What a lovely shop, with an even lovelier proprietor! I've been visiting metta baby down the street for the last few weeks, and when I've passed Virtu it piqued my interest. Today I was at metta baby for a CPR refresher so I finally had the opportunity to head down the block and check it out. The owner had opened it a few minutes early because when I got there at 10:58 (they open at 11) there were already a few people in and she joked that perhaps she should open at 10. She was super friendly with everyone in the store and very helpful. There were a couple folks with whom she was talking about the being a business owner (they were also business owners), and the business climate in Bucktown. She was joking around with some other customers about some funny cards that she carries. When I was looking at the various jewelry cases she has throughout the store, she let me know right away that if I wanted to see anything to let her know, and she told me about some of the designers that she had in her shop. I really enjoyed talking with her, and I'm almost ashamed I didn't get her name. Her passion for her business and local businesses in general, as well as her dedication to truly providing fantastic and thoughtful service to her customers was palpable. Virtu's proprietor is the epitome of why I LOVE to shop local; oftentimes people at mass merchandisers, whilst hard working and helpful, don't have the same sort of pride, flexibility, and ethos of care that a local business owner does. I visited a couple days before Halloween, and she mentioned that after the holiday she'd start putting out the Christmas merchandise which is already waiting to make its debut. I think she also mentioned that she has extended hours during the holiday season. I'm excited to stop in once she's in the holiday swing to see what I can find here for friends, loved ones (and who knows, maybe even myself), and maybe even something special for my little one's first Christmas. read more

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I wrote a review several years ago in which I praised Julie's ability to pick out jewelry (specifically earrings) that look good on me. I have bought at least three pairs of earrings from Julie which I never would have picked up to try on myself -- I needed her eye to help me (1) find them and (2) realize that I wanted something like them in my jewelry wardrobe. The way this usually plays out is: I come in to the store and find a few things in the cases to try on; I am drawn to the way earrings look hanging on a stand or propped up on those little pieces of wood or leather that all jewelry stores use, but it's very hard correctly connect all the dots from "I like the way that looks in the case" to "that would look good on me." Earrings genuinely do not look the same once you pick them up and put them in your ears, and I've made the mistake more than once of buying earrings that looked great in my jewelry box, but not as great on. (But I have not done this at Virtu, because I think Julie would stop me). So first I try the things on that I pick out, and then Julie usually slides on over with, "...but would you consider these?" And she does it in a really friendly way that is not pushy or a high-pressure sales tactic, it is more "I think this shape/color/contrast would look good in your particular ears." And she is right with astounding frequency, including sometimes with pieces I would never have looked twice at in the case. It is a genuine skill and I find it impressive. For this reason I unfortunately have to limit the number of times I visit per year because I am so likely to buy things! read more

The owner was very nice. Great selection of cards and a cool assortment of fun stuff for your house and gifts

I love coming to Virtu. Need a gift? Find a fun card? Or splurge on a new bobble for myself! Julie has a great eye and he store is always curated with style! Plus I love supporting my local shops! read more

Virtu is a neighborhood gem, filled with sparkles and laughter, only made more lustrous by it's lovely owner. The store is full of beautiful items, friendly for all budgets and all occasions. It's warm but elegant without being pretentious, and I highly recommend that anyone who has not had the pleasure to visit, to do so and I promise you will come back often. read more

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It was through one of my friends that I discovered about this store, who had learnt that I was looking for a shop that sold cute and lovely gifts. So, I got here and was so glad that I had listened to her since there were numerous products on display, many of which were adorable! I was in heaven! I hoped my sister will like what I will give to her. There are jewelry, greeting cards, photos, and many more items. I bought jewelry for my sister because she enjoys collecting such accessories, and I was hoping she would like it as much as I did. Everything about this place is wonderful: the ambiance, the customer service, everything! The owner is also so kind who is incredibly accommodating. I also came upon an item for myself. So, the last time I came here, I purchased two goods. It's definitely worth a shot. Anyone should to try it out! read more

Stopped in here to find a gift for my brother for his birthday. I found a unique candle which can be recycled into a beautiful art piece that cost $35. A bit more than I was hoping but it truly was show-stopping and so worth the price! There are gifts for every kind of person, some funny, some serious, others random entirely. I would say this is like a fancier and more uniquely sourced Marshall's- you just never know what you will find! The owner is very sweet and accommodating, and would help you find a gift if you don't know where to start. I found some things I wouldn't mind for myself shopping there, so I definitely would suggest just dropping in! The hours listed in yelp were not accurate, but I called in and she told me they weren't right and the correct hours. read more

