quite a few of my little pennies here and been super happy about it. A few things to note, however... this place can really be spendy. It definitely varies within the store (which is nice) but you'll be looking at a pair of earrings at a reasonable price and then two steps later - boom - oucha - 'spensive! Also, their return policy kinda stinks with regard to giving stuff as gifts. It's like a week or two weeks! Come on, for a wedding gift? What if the people go on a honeymoon right after? They can't exchange the bowl I gave them? Geesh! Anyway, I still like the place...a lot...and still try to go there...often. read more

Sooooooo I MUST go to Art Effect whenever I'm within a block. I love love love going in there and looking at everything. It's full of things I want, but nothing I need. More importantly, everything is just too expensive for me. I've probably been inside 20+ times, and only purchased something once (some perfume). (Hence, the 3 star rating). Put it on your list when you're shopping on Armitage. read more

Gosh, this place has great gifts. I've never bought anything for myself here, but if I need to find a cute little something, be it a necklace, stationary, candles, funny kitchen gadgets...I know to come here. They have their staple products, but I always seem to find new and interesting things when I go in. It's not just the same-ol' gift shop everytime. It's a big store so be prepared to spend some time browsing if it's your first time in. The gift wrapping is also very cute! read more

This store is off the chain. I love everything about it. It gently draws you in with cutesy little note pads and books and then teases you a little more by introducing you to the funny birthday cards and vintage maps and then some funny and useful kitchen stuff and by then - you look at anyone near you and say - this is a cool place and I guess try to strike a friendship! Thats what I did! They have cute things, funny things, kitschy things, beautiful things and then you go around the corner HELLO amazing jewelry (which I couldn't even look at today because I just didn't want to buy everything in the store) and really adorable clothes. I bought 2 dresses and an amazing skirt as well as some cards and notepads. ALL of the sales people were really chill and nice (am I really in Lincoln Park?). I felt like I made friends and had a really cool shopping experience. I never want this place to go out of business. Part of me is torn because I don't want it to get swamped busy because of my glowing review alone but then again, Chicago needs more of these fun, whimsical stores. I'll be back for sure. read more

Art Effect is my favorite store in Chicago! I may be a little biased since Esther, the owner, is my aunt's friend and my cousin works there. The store has very fashionable clothes, accessories, kitchenware, and books. Esther and the sales people who work there are super nice and helpful. I've bought several pieces of clothing that have resulted in plenty of compliments. read more

I'm not sure what else I could say that hasn't been said in other reviews. Its a great store, with something for everyone. They have a great variety of candles, with very unique scents - plus the have a great variety of soy candles, which are much much better for you to be burning in your home, plus they last longer. There is a great variety of unique kitchen items from a salt pig to tea sets. If you are looking for a gift for someone who enjoys cooking or baking definitely check out their back room. They do have other kitchy stuff which usually makes me laugh out loud, which can be embarrassing when one shops alone. I have not purchased any clothing here, its expensive and my wallet shakes its finger at me when I even think about picking up a t-shirt for $45. Overall a great store, I love shopping here! But make sure you are clear of their return policy, its a little different! read more

WOW! This store has everything fun and unique that you could ever want for yourself or for your home. What drew me into the store was the old Sealtest signs up on the windows....yeah...I even asked to buy the window...cause I'm CRAY like that! But....no deal. =[ But not to worry, since they had SO many other things that piqued my interest. TONS of super cute kitchen items, including the plastic "paper" plates that went home with me. Holla...amazing! They had a huge selection of unique and inexpensive clothing and a huge room filled with funky kitchen stuff. I wanted EVERYTHING in that room...literally everything. They carry a lot of stuff from Fred, which I happen to love for two reasons! =]] But seriously...this store is a MUST for people who love unique and amazing finds at very reasonable prices! read more

I want to buy every single thing in this store, even if I don't need it, which is often the case. I don't need 8 different serving platters and their corresponding knives and such. I don't need kitchen aprons. I don't need a big jug that says "Iced Tea" and has a little spigot on the front of it even though it would be PERFECT for making a big batch of sangria or vodka or whatever. But just because I don't NEED it, doesn't mean I don't WANT it. EVERYTHING here is cute and awesome, if a little expensive sometimes. $8 for note cards? No thanks, I can get them at Tar-zhey for less than half of that. read more

