Shopping in Oak Park

No stone goes unturned at Infinity Jewelry, where quality stems from staffers' meticulous attention to detail and more than 25 years of experience. Twinkling glass cases hold everything from engagement rings to watches and impress savvy shoppers with nametags such as Elle, Rebecca, and Movado. A manufacturing department tinkers with precious metals to ensure custom, well-crafted designs, and an onsite jeweler can offer advice on a setting or a calculated insurance appraisal for patrons who think they've accidently inherited the crown jewels. Patrons can also utilize the shop's repair services to fix an antique trinket, or take advantage of Infinity's purchasing service to get money in exchange for their gold, fine watches, or best auctioneer impression.

Founded in 1995 by a back-pain sufferer who discovered the difference footwear inserts can make, Good Feet comprises more than 120 store locations across the globe everywhere arches are out of alignment. Good Feet crafts orthotics endorsed by football legend Emmitt Smith that are tailored to individual foot contours via a three-step process meant to accommodate the various activities dominated by feet such as aerobic exercise and tube-sock modeling.

Lynn, Patricia, and Martina each discovered a love for design and creativity at a young age, and this passion ultimately brought them together to work at a crafting studio until 2006, when the owner of the studio retired after more than 20 years in business. Not wanting to say goodbye to each other or their customers, the three friends decided to purchase the business, and Crafty Lady Trio was born, creating a place for customers to knit, stitch, and socialize.

When asked what sets the company apart, Lynn Cusumano cites its specialization. "I think we have the largest selection,” she adds, “and largest number of experienced teachers." These resources shine through during classes, which, instead of adhering to specific lesson plans, cater to each student's skill set. Pupils purchase kits and patterns ahead of time from Crafty Lady Trio's store, and then help them blossom into colorful projects such as scarves and shawls with an expert’s guidance. The trio also leads longer crafting retreats and a weekly club for more advanced projects.

Courses take place within a 3,600-square-foot studio space that holds five teaching tables. For the trio and their students, this isn't just a place to work. It becomes a haven for making friends and sharing a passion for needlework.:m]]

The eyewear experts at Blink flatter faces with a collection of frames from designers such as Prada, Valentino, Nine West, and David Yurman. As clients browse, staff members remain on hand, eager to expound on the subtle differences in lens materials or coatings. They also help clients browse both classic and avant-garde outlines, as well as a colorful array of Ray-Bans primed for future trips to the beach or the lighting department of the local hardware store.

In an interview with Metromix, Lyudviga Shneyder shared that when she was a little girl, her grandmother told her that if she learned to sew, she would always have food on the table. With more than 25 years in the European and American fashion industries behind her, Russian–born Lyudviga has proven her grandmother right. From her boutique in downtown Birmingham, she showcases her own line of clothing, which casts a subtle spin on classic silhouettes.

Lyudviga confessed to the Birmingham Patch—which describes her designs as being suitable for black-tie events or the office—that she designs her clothing from the heart. Each stitch and seam is sewn onsite with the same fabrics showcased by famed Italian fashion houses such as Valentino.

The Art of Custom Framing transforms interior spaces with collectibles, fine art, and wall decor, as well as high-quality custom framing services. Inside the store's gallery, eyes can only try to keep pace with the thousands of options and combinations that stretch across walls and displays. An extensive sports section boasts professionally licensed memorabilia that always leaves the store accompanied by necessary authentications, and an ever-changing arsenal of original pieces and prints showcases the handiwork of both local and nationally acclaimed artists. Rather than trying to frame the entire family's lineup of snow angels, customers can use the know-how of veteran design consultants to safely usher keepsakes into the future.