This Week at . . . Ravenswood Antique Mall

If you want to get a sense of where trends are going, you have to know where they've been, because, as they say, history repeats itself. Ravenswood Antique Mall is like a library if the card catalog were made real, if the words became tangible, physically browse-able.

If I were a buyer for a major store, this is where I'd go for inspiration, not to figure out how to follow the trend line but for how to take it in an entirely unexpected direction. If I were you, this is where I'd go to simply create an interesting and distinct space.





Don't get me wrong - if you're trendy (in a good way, of course), and you want to participate in all that's now, there's plenty to find here. You'll find blue glass (which results when the bold color trend, blue trend and colored glass trend intersect), horse heads aplenty, vintage Bertoia wire side chairs (and vintage is better than that knockoff on Ebay), Johnathan Adler-style Hollywood Regency and more. Many antique malls feel a bit cluttered, making it difficult to sift out the gold from the rocks. But Ravenswood Antique Mall is put together wonderfully, each piece spotlighted in a way that makes the hunt enjoyable and pleasing to the eye.

Check it out; you won't be disappointed. If you don't find exactly what you're looking for, you may well find a friend. John and Jan and everybody I've met are extremely knowledgeable, friendly and fun. Tell them you read about them on Strange Closets.

Ravenswood Antique Mall is located at 4727 N. Damen. For questions, call 773-271-3700.

For a full set of thumbnails, click here.
Or, for a Flickr slideshow, click here.

This Week . . . Praha

To me, the best stores aren't fancy necessarily (but they can be) and they're not part of a big chain. My favorite stores are owned by real people who show up every day and put their heart and soul into the space. When real people sell what they like, the result is a little crazy, a little charming and a little all-over-the-place; you never know what you're going to find, and every trip becomes a little adventure. Praha's that type of store.

Owners Todd and David have created a charming and eclectic space. You might purchase a new sofa one day and a vintage radio the next. And the prices are amazing. I found a very cool, vintage occasional chair and was surprised at the price - $40. Todd and David's goal is to move the merchandise quickly, which keeps the continually changing store interesting for repeat visitors.

The two have hit on the right formula for the neighborhood - they're celebrating their fourth year in this location.

Praha's located at 3849 N. Lincoln Avenue in Chicago. 773-549-1227

For a full set of thumbnails, click here.
For a Flickr slide show, click here.