One of the things I miss most about Chicago is this lovely shop and its friendly owner. The staff have always been helpful when I need assistance finding the right gift or card, but there's no pressure or upsale. The selection is spot on, and I can always find something lovely. When I last visited, they were still requesting folks wear masks, and I appreciate that. It's not a huge shop, so keeping your distance is hard. The jewelry I wear every day is from Virtu, and when I need gifts now I find myself searching out the artists whose work I first saw here. read more

Julie's store has been a gem and the cornerstone of Bucktown for a long time. The merchandise is always new, fresh and beautiful. This is what shopping for "that special present" is all about. read more

Stopping in Virtu was the best thing I did at the start of my trip to Chicago. Not only did I find the perfect gift there, but I received tips on the best things to do and the best places to eat in the neighborhood, and in Chicago more generally. What a lovely store and what a great experience! read more

This is the nth time I've come here to buy gifts for my cousin's birthday, and I'm glad I did. Since this is my go-to shop anytime I want to buy something cute or a gift for someone special to me, I am already a regular customer. It's adorable. I came here just a few days ago to buy things for my baby love, and I couldn't resist. From the silly to the serious and everything in between, there's a present for every type of individual. This resembles a more upscale version of a department store's gift shop. The personnel is always willing to go out of their way to help. Is the atmosphere pleasant? YES! Definitely and it's also nice. The location is also easy to identify. The fact that it's so close to my current workplace means that I can come here after work. It's a must-see store. To anyone who happens to be reading this, I highly recommend you to give it a try. read more

I super love coming to Virtu. I never get tired of browsing the various goods that are in display here. Because they have such a large selection of products, I was able to buy one or more products each visit I made in this shop. It is also an excellent place to shop for presents to give to other people. There is a wide variety of excellent gift options available that are sure to win the approval of the recipient of your presents. There are also other things such as jewelry, photocards, and cute gift cards. In addition to that, the atmosphere is very soothing and pleasant. Additionally, the staff is friendly and easy to approach. If you need assistance or help, you can be certain that they will come to you and help you as soon as possible. It is without a doubt highly recommended. This is the kind of place that all of you will absolutely adore. read more

Virtu is my go-to whenever I need something special. Or just when I need to do a little shopping in a beautiful store with the most wonderful owner (and her amazing family). While I used to live just down the street, I now make the trip into Bucktown several times a year because there is just no other place like Virtu. From cards to jewelry to my favorite wedding gift - the maple cutting boards - to birthdays and mother's day, I always am able to find just the thing. This store is a treasure. read more

Very cute shop. There is good stationary. You can find some unique gifts or decorations for your home. Service was warm and welcoming. One of the cool places to see on Damen. read more

New favorite Bucktown shop? I think so! What a cute, quaint, trendy stop! I happily left with a couple cards and 50% off earrings. The array of jewelry, dining ware, purses, and stationery was unique and noteworthy. The ladies in the store were extremely friendly, and I can't wait to come back! read more

This is a lovely store. The owner has impeccable taste in jewelry. Better collection of designers I like than in most NYC boutiques. I bought a Melissa Joy Manning necklace that I love and it happened to be on sale. I'd definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for fabulous jewelry. It does seem like they have a good selection of other lower priced gifts but I focused on the jewelry today. read more

I met the owner through a work partnership and thought the shop looked cute but at the time wasn't able to browse. I stopped in again yesterday to get a gift for a client and maybe some goodies myself. Not only is everything so cute but also really unique. The owner was so helpful in finding something truly special for me. I absolutely loved my shopping experience and the great selection of really useful things sold at Virtu. It is definitely best to shop small biz and get something really special. I will be back! (If you get a gift from me in the future it'll probably be from here) read more

Super friendly staff, nice quant statue with very one off merchandise. Local boutique in wicker park with everything from jewelry, to artwork, to bags. Can get a bit pricey but that's what you expect for a unique boutique. read more

We've been shopping at Virtu for gifts (for every occasion and person!) since 2010 or so, but what really has made Virtu special for us is their role as our jeweler for our engagement rings and wedding bands. Julie, the owner, is incredibly approachable. Her selection of engagement rings and wedding bands are gorgeous, unique, ethical, and incredibly reasonably priced. From the times we spend $5 on a birthday card to a heck more on an engagement ring, she was always helpful, thoughtful, and went the extra mile. At this point, we consider her more of a friend than "just" our favorite shop owner in Chicago! We keep coming back during trips to Chicago, despite living away. We are big fans and can't think of another family owned shop to recommend for gift giving, whether for others or yourself : ) read more

Great shop. Good people. Unique gifts. Excellent jewelry selection. Definitely go here.

