Southside Wisdom

So, what's the name of the game these days in interior design?

Mid-century Modern, of course! And, some people appreciate the knock-offs. But, I myself, like the real thing. No high-fructose furniture for this girl. I want the real sugar for my pad.

So, being a native Southside of Chicago gal, I know of a wonderful hidden gem for all sorts of mid-cetury modern treasures. The same peices that Northsiders in the city pay two to three times for! Proving diamonds in the rough streets of the Southside don't always come in the form of some guy's grill (check urbandictionary.com if you don't know what a "grill" is). And, though it pains me to give away my secret, I figure I gotta get into heaven somehow. (It's questionable with all the gossiping I do about my coworkers.) So, here goes. . .

Blue Island, IL has at least 10 awesome antique stores located within feet of each other on Old Western Avenue between 127th and 131st streets--my personal favorite stretch of the longest street in Chicago (and, as rumor has it, North America.) Old Western Ave is an absolute festival of antique shopping fun. There is a three story antique mall called Three Sisters that has over 70 vendors. The upstairs is all furniture, whereas the first floor and the basement, are an array of tchotchke fun. I can't help but get lost in all the awesome finds. Everytime I go there, I feel like I am raiding the hippest grandma's attic. Another one of my favorite shops is The Blue Island Antique Emporium. Like Three Sisters, it has more than one floor and has about 30 vendors. I actually scored a free, wait let me put on the caps-lock, FREE 1960's consul that the owners were bringing it out to the alley because it wasn't selling. (Sometimes, I think Southsiders wouldn't know cool and funky unless they smelled three month old milk. Part of the reason there are always great finds!) The consul still has the original vintage drawer pulls eliciting many a compliment from envious friends. Their vintage clothing is also a ton of fun and brings me back to my days of dress-up. Although, the best place, to find vintage clothing finds is accross the street at a small shop called Beverly Antiques. I scored the coolest pink plaid swing coat from there.

And, amidst wonderful antique shopping, there are an array of ma and pop storefronts and restaurants including a bakery, garden store (Carr's Gardens), and a few watering holes where everyone knows each other's middle name. Blue Island is a melting pot of different ethnicities and this stretch of Western proves it. My favorite restaurant in the area is Mario's--it's the best Mexican Food on the Southside--just ask someone how to get there and they'll direct you!

So, if you want to take a day trip to somewhere off the beaten path right outside the city limits of Chicago, Blue Island is the place for you. Trust me, fellow coveters of midcentury-modern antiques, you will not be dissapointed!