DEPT of CRIMINAL JUSTICE

The Magnificent Mile, the legendary shopping district of Downtown Chicago, runs north to south on and around Michigan Avenue, along the lakefront. Most beautiful in the winter nights when the street is illuminated by sparkling lights, Michigan Avenue offers everything from budget-friendly retail shops near the South Loop to Ralph Lauren and Chanel near the north end. Some of the hot new arrivals include DisneyQuest, Virgin Records, Nordstrom's, Steve Maddens at Watertower Place, and the ESPN Zone. The old favorites are still: Ghirardelli's Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop, FAO Schwartz, Urban Outfitters, and Chicago's own Marshall Field's.

But if you're looking for more eccentric things such as 7-inch platform shoes, Japanimation, or leather corsets, check out the thrift shops and small boutiques around the North Side of Chicago (around the intersection of Belmont and Clark). Some of Chicago's finest Japanese restaurants are also nearby, not to mention Boystown, the center-stage for every year's Pride Parade. The numerous dance clubs, pubs, and blues bars also make North Side a popular place for the younger crowd.

If you are looking for a more traditional mall, head out to Ford City, located on Cicero Avenue south of Midway Airport. On Cicero are also a number of large discount chains. You can also head to the suburbs for malls such as Old Orchard or the Oakbrook Mall. A magnificent IKEA is located in Schaumburg. Looking for discounts? Find a friend with a car and go to Gurnee Mills, a large outlet center in the northwestern suburbs across the street from Great America amusement park.

One practical fact: In Chicago, sales tax is 8.75 percent on most purchases. The sales tax outside of Chicago is generally lower.