I have been shopping at Art Effect for 12+ years, and it remains my favorite boutique in the city. It is my "go to" store for all kinds of gifts, and great clothing. Highly recommend. read more

It's always a joy coming here. Especially when I come in for the sole intent to buy a gift, but that gift becomes one for myself. Sorry folks, me first. I'm also amazed at how often the selection is updated here and especially with local products. This is definitely a great place to start if you need to find a gift for that favorite woman in your life. And if they're quirky, and extra bonus in coming here. read more

This shop has someting for everybody. I did the majority of my Christmas shopping here a couple years ago, and everybody loved their gifts. This is also a great shop to stop by on your walk home. It's fun to browse. There's so much to look at! read more

It's A Toy Store for Adults! Or so it felt... I went in Art Effect for the first time this weekend and LOVED it. I could have spent hours browsing the myriad of different things they have. I bought a gift for my sister and the next time I need a gift for anyone I will definitely be looking here! I was a bit disappointed in their clothing selection. After reading reviews on here I was excited about it going in, but disappointed leaving. Yet, all of their other merchandise is too good to make that a downer. read more

I Love this store!!! If you are ever looking for some creative gifts, they have them. I bought some items last week as presents so i won't spoil it on here but in the past I have gotten some cute items that people just love! Some of their stuff especially clothes are a tad pricey .. But they do have some awesome gadgets and novelty Items. I got my boyfriend a cute bath sponge that looked like a microphone LOL! I also got some cute magnets and solid fragrance here. If you are looking for a unique gift I would stop here first! read more

I know it's tempting, in a sea of exquisite, high-end, luxury boutiques to veer straight toward them. Barney's? Check! Hermes? Check! Bloomies? Check! But those places are corporate and predictable. How about attainable luxury in a funky neighborhood setting? Enter: Art Effect. I am obsessed with this shop. I used to frequent it when I lived around nthe corner, and - now that I'm several states away - I head there every time I am in town. This place has it all: gorgeous gifts in the brands you've come to love - think beautiful candles, elegant serving platters, a variety of menorahs, sweet picture frames - anything that would make your hostess invite you back to her next soiree. There are also fun cards, local art prints and a collection of funky jewelry and sunnies! Towards the back of the shop, you've got cookbooks, kitchenware and lovely barware. And then you round the corner for a fantastic collection of awesome clothes and basics that you won't see everyone else wearing. Is it a bargain? No. But it's reasonable and you can always rely on finding a terrific outfit or piece to add to your wardrobe. When in Chicago, sure window shop on oak Street, but save your spending money for Armitage in Lincoln Park - specifically at Art Effect!! read more

I went to Art Effect last week to buy cool and interesting (but also useful) gifts for my cousin and my friend, and within two minutes my hands were full of options. Everything there smells good, looks cute, does something unexpected, or serves a purpose you never realized needed serving (but quickly learn is indespensible). Examples: --A cow-shaped keychain/flashlight that, when you squeeze it, moos, opens its mouth to reveal a light, and lights up. Totally useful if you need help unlocking your door at night. --An orange-shaped orange juicer for manually juicing oranges. Great way to avoid paying a lot for one of those big fancy machines, and you can store it in your fruit bowl! --A PORTABLE, FOLDING, PLASTIC SPORK THAT'S SHAPED LIKE A LADYBUG!!!! 'Nuff said. Sporks rule. I hold off on the 5th star because some of the t-shirts and other clothing cost more than is reasonable. Think $80, but poorly fit and somewhat unoriginal. Same with the dresses. Overpriced and often sack-like. But mad props to the gift-section merchandiser, because every front-room table is stocked with something magical. I will def be back. read more

What a cute store! You walk in and are surrounded by housewares in the front half and then clothing and beautiful jewelry fills the other half! It was so exciting to see that they carried jewelry designed by Jeanine Payer (http://www.jeaninepayer.com/)! read more

Right off the Armitage Brown-line stop, is this great shop with the strange name. Strange, I say, because the name makes you think it might be a framing shop, or art supply shop, or art gallery...anything, but a store with really cool clothing, accessories and some housewares. And, yet that is exactly what you will find at Art Effect. The store has a large clothing section, with great seasonal items like soft, gorgeous scarves and hats in the winter, and funky sundresses in the summer. But that's not all you will find here. They also have a section of great stuff for your house or as house-warming or bridal gifts. Beautiful plates, custom cheese boards, candles, fancy bottle openers, unusual dip or crudites bowls...all here. Best part for me is that when I go there to get a gift for someone else, I can always find a special treat for me, too. The people who run it are pretty cool, too. Still....that name...weird. read more

