For the month of May, I’ve decided to focus my blog as well as my spending on local designers and boutiques. We all know that online shopping is the perfect medium for comparison shopping. If we find something we want online, we perform multiple searches for that item to seek the best deal and never consider (or even care) from where the item comes.

All of that changes this month. My goal is to spotlight local gems as well as pump some money back into my hometown. You know, boost the economy – my favorite justification for shopping.

Additionally, inspite of the fact that many local designers/retailers have an online presence, I want to encourage consumers to get out and shop brick-and-mortar as well. Don’t you miss the days of instant gratification and carrying an actual shopping bag in your hand? Plus, there’s nothing like interacting with the designers and boutique owners in-person.

So, get ready to enjoy my first ChiTown Feature Series. If you have any favorite Chicago designers and/or boutiques, please comment here or send me an email (nikia@chitownfashionista.com).

You never know, they may get featured in the series and a percentage of my paycheck.

*photo courtesy of kathika.com