Aura Candle Bar was such a fun experience that I would 100% do again!…read more Alex was our guide. Not only was she knowledgeable, but she was also very sweet and kind. Gave very clear instructions and was just super interactive which I appreciated. They have so many scents to choose from that you definitely won't be able to smell them all, but I think you can get through a good amount of them to know that you're picking the best scents that stand out to you. I think this experience is definitely worth the money! They hold the candles for you for two weeks, but you can go in the same day to pick it up too just a few hours later. I can't wait to go back!

10000% this is one of the most relaxing and fun things I've done in Chicago! This is a make your…read moreown candle bar. Your experience begins by choosing 5-12 of your favorite scents from a huge wall of over 100 scents, and writing that on a sheet of paper. You also choose which vessel you want your candle to go in. After that, your scent consultant helps you pick out the three that work the best based on your preferences, and you get to try different concoctions until it smells exactly how you want it! Finally, you get to mix your essential oils and scents into the vessel with wax, and tada!! You're all set!! Honestly, for $50 a person it's not too bad, as some higher quality candles out there cost just as much.

For my daughter's first Halloween, I decided we should wander the AVille-O-Ween, since I've never…read morehad occasion to attend whilst living in the neighborhood. She's too young for candy, so I took the opportunity to wander into some of the shops and the first of those was Vase & Vessel. I've wanted to stop in but haven't had the chance, and I'm glad I did today. The proprietors were friendly, one giving out candy and the other helping customers. They have some nice home decor here as well as very healthy plants. I almost bought a parlor palm to replace Bertha, the one that I killed several months back. I might actually be back because they had some nice full ones that maybe I would be less like to kill quite as soon--or at least, maybe it would grow more before I do. I bought a candle called a Locality Candle. They're kind of cool! There are different scents for various neighborhoods. I chose the Lincoln Square candle since I live in the "Is it Uptown or is it Lincoln Square?" section of Ravenswood. Whilst ringing it up, the owner asked if I picked it for the scent or the location. It was actually both, but probably more the scent; it has a nice fall smell of apple and spice, in recognition of Apple Fest, which is one of Lincoln Square's most popular festival. Whether you're on the lookout for a plant, a nice gift, or something for yourself, this is a good place to stop.

From the owner: Vase & Vessel offers a curated collection of home accents, gifts and works of several local artists…read moreand makers. We also carry a great selection of houseplants, planters and plant care supplies.

Amazing clothes. Cool owner. I loved this store so much. Don't be deterred by prices online. They…read morehave sales!

Another placeholder so my pictures link. I'll update with details later, but the 4 star rating…read moreholds true.

When it comes to marketplaces that really honor the crafts people and illustrators you can't really…read moretop Andersonville Galleria. The products are all one of a kind and offer unique gifts that will make you stand out. The vendors are all pretty affordable and highly suggest to come here for Christmas shopping. It's even better than four sided gift shop down the street at times! Check out the "make art take art" box outside. I find some amazing treasures in there and it's one of the coolest things in the town

I have nothing personal against this store or the people who sell there, but for me it was…read moreunderwhelming. There is a lot of stuff, but it is very generic. The "art" they sell is the kind that goes on a greeting card or t-shirt. Some booths sell crafts like you can find on Etsy--upcycled clothes and amigurumi or felt toys (which were cute enough but nothing amazing). Others sell imported items. It wasn't always clear if they were fair trade or not. In fact, that was one of the things that bugged me: many booths' lack of transparency on where these items were made/who made them. A lot of items looked mass produced, so it was hard to tell what wasn't. Basically this store exemplifies what happens when you commercialize art. Everything converges under market pressure and ends up looking the same. Personally antique malls are my style. They have a similar concept (many vendors in one space), but much more interesting and greater variety of items.

I'm so glad I visited this place. It's a magical little getaway filled with fabulous candles,…read moresoaps, diffusers, incense, and aromatherapy oils. They make their own and their scents are lovely and unique. They also sell cards and a range of artistic gifts and hold on-site candlemaking classes as well. The staff is very helpful, kind, and welcoming. The store itself has a soothing and relaxing atmosphere. I'll definitely be back!

I adore this place! As a local in the neighborhood, I have frequented the shop for gifts, but only…read morerecently did a candle making class to celebrate a friend's birthday, and was blown over how enjoyable it was! Highly, highly recommend this place for so many reasons: quality, sustainable and gorgeous offerings, inviting atmosphere, hyper-local experience. It checks all the boxes! Come check it out!

I went here just for fun with a couple of girl friends. It's in a ladie's apartment, so it was…read morehomey. It a cheap fun thing to do. She does tarot card reading or palm readings.

From the owner: Psychic tarot card palm aura and chakra readings healings alignments all of your metaphysical needsread more

This quirky neighborhood gem of gift shop is charming. Well selected & curated with fun things I…read morehave not seen elsewhere. Purchased 4 cat paw lighters as gifts, that are.... well....Crazy fabulous! Huge hit ; I'm going back for more. Friendly and welcoming, I really hope this business makes it. Go support them;)

Very cute selection that's curated nicely. Some items were pretty pricey, but in line with other…read moresmall boutique stores in the city.

Was greeted right away when I walked in. Store was well laid out and clean. All employees were very…read morenice. Our cashier was Ciara. She was so nice and helped me figure out my BBW rewards app. Overall great experience.

Amanda was so helpful and sweet and Carolyn was so kind to help me at the cash register. You both…read moremade my day! The scents are really good here and there are so many flavors you will enjoy. There's stuff for men also! Have fun sniffing and putting lotions on bc there are so many Try Me's. Love this store.

This is a really good hardware store not too far from our apartment. We only needed one thing, but…read morethe employee helped us find it right away. Will definitely be coming back here for any home improvement things I need.

Absolutely terrible curbside pick up experience with the older white gentleman who was annoyed from…read morethe beginning because I didn't know where exactly to go in the alley. He let me know that the local businesses have went out of business and he's the only one left because how customers treat them (referring to me). But don't worry, Lakeview he said he'll be there forever!! The ladies at the front desk and who answered the phone were an absolute pleasure. He should take some tips from them on customer service and experience.