Great store. Highly recommend taking a look. It has so much to offer and everyone can find something here. The shop is full of unique and fun things. read more

I absolutely love this store! It's the perfect place to buy a gift for any lady in your life! This is where I usually come to buy a birthday or engagement gift. The staff is friendly and they gift wrap like no other store! Whenever I give a gift to someone, they always compliment the wrapping and save the little ribbon with eucalyptus. Yes, the candles are way over priced, but they make quite the impression on the person receiving it. :) read more

It's a cute, independent boutique store locating in the heart of Lincoln Park neighborhood. We went in and checked it out before heading to our dinner reservation. They have lots of novelty items, as well as fashion apparel and jewelry featuring the local artists. Prices are a bit steep, but honestly, I didn't think it was unreasonable. I did a quick browse throughout the store. However, I will keep in mind when it comes to holiday shopping. My new year's resolution was to shop more local. I believe shopping here definitely helps stick to my resolution, so I will be back! read more

neat store with a lot of cool stuff. I wish there was more stuff for dudes, but it's cool. I see how it is. Go and discover something. read more

Holy impulse buys, Batman! I am incapable of walking into this store without buying at least something. The following have been ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY purchases: argyle file folders sticky notes that say "blah blah blah" a tea infuser adorable notecards pyramid-shaped tea bags sticky notes that say "complaints" sticky notes that say "you're cool" law school in-a-box kit I don't really see this cycle coming to an end. I love this store, but minus one star for being such enablers. Eventually I'm going to run out of overpriced small trinkets to buy, and I'll just get that $635 Woodstock painting hanging on the wall behind the register. read more

This is truly one of my favorite stores in Chicago. It has such a diverse range in merchandise that I can spend a good bit of time making sure I've seen all there is to see. When you walk in the door, the merchandise tends to be a bit hodge-podge. Sometimes I've see some Jewish-themed items, sometimes Asian. There are picture frames, small gardening items, to peace-sign cake pan. I once bought a "French" toast maker---it imprints the Eiffel Tower on a piece of toast. A little further in is some "green" items---reusable shopping totes, books on being green, etc. Continuing straight back past the register, you hit bridal and baby themed gifts on the left and some cards and more general gifts on the right. (For a friend's bachelorette, I got a book here, "38 Uses for a Husband") I saw a mini-shooting gallery game before and wished I could play. Moving to the back of the store is a room with kitchen items, travel items and some soaps and bath stuff. In the second half of the store is clothes and jewelry. Come Christmas, there is also a good selection of ornaments here too. Essentially, Art Effect has a little bit of everything. Some things are affordable, but others are overpriced. I've bought jewelry, gifts, ornaments here and always enjoy browsing. Unfortunately, browsing tends to morph into buying too often so I have to limit myself. I also want to note that the employee gift-wrapped the book for a friend without my asking if she offered wrapping and it was a beautiful finished product---and saved me time and money. Bonus points in my book. read more

Really fantastic store!!! I bought a patent-leather passport cover, a "101 Things to Do Before You Die" book, a Micheal Stars shirt (huge selection) and a cozy scarf. If I were to open a store and fill it with every cool/unique thing I could find it wouldn't compare to this place- well worth your while. Tip: Ignore the sales people, they follow everyone around. read more

I love this store. It caters to so many different tastes and cultures. It should not be limited to a particular point-of-view and they know it. I purchased a rabbit fur vest for a friend's birthday gift here, and contrary to what other vegetarian hippie reviewers said in biased posts, this store is great. If you don't agree with fur, don't buy it. Solution found! Anyway, they have awesome ornaments, cute little gifts for just about everyone on your list and I always find the perfect hostess gift here for just about anyone. Even when I need a gift for my dad, I find it here. That's really saying something! Great job Art Effect! read more

