The best Uptown shops

Baan means home in Thai. It's a fitting name since this shop features reasonably priced antiques from all over Asia. Look for chest and vases, as well as plenty of other fine furniture selections. Baan also sells candles and spa goods, such as bath salts and all-natural soaps.

This lady-friendly sex shop offers workshops, toys, lubes and weekly specials. Don't worry, fellas—there are plenty of options here for you, too.

It's as if the two Lakeview outposts of Foursided (one featuring custom frames, the other greeting cards and gifts) have morphed into the ultimate home-design general store. Yes, frames and greeting cards still make up a big chunk of the shop, but we're all about the prints (including vintage maps and medical charts) and other cheeky art, such as reproductions of weathered flash cards.

TOC readers crowned this Uptown shop as 2012's Best New Boutique in our annual Shopping Awards, and it’s no wonder it’s so popular. Owner Hallie Borden focuses on handmade women’s clothing and accessories, which is especially refreshing in a ’hood full of home-decor shops.

Looking for an awesome, affordable used bike that no one else will be riding? How about a quick, easy spot to get your bike fixed? Head to this Uptown shop for vintage Schwinns (1971 raspberry Schwinn for $200, anyone?), Columbia Trailheads, repairs and more. Note: It's cash only.

This family-owned accessories and gift shop makes its city debut in Uptown, joining two successful suburban outposts in Evanston and Barrington. Look for a wide variety of handbags (including a large selection of Orla Kiely styles), as well as Jonathan Adler ceramics, handmade jewelry and personal-care products.