Recent Store Openings: Ciao Bella, Goddess & Grocer, MNG by Mango

These three stores have one thing in common: each one has a motto, or commitment to shoppers. A store's motto is kind of like a New Year’s resolution that it actually keeps. Whether or not we shoppers live up to our own New Year's resolutions, we live by the timeless shoppers' motto, "Seek and ye shall find." Here's what we've found this week.  

 

Ciao Bella

3829 N. Southport Ave.
Chicago, IL
773.388.2201
www.ciaobellachicago.com

This charming boutique offers the world something unique, a clothing store whose wares are selected on the basis of how well they suit the wants and needs of travelers. Ciao Bella, owned by a former flight attendant, is all about travel, with trunks used for decor, and an "In Flight" sign that signals the store's hours of operation.  

Its motto, “wear…anywhere,” reflects the store's commitment to men's and women's wear that's easy to pack, comfortable enough for long plane trips, yet suitable for a lunch or business meeting. As you'd expect, most of the fabrics are lightweight and versatile. Smart examples are the Melanie Nicole tube dress for $278, and Zoe D. jersey dress for $161. Fashionable labels include Johnny Was, Billy Blues, City Lights, and Tart for women; Lucky Jeans, Splendid Mills and James Perse for men; and Lucky Jeans for both. The epitome of lightweight, not to mention light-hearted, is an Adea thong, imported from Italy and packaged in a test tube for $24. Only the price is a bit on the heavy side.  

You'll find plenty of travel accessories here, too, from Evian spray bottles that let you hydrate your skin in flight, to a line of luggage designed by other former flight attendants. Also available are luggage tags and passport holders in matching colors. Some of the store's travel helpers are stay-at-home-practical, too, like the Miss Oops Critical Care Kit for $24, which includes an instant pedicure, a lip balm, and a Rescue Sponge for removing makeup and deodorant stains.  

Bonus? Come in with a travel itinerary for a trip within the month and get 10 percent off.  

 

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Goddess & Grocer

25 East Delaware Pl.
Chicago, IL
312.896.2600
www.goddessandgrocer.com
 

The customer-friendly motto says it all, "Yes rhymes with Goddess.”

This quaint, compact Gold Coast gourmet foods shop offers a deli counter of delicious homemade foods, select packaged foods, wines, and almost a dozen lunch tables. You can pick up many local favorites here, like Vosges chocolates and Glenview-based Veritas truffles. Plus some special treats from abroad, like the small Cadbury bars European travelers will recognize. On the slim side of $2, these little chocolates are as kind to your waistline as your wallet.  

While Goddess & Grocer is a lovely place for a quick lunch in the middle of a Gold Coast shopping day, it also provides catering services and home delivery. Choices include salads, luscious roasted butternut squash, and a grown-up mac and cheese (penne and three cheeses) sold by the pound and delivered to your door. Yum!  

Deliveries are limited to the Gold Coast, the Loop and Bucktown. (See the maps under the online ordering section of their website.) They also provide gift baskets and boxed lunches, including a picnic package.  

The shop's catering menu is long and mouth-watering. Especially tempting are prosciutto-wrapped figs, and savory "lollipops" of roasted turkey with cranberry crust, roasted chicken with buttermilk biscuit crust, duck confit with pistachio crust, and gorgonzola with apricot and pancetta crust. Double yum! Desserts include a flourless chocolate cake, an organic carrot cake, and seasonal cupcakes.   

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MNG by Mango

Water Tower Place
835 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL
312.397.9800
www.mngbymango.com  

“Fashion for the young, urban woman.”  That's a deceptively mild motto for this hot Spanish company whose shop sizzles with European-inspired clothes and accessories. Think a spicier, edgier H&M – with Milla Jovovich in its brochure.  

The difference between MNG by MANGO and that other European-based clothing company is apparent the minute you enter the shop. The walls are covered in black. European dance music fills the air. New clothing arrivals are grouped in the center of the store. And the denim collection hangs from its belt holes. When was the last time you saw that?

And when was the last time you saw faded black jeans? Well, MNG by MANGO has a great pair that may just reintroduce the trend. At $79, it’s one of the best finds. Many of the dresses are $89, and many of the overcoats are priced under $150. Come here if you're dressing for a special party, or a very special date.  

Don’t miss the store's unique selection of shoes, handbags, jewelry and scarves, or a look at the sales rack near the cash register. But the shopping bags are worth the trip alone. Each size bag is designed to look like a different kind of handbag or knapsack.  

 

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We recommend checking with stores for product availability, prices and store hours. Suggested prices may change without notice.  SeeMore Shopping is not responsible for errors or omissions.

SeeMore Shopping Contributing Writer - C. Magnotta

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. SeeMoreShopping incurs all expenses associated with reviews.  Publ.  1/06/07.