Crap. It's so hard to pass up and so easy to spend an hour in this place!! Like many reviews have said, Art Effect is perfect for unique gift ideas when places like Crate and Barrel and the Body Shop just don't cut it. It's Esty-esque and kicks Anthropologie's butt. Lucky friends who receive gifts from here will think you're uber thoughtful, quirky, and creative. Who would've thought?! And if you're shopping for yourself, be prepared to spend a lotta money here buying cute things you want...but don't need (or can afford). I spent my time today looking at the following: -Buttons and mugs with cute graphics that read 'Plane Jane,' 'Cry Baby,' or 'Work Horse,' etc. -Milk bottle shaped vases -Lots o' stationary with simple, beautiful, and colorful prints -Fun cooking aprons -Coats and jackets by indie designers and warm woolen knit wear -Delightful soaps and lotions FYI, this place reeks of hipster. read more

One of my favorite stores in the city. Easy location, right off the Armitage brown line, in Lincoln Park. They always have a wide selection of knick knacks, jewelry, decor and kitchen items to choose from. The perfect place to find a memorable gift for any occasion or to treat yourself. -1 star because it can be a tad pricey. read more

I love this store and the gifts/clothing SO much. What I can't stand is how hovering the staff is and how dreadfully LONG it always takes to check out. Needless to fail, ever single time I'm there it takes forever to check out and there is never any kind of efficiency or sense of urgency in wrapping up the sale. It is so painful it almost makes me not want to shop here. read more

I wish I could do 3.5 stars. This is a great place to buy nice gifts for people. They carry a TON of stuff - kitchen, bath, baby, clothes, jewelry, etc., so you really can find something for everyone. The have the most amazing scented candles ever, but I have never purchased one because spending $33 on a candle would surely make me feel guilty. I wanted to do 3.5 stars, and not 4, because employees totally ignored me when I was in there this morning. I'm not somebody that likes to be followed around, and talked at, but a friendly "hello" or "can I help you find something?" is always appreciated. read more

What a wonderful feast for your eyes...it is not to be missed. It is like a Willy Wonka factory for shopaholics! I could browse all day...this places sells everything from kitchen accessories to underwear. The items for sale are not only massive in variety, but they are unique and good quality. You will surely find something here...whether a new sweater for you or the perfect gift for a friend. I always take my out-of-town guests here and have yet to leave without a purchase. Also, parents, you will find a plethora of stocking stuffers for kids of all ages. My sister filled three for her kids (7, 11, 13) when she visited last summer. read more

I love all the creative items here! You can find some truly unique gifts that will make a statement. I saw some Rosanna dish sets that had beautiful pictures of different types of wine. I was so tempted to get them because I had some from the same designer. You can easily spend hours and lots of money on stuff here. It almost has the feeling of being in a museum gift shop, but not as stuffy. The staff here is friendly and nice. I'll have to keep this place in mind the next time I'm on the hunt for a gift. read more

I really enjoy coming here and browing through the store. I always find something very cool and interesting. You can find here home decor and dinnerware items from Michael Aram and Jonathan Adler to fancy shopping list notepads and fun hair accessories and clothing. read more

The perfect shop when you're looking for something cute or kitschy as a gift for someone else or as a gift for yourself. Think of the home accessories section of Urban Outfitters but with a larger variety of stuff, and not everything being a rip-off of something found on etsy. They have super cute jewelry and some boutique clothing items as well. There is a good range of prices, so you're bound to find something if you're ballin', or ballin' on a budget. And if you're not looking for anything particular, it's a fun place to stop in if you're in the DePaul area and have some time to kill. read more

This place is AWESOME! I got a scratch off world map from here. It's basically a map with foil on top of each country and you scratch off differnt places as you travel to them revealing colors underneath. Definitely something cool and different and I love it! Great place to get funky gifts for someone or something for yourself! read more

I think I could buy this entire store, literally. So many cool trinkets/knickknacks to choose from that could be good gifts for one or many of your closest friends/family or, if your like me, good gifts for yourself. And, when you have spent all your money on the trinkets head over to the clothing section and drop a lot more dough on a cute pair of pants or a shirt. I have to admit I have bought a few pieces of clothing here, all of which I have received more than a few complements on. Don't think that all are full price either, most of the great clothes I have found were on the sale rack! read more

LOTS. OF. STUFF. A cool quirky store but a bit on the pricey side. They have some clothes, lots of jewelry, art, candles, random gifts, tableware. The perfect store to head to when you need a gift for someone and are unsure what to get. read more