The American Apparel on Armitage reopened today after being closed for two weeks for operating without a business license. Weirdly, none of the four Chicago locations had local business licenses--just Illinois ones. But the Lincoln Park store had been warned, whereas the others had not. Anyway, you can go back to your regularly scheduled programming of buying high-waisted Vegas leggings. (Pictured are the taffeta swim trunks, if you're planning for warmer weather.) more ›

If you’re nostalgic for the caravan of moving trucks tooling around the city in late September—and really, who isn’t?—John Song and Ries Productions have an event for you. “Mobile Exhibitions” is a Humboldt Park art show on wheels, a commentary on urban evolution, and an excuse to play with balloons and piñatas. The one true sign of neighborhood gentrification is constantly debated. The new Starbucks on the corner? The Urban Outfitters next to American Apparel?... more ›

Everybody's favorite rock stars Bucktown and Wicker Park are selling out. It used to be about the art man, but now they're releasing sugary pop songs written by Swedes and advertisements disguised as pop-art. We knew the day would come, ">rumors have been circulating, and it's enough to make us cry little struggling-artist tears. Won't somebody please think of the hipsters! Crain's reports (subscription may be required) today that the following chain-stores are infiltrating the... more ›