Top 5 Upscale Stores on Michigan Avenue, Chicago

Chicago's greatest shopping lies on a mile long stretch of Michigan Avenue, otherwise known as the Magnificent Mile. Hundreds of upscale shops, flagship stores and high rise malls beckon to customers; both local and tourist, with shelves full of designer goods, toys and more clothes than you could every hope to own. With all the activity of the city going on around you, it is very easy to miss some of the very best shopping and some of the stores are even tucked into high rise malls out of sight.

If you are visiting Chicago and plan on shopping Michigan Avenue there are some upscale stores that you just have to visit. Here are the top five upscale stores on Michigan Avenue selling everything from jewelry to clothing to shoes.

One of the best upscale department stores on Michigan Avenue, where you are guaranteed to find a good selection of designer clothing, shoes, and household items for men, women, and children is the Bloomingdale's. Tucked into the crowded, but every popular, 900 North Michigan Avenue high rise mall, a trip into the store's confines requires stamina. Shop here for designer label clothing, jewelry and a great selection of women's purses and shoes. There is also a great selection of children's clothing filled with boutique selections and other hard to find designers. The sales associates are very helpful and most of them are knowledgeable about the items in their department, but I find that most are not willing to, or cannot fully assist you in a department other than their own.

For the upscale jewelry shopper in you looking for a great gift to give to someone back home, or just looking for something to splurge on for yourself, head over to Tiffany and Company. Tiffany's Michigan Avenue store is located at 730 North Michigan Avenue; right in the heart of the best shopping the mile has to offer. This location not only has a very big selection of jewelry, but also holds house wares and gifts. For being one of many stores in the Tiffany's family, the selection is very good and there are several special collections available. Everyone on the sales floor is super accommodating and the shopping experience is always a good one even if you do not decide to purchase anything.

The Tiffany's of the purse world is matched on Michigan Avenue in the form of Louis Vuitton, 919 North Michigan Avenue. The window displays are enough to make some women drool, and more than enough to lure lovers of fashion in the doors. Not only will you find the most gorgeous purses perched on tables, but there is a good collection of shoes and clothing. A trip across the street will take you to one of Michigan Avenue's finest upscale shoe stores, Bottega Veneta, 800 North Michigan Avenue. There the sales staff will treat you to one of my favorite forms of shoe therapy and slip some of the styles available onto your feet for size.

To help you wind down a long day of shopping, head over to the Ralph Lauren store for some good shopping and dinner. Located directly across from the Water Tower at 750 North Michigan Avenue, the Ralph Lauren store is in one of the Mile's most convenient locations and has one of the larger retail spaces because of it. Browse through classic Ralph Lauren casual clothing, shoes and accessories. When you are through shopping the upscale store, get a table at Ralph Lauren to give your feet a rest and enjoy thinking about everything you just bought