Totally cute store. Virtu has a well-curated assortment of goods: greeting cards (from vendors like Snow & Graham) and stationery, Orla Kiely handbags, ceramics, candles, fragrances, Butter London nail polish, adorable Animal Kingdom pillows, ceramics, and tons of jewelry. This is the perfect spot for a hostess or housewarming gift. Skip the ho-hum bottle of wine and come here instead. The owner is very sweet and helpful; whether you're buying just a card or spending lots of money, she'll make you feel welcome. Next time you're in Bucktown, make sure you pay this charming shop a visit. read more

My dog George is, like, my favorite person. So of course I'd be smitten seeing stationary embossed with an illustration of a Yorkie in a 3 piece suit and bowtie. Not that my teacup pocket Cujo wears those, all of his coats and sweaters are too big, so he looks like he's in a dress. And the decorative pillows with vintage style pix of animals are über cutee: birds, rabbits, chipmonks, kittez, and of course Yorkeyz. Everything is twee or makes people squee at the cute overload. However. It's not too fusty. Lots of decorative touches which are funky and add character and well chosen by the establishment's owner. There are some cool teacups and pottery. Jewelry wearable yet slightly edgy. A handful of nice smelling but not overpowering perfumes. Quaint vases. The store's motto is "a curious collection of fine craft." Well said. The wares are very thoughtful so worth a stop for that gift for yourself or a loved one. read more

Was walking by and just stopped by to look around, unfortunately they did not have what I was looking for but found a lot of nice things to consider for gifts. As we came in we were welcomed by a gentleman at the register and at the far end a lady offered champagne, we were drinking coffee already so not this time. No pressure to buy anything and helpful when I asked what we were looking for. will come back. read more

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After a recent shopping binge at Virtu for holiday gifts, I awoke the next morning feeling a bit guilty, as if I'd cheated on my long-standing favorite go-to gift place. (Dear Hazel...please forgive me for my transgressions.) I actually walked in before meeting friends for dinner, intending only to take a peek around. I walked out about 45 minutes later loaded up with an armload of goodies for my pals and family. The owner was quick to greet me, to offer some helpful suggestions, and to ask if there were any items in the cases that I'd like to take a closer look at or try on. She seemed genuinely enthusiastic about the artists whose lovely wares lined her shelves and displays. While some of the items were a little out of my price range, there were many beautiful things at all different price points, assuring a "find" for just about every budget. The only downside was the gift-wrap charge, which for me is a major downside. A big, big plus going for Hazel is the free gift wrap, because gift wrapping is something I absolutely loathe. So while I had a large portion of my holiday shopping completed after my trip to Virtu, I was sent directly to holiday hell by having to go home and pull out my (very dusty) box of gift wrap. Oh the agony of hours spent with tangled ribbon and oddly shaped boxes. If I shop here again, I'll definitely cough up the extra dough for the pleasure of having someone else do the wrapping for me. ($4.50 per box seems like a heavenly bargain right about now.) Overall, though, a lovely, delightful place to shop. read more

I love, love this store. While visiting Chicago, IL over a long weekend, aunt brought me here to shop and look at jewelry....wedding ring. The jewelry is amazing. I wasn't going to buy anything but HAD to have a necklace by Philippa Roberts. I loved the rings by Anna Sportun. Julie was so enthusiastic about her shop. She has wonderful taste. I can't wait to go back and buy more jewelry from her on my next visit to Chicago. read more

If I wasn't traveling with my daughter, I would've bought out the store! Julie, the owner was quite helpful (even with non-store related info!) and very sweet. I'm so glad that she has a website I can peruse from the west side... read more

There are so many reasons to love this store. Julie and her family are the nicest, most helpful owners around. Their gifts are unique and beautiful, and many of them are Chicago-made. This is my one-stop shop for the myriad of wedding/baby shower/hostess gifts I've purchased lately. Those have included insect vases, blown glass salt and pepper shakers, a whisper-soft baby blanket, paddywax candles, a Snow and Graham desk calendar, travel jewelry pouch, and both bamboo-blended and woolen scarves. And I usually am unable to leave without purchasing a little something for myself, so I credit Julie for all the compliments on my wallet/scarf/earrings. For those things you really want but can't quite bring yourself to buy, Julie will keep a wish list in the store for you. This is a perfect solution for the lazy person who waits until the last possible second to buy your holiday gift. read more

Congrats to Julie! virtu has been open for 10 years, far surpassing most Bucktown shops. Love her fabulous gifts and jewelry - it's always my go-to place to pick up something quick for a friend (or myself!). Recently moved out of IL, and I already miss virtu! Luckily they have a great online store for all my gifty purchases. read more

