After the state of Illinois legalized same-sex civil unions, we took it upon ourselves to put the pressure on and plan your commitment ceremony in Chicago. The only thing you’ll need after this is, well, a spouse.
Here we explore places for your fabulous shopping spree to accessorize your celebration. All you need is a Barneys card and your own style inspiration!
- Barneys New York: Thank the fashion gods that high-end Barneys has made it to Chicago. Whether you’re looking for an outfit that screams – “look at me!” – or something less dramatic, Barneys will prim you into a prince for a price.
- Beatnix: If you’re planning on parading down Halsted right before taking the plunge, then a little bit of humiliation is in order. Run over to drag fave Beatnix and get yourself all dolled up like the bridezilla you are. Or you can always borrow the feathered boas and high heels from your cousin Shirley. C’mon! Everyone knows she used to be a stripper.
- Early to Bed: The couple that plays together stays together. That’s why you should feel free to direct your party guests to Early to Bed, a femme-friendly erotica shop that makes women feel comfortable browsing though toys of all shapes and sizes. Just make sure you’re little nosy niece Doreen doesn’t furrow through your luggage before check-out. Yikes!
Brown Elephant Resale Shop: Let’s face it, gay affluence is a bit of a myth. We are not all John Travolta. We struggle as much as the next boy or girl to pay bills, and save our pennies for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. So if you wanna dress sharp, go easy on your pocketbook, and contribute to the Howard Brown Clinic all at the same time, check out the thrifty fashions of Brown Elephant. You might find a few Barneys hand-me-downs without the sticker shock, and Aunt Doreen will feel right at home in the racks.- Cram Fashion: On the other hand, there is the other gay shopping way–credit cards. So pull yours out at Cram Fashion, the boutique where you’ll find everything from 2xist (for the two of you finally back to your hotel room, alone) to the fabulous designs of Shades of Greige and Ben Sherman.
Check out the full GayCities shopping guide to Chicago
