UPDATE: Saffron will be closing on June 15, 2009.
2064 N. Damen, (773)486-7753, saffronchicago.com [ratings]
Goods: Women’s clothing and accessories, gifts, home items and body products. Designers: Silk dresses and separates by Saja, tailored shirts by Alara, sportswear by G1, skirts from Neesh by DAR, coats by An Ren, handbags by Highway, candles by Dirt. Owner: Padmaja Manerikar Maryanski, a designer of women’s ready-to-wear, opened the shop eleven years ago. Vibe: The scent of lemon sage candles and the trill of a soprano’s aria flood the air. Tables are stocked with decorative tea towels, plates covered in ribbons and slender bottles of olive oil. You’ll be tempted to move right in. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: A glimmer of sparkle or a touch of lace. A woman who likes the feel of soft, breezy dresses and shawls. She lines her drawers with lemon-jasmine-scented paper and whips up decadent, homemade pies. Shopper’s Perks: Padmaja’s generous warmth is a real presence in the store.
UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2008