I think I've been in about 15 different gift boutiques over the last few weeks, so I think that makes me an expert on them. This is one of the best I've seen. There's a wide variety of items, but everything make sense - housewares, jewelry, stationery. And there's lots of price points. The under $20, under $50, and probably more. The owner is super nice - she made some recommendations but let us shop in peace. I don't live around here, but luckily she has a website, so I can shop here more often from read more

We happened upon Virtu walking down Damen one afternoon. My partner went across the street to a shoestore as a friend of ours and I went in. There you will be surrounded by a well-organized selection of housewares and candles. Not the smelly kinds, but the nice and pretty kinds. But what I cared about was in the back: the cards. Here a greaoot selection of letterpress cards, some very serious (or as my mom calls "different") and some completely ridiculous and serious. None are cheesy like a Hallmark card, but cheeky. That's a better word. On my second visit for Fathers' Day cards, I learned that the owner is a former marketing executive so I felt a kinship right away. These are the sorts of things my coworkers and I dream about so it's no surprise the selection here is tasteful and classy. read more

This store is fantastic for last minute or creative gift ideas. The owners are so kind and they carry an array of cute and thoughtful gifts, many of which are made by local artists! I love shopping for birthday and holiday gifts here but admittedly always end up with a little something for myself, too! read more

Virtu is a great boutique in Bucktown that's so unlike many of the other boutiques in that neighborhood: - It's friendly. I went to start looking for a wedding gift there, but didn't really have much in mind (or a serious intent to purchase). I left with the perfect gift, which I might not have found if not for the help of the owner. - It's pretty affordable. So maybe the Snow and Graham cards are a little more expensive than Hallmark, but the quality is amazing and there are SO MANY to choose from! And as for the rest of the inventory, I found that there was a wide range of prices around the store, although it was pretty easy to stick within my predetermined price range. - It's a store where I'd shop not just for gifts but also items for myself. Nothing wrong with a few presents for me, right? Definitely worth a detour for a gift, whether for yourself or someone else. read more

I absolutely LOVE this store. It is in my neighborhood and I always have to stop by after Saturday morning breakfast at Toast. I've bought a few items from here including a beautifully made necklace, earrings for a friend, and cards. The merchandise is anything but mass-produced. You get a sense that the owner buys and stocks items of quality, great design, and that were made with love. A great shop to find gifts!! read more

Wonderful store. Very unique and cool gifts as well as gorgeous one of a kind jewelry pieces. Store owner, Julie, is friendly and welcoming. Took her time showing me all the beautiful earrings and rings in her display case without any sales pitches or pressure. Will definitely be coming back! read more

Loved finding this gem! The owner and her husband were welcoming and very fun to talk with while shopping! Great gift items, funky socks, stationary, cute, cute, cute! read more

Julie (owner) is amazing. She is friendly and treats customers with respect. Julie took the time to find the perfect gift for my wife and goes above and beyond in terms of customer service. I like to buy local when I can and Virtu is the perfect store for that great gift for the special person in your life. read more

The very best of everything. Best service. Best ambiance. Best one of a kind jewels. Best Chicago fun cards and pictures. Vases and stationary and little things you never knew existed but must have ASAP. Go here for gifts, to cheer yourself up, for little somethings. And for the owner. All the best! read more

I finally stopped into this store for the first time today. I love everything there! It's a great place for gifts, but it is very hard not to buy a bunch of stuff for myself. Their jewelry is beautiful and I told my husband the next time he wants to buy me something special, please go here! It didn't hurt that the very nice owner gave me a salted caramel to enjoy while she rang up my purchases! read more

The owner is very knowledgable and can help you find the perfect unique one-of-a-kind piece! My favorite is Philippa Roberts, but every artist is really unique in their own way. Each piece of jewelry tells a story and I will say that there is no piece of jewelry I appreciate more than the ones I have received from here (minus my engagement ring, of course! ;)). This is a great place to shop if you want something rare and that is of the highest quality and craftsmanship. More than jewelry, they sell amazing totes, wooden boards/spatula/salad set, cute ceramics for little kids or the household, and so much more. All in all, this place reminds me of a little mix of all the items at the Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago, but rarer and better quality items. It is a treat that this shop is open year-round versus the two times a year the craft fair comes around! read more

Had an amazing time in this great gem of a shop browsing the many art pieces and trinkets that the owner picked! Greatly appreciated the help she provided me and super happy with my purchases! Will definitely go again! read more