Where can liberals shop in Chicago?

[Radical Activist]

I'm pretty new to Chicago and I'm looking to buy some clothes. I'm curious if anyone has any suggestions or links about where a progressive-minded person could best shop in Chicago. Are there stores with organic cotton and hemp? Are there stores with American-made or Fair Trade clothing?

It's a shame it isn't easier to find out this kind of info. The online guides I've found are pretty pathetic unless you live in California. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

[Nexus7]

1. Welcome to Chicago!

Hi there,

I don't of any brick and mortar stores of the kind, but there's always on-line. Whole Foods and Trader Joes have organic stuff, but it's food not clothing. You could go to the retail giants, Kmart, Walmart, Targe't, and read the labels. I believe some stores contribute a percentage of profits to local causes, can't remember where I saw the sign. They do display such information prominently as you enter the store, of course.

[grace0418]

9. Liberals should not shop at Walmart EVER

under any circumstances unless it is absolutely the only option. But living in Chicago, there are plenty of other options.

Sorry, I don't mean to be hard on you but I am just so opposed to the Walmart Evil Empire.

[mopinko]

2. well, there's always thrift shops

which we have a great variety of. my fave is the value village on milwaukee at armitage. these are the outlets for purple heart veterans.
there are a lot of little, independent, cool stores in chicago. wicker park is full of them, as is the belmont and clark area.
welcome to chitown.

[barb162]

3. There was a cotton only store

a while back in a mall north of Chicago but it was not billed as "organic" and because our seasons are a bit (haha) different here than CA. I suspect you wouldn't find stores like that. But I will keep my eyes and ears open on your requests. Welcome.

[Radical Activist]

4. Thanks for the suggestions and welcome everybody!

[vireo]

5. For organic clothing

I recommend Patagonia on Clybourn, just north of North Ave (near Whole Foods). All the cotton is organically grown and they have several hemp items as well. They have a wide selection which is always changing.

If you can still get it, pick up their "Go vote" T-shirt. The proceeds go to the League of Conservation Voters election efforts. Patagonia is always supporting/promoting a variety of environmental campaigns.

www.patagonia.com

[chicagojoe]

6. Look up a store called, I believe, "Dara". Hope I'm correct on the name.

[Tweed]

7. Hey, it's been awhile since you posted this

How has your luck been? Hopefully you have made it to the Belmont area east of the L stop. It seems like the clothing stores there would be up your The Alley.

Oh yeah, and how are you liking our winters?

[Radical Activist]

10. I didn't notice the new post until today

I have been to the Belmont L stop area a few times but I haven't shopped there yet. I'll have to check it out. I did find Patagonia and got a gift certificate for Christmas at Lucky jeans, which are at least American made. Ironically I got some things back in Tennessee on a recent trip, which you wouldn't expect to have much of what I'm looking for.

Winter went dowhill all of a sudden didn't it? I've been living in the south too long! At least I'm not on the lakefront so it isn't too bad.

[Tweed]

12. Yeah, winter just slammed into Chicago

I'm dealing with it though. I've got boots, a hat, a scarf and some gloves. It's quite warm with all those things.

I've gotta ask. Did you see Motorcycle Diaries?

[barackmyworld]

8. I make progressive-minded clothes :)

My dorm-run printed clothing business finances my 42k a year tuition and dem party volunteering, my website is:

www.mayadesign.8m.com

I don't have organic cotton, but I do have obama shirts!

[Radical Activist]

11. Nice website!

Thanks for the link. That's also a ummmm...very nice picture of you in the "John Edwards is hot" t-shirt. :wow: