Lakeview Manufacturing Company: Chicago

The Wrigleyville neighborhood in Chicago will never be thought of as a shopping destination, at least not unless you’re in the market for an Old Style, roasted peanuts, or a Hebrew National frank. There are a few spots here and there, though, worth visiting both for city-dwellers and visitors descending upon the Windy City this summer. The recently christened Lakeview Manufacturing Company, just a few minutes from Wrigley field in the heart of Lakeview, has gotten a lot of pub by the local press & scene-spotters — and rightly so. LMC, the latest concept from Lakeview Broadcasting Company owner Stephen Westman and FOB bassist/Ashlee Simpson boytoy/sometimes-tool Pete Wentz, presents itself as a “lifestyle boutique” which seems to mean that it’s just like any other boutique, but with a mini styling salon in the back. The shop goes all out for the ’80s theme with a shag carpet wall, strewn-about copies of Teen Beat, and other endearingly tacky details sure to trigger a wave of nostalgia and possibly, some impulse buys. In addition to Wentz’s Clandestine Industries line of apparel, you can find other rad goodies for both guys and gals from labels such as 426 Brand, DITC, Lying Laundry, Old School Arts & Crafts Movement, and Royale. In contrast to most other “lifestyle boutiques” in the city, most of the stuff here is relatively affordable and won’t leave you weeping in your 16-oz SOLO cup when you spill mustard down the front of your “new” vintage tee. Just remember kids, in the words of Martin Q. Blank: “You can never go home again… but I guess you can shop there.”