Shopping in Caledonia

The industrial-chic boutique specializes in denim and stocks more than 20 brands of men's and women's jeans in a variety of cuts and styles. Women can find jeans from Miss Sixty ($119–$149), Rich & Skinny ($140–$160), Diesel ($200–$220), and many more. Men can choose from Nudie ($170–$249), Diesel ($170–$180), True Religion ($215–$240), and more. If you prefer to only clothe the top half of your body, Untitled stocks an array of guys' and gals' tees, which average around $25, and button-ups that run about $50–$80. It also carries skirts and dresses from brands such as Fred Perry, Stussy, WeSc, and Fornarina.

Unlike the young fish venders and fruit sellers who in ancient times ran to the morning trade ships to view the latest fashions from across the sea, Fred Boutique is set in modern times and has plenty of trendy and affordable items for savvy ladies. Statement accessories ($8–$40) such as a chunky necklace, studded booties, or a bright patterned scarf can invigorate your pre-existing wardrobe and make a basic tee the canvas for show-stopping extras. Fred Boutique also offers tons of comfy and chic tops ($18–$60), denim ($50–$60), and jackets ($40–$70). Stop in soon to get first dibs on springy floral dresses ($60–$120) or something sparkly to wear to an upcoming wedding. Some brands Fred Boutique carries are Betsy Johnson, BCBG Max Azria, and Ella Moss, among others. This Groupon is also good for sale items.

The writers at Milwaukee Magazine mine cultural gems and scoop political stories each month to reflect the city's lifestyle and current events in 12 glossy issues. Subscribers join a community of 225,000 readers, who vicariously interview local celebrities and innovators and explore Milwaukee's boutiques and underwater speakeasies through the magazine's pages. Feature stories spotlight local gustatory delights, profile local businesses, and unpack economic issues, while arts and leisure articles hone cultural literacy and personal style.

Readertainment is aggregated annually in the City Guide and the Best of Milwaukee, a roundup that clearly distinguishes the lakefront's elite establishments. In addition to printed matter, Milwaukee Magazine is published online, where an event calendar and a blog roll herald potential trades for the Milwaukee Brewers, dispatches from the pressroom, and discoveries of fossilized bobby socks excavated from the Happy Days set.

Chalet stocks its 4.8-acre retail center with thousands of chlorophyll critters, including botanical buddies plucked from Chalet's own nursery in Salem, Wisconsin. When they're not giving plants rubdowns on the undersides of their leaves, more than 100 earthy retail employees (up to 350 seasonally) can help you pick out an African violet ($4) or a host of sprouting vegetables (starting at $3). Nab cache pots for $3 or a gurgling fountain for $40. Birdhouses made from recycled, century-old barns ($24) attract brightly fluttering worm-eaters, and a bag of soil laced with nutrients ($4) satisfies even the pickiest sprout. You can even get an outdoor chair ($99), a bag of dog food (starting at $14), and floral body lotions (starting at $9.75).

Mammoth Comics offers an extensive selection of obscure comics as well as current titles from publishers such as Top Cow, Wizard, DC Comics, and Marvel. Snag back issues ($2.50 each, or five for $10) or uncover a hidden gem to complete your neighbor’s Pineapple Man collection. Although Mammoth focuses mostly on comics, they also stock posters, cards, and action figures and statues for mild-mannered shelves. Mammoth's helpful, informed staff will also special-order more-obscure comics still in print, as well as offer recommendations.

LorEnn's Hallmark boasts six locations peppered around the Chicagoland area, each brimming with a broad assortment of cards and gifts designed by Hallmark's talented team of artists. Shelves filled with the brand’s signature greeting cards help thoughtful shoppers find just the right words or cartoon thought bubble to express feelings of love, congratulations, or sympathy, with creative designs for all manner of occasions. Colorful gift bags await to conceal Precious Moments figurines, ornaments, books, and decorative housewares, and albums and picture frames help preserve and protect photographs or other memorable keepsakes from the ravages of time and indoor rainstorms.