Get Engaged, Buy Stuff: A Chicago Bride's Guide To Southport Street

Mmm…pearls.

Jewelry-speaking, is there really anything better than succulent pearls around the neck of a bride on her wedding day?

I didn’t think so, so I headed into Bourdage and talked with Sherrie, the super nice, pearl expert/shop owner. We talked about my dress, what would look best with the neckline, and why freshwater pearls rock (e.g., price, look/feel, price, etc.)

After about 20 minutes, we had created a stunning necklace that would be handmade for me within a week. It was in my price range, it looked fabulous, and we found earrings to match. I got a first-timer discount and left the shop, smiling a big, pearly-white smile.

Hot. Lingerie.

And not just for your wedding, but that’s why I went into Trousseau. They have a fine selection of lovely lingerie, including old standbys (i.e., bra), special occasion pieces (i.e., strapless bra), and downright naughty underthings (i.e., red lace bras with half cups.)

The salesgirl was friendly and helpful, and while the prices aren’t low, I wasn’t expecting exceptional French lingerie to be on sale. You get what you pay for.

I found wedding Spanx (which I didn’t use, but that’s okay), a corset bra thingy, a garter belt, and fabulous silk stockings.

Check. It. Off. The. List. Baby.

Buying stuff for your wedding isn’t just fun and jewelry, girls. You need stuff like programs.

For mine, my mom and I designed them on Quark and printed them here at Kinko’s. They did a nice job and were fast, which was good, since we left this task till the last minute.

When you need refreshment during a day of intense wedding accessory shopping on Southport Street, head to Southport Grocery & Cafe.

You can either sit down and be served tasty sandwiches with stinky cheese dribbling out the sides (yes, please) or you can grab quick rations from the grocery part of the shop, which is what I did during my busy day. I bought sparkling water, dried fruit, dark chocolate, and a latte. Everything’s expensive and it’s all gourmet, so be ready for that. You won’t get out of this place with a hearty snack for less than $12 bucks, I reckon.

But oh, the sweet sweet energy boost. Plus, the decor is real nice. You could bring Gramma here.

Please!

This store is porn for the 28-year-old white woman. I’m 29 and it’s still working its voodoo on me. The folksy attitude, the detailed clothes, the yummy dishes and shower curtains… Two of my bridesmaids walked in here with me and promptly made me buy a gorgeous navy blue dress that looked amazing on me (that’s what they said, anyway) for the rehearsal dinner in two days.

It was $300.00. But it did look amazing. That’s Anthropologie for you, ladies. Abandon all hope, ye who enter those big oak doors with the pretty glass knobs…