My Chicago Shopping Secrets

I have kept many shopping secrets hidden. I will finally reveal to you on where to get wholesale formal women's gowns, wholesale costume jewelry, great buys on everyday clothing items, household knick knacks and furniture.

Do you have a wedding or formal event to go to? Through all of my proms, and special occasions I have always bought wholesale. My best kept secret is shopping in a small two block stretch of the wholesale clothing and accessories district in Chicago. My favorite store for formal wear is Pam Imports. If you like detailed and sequin adorned formals and great designer suits with accents, cute sequin tank tops, or elaborate formal. You will find a great variety for the price. During my pregnancy weight gain I was invited to an Easter brunch. I purchased an intricately designed lavender 2 piece suit in a plus size from there for only $44.00. This suit had such beaded detail it would have been valued at over $150.00 in a retail store. Along the block there are other wholesale jewelry outlets that sell items that surpass the fine costume jewelry you can find in any Michigan Avenue store. I have found beautiful earrings, broaches, necklaces, hair accessories and hand bags. Because the cost per item is being sold at wholesale, some of the wholesale stores on this block have purchasing restrictions of buying $100.00 minimum. I would advise shopping when you are looking to stock up or to share with a friend or buy gifts. I have seen many brides to be stretch their spending dollars far on matching bridal and bridesmaids accessories as well. The shopping area extends from Wilson and Clark
And goes approximately 2 blocks south and there are shops on the east and west sides of
Clark Street. Pam Imports is located at 4521 N. Clark Street Chicago, IL 60640.

Another best kept secret is Nadeau Furniture located at 4433 N. Ravenswood Ave Chicago, IL 60640. The store is set up warehouse style. It is a wholesale furniture place that offers discounts on anything wood. Ask them to keep you on their mailing list to keep you informed of the big bargains coming in. I was pleased with the prices. There is so much I wanted in this store a dining room set, chairs, book cases. I recommend if you want something in there grab it. Chances are it will not be there if you decide to table your decision.

When shopping for clothes for my daughter, I often wait for the sale at Janie and Jack located at 5 Woodfield Mall Schaumburg, IL 60173. Yes, the clothes are fabulous for little girls and out of my price range. One day, I was lucky to be there for a clearance sale and items were tremendously marked down. I cleaned up with lovely, great quality, clothing. If I have more children, I will definitely save these clothes for hand me downs. The clothes here are made to last. While you are at Woodfield Mall, also take a few steps over to Hanna Anderson. They have the most adorable durable cotton clothes for babies and children. If you are looking for quality clothes that hold up through numerous wash cycles and still come out looking great, the price is worth it. When coming to your children it is a good idea to buy clothes that they can grow into and that will look good and last. I stretch my dollar value, buying children's clothing 2 sizes bigger.

For all of you bookworms out there you will love Myopic Books located at 1564 N. Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, IL 60622. Plan to spend several hours in this store going through the vast expanse of books. It is a book lovers paradise. They buy used books and resell to the public. If someone bought a New York Times best seller you desire to read, your chances of finding it being at Myopic, at a deep discount, is great. They have an extraordinary collection of Non-fiction books. If I do not show up home one day, you can send out a search and rescue team and fish me out of there.

I had a dear friend who planned last minute to go away for his wedding. Literally, two hours before his flight and he had nothing to wear for his nuptials. In addition, his bride to be, bought him a pair of dress slacks to wear at his reception that were way to big for him. The MensWearhouse in Schaumburg, Illinois saved the day. Not only did they alter his suit purchased on site for the big leap, they altered the slacks he brought in, all in one hour. The MensWearhouse has several locations nationwide. http://www.menswearhouse.com

Last but not least is Syms, where "an educated consumer is our best customer." This store has great bargains on name brand designer clothing for the entire family. What you will love is the price tag. The price tags are dated to tell you the date the item will be discounted down to a lesser sale price and the cost. My ex- boyfriend from 13 years ago introduced me to this store. I still run into him there. We give each other the occasional nod of approval. We may not have been right for each other but, we know what is right for us. To find a location nearest you visit http://www.syms.com.

Chicago can be a bargain hunter's desired destination of choice. If you look past the major chains you may find some enterprising store owners that have less overhead and can sell you quality goods at a fantastic price.