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Categories: Women's Clothing, Accessories [Edit]
Neighborhood: Wicker ParkDamen (Blue)
"i have been a customer of the Silver Room since its inception. Eric, the owner is one exceptional young man. He literally started from the…" read more »
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So, let's see here: The music wants to make me gouge my ears out -- seriously, what is this, a store or an extension of the area's shitty clubs? The clothes are cheaply made, tacky shit. The place is a disorganized clusterfuck. Most of the employees are clueless, commission-fueled, trendoid zombies. The combination of said factors will probably have you leaving Akira with a splitting headache.
However, I AM actually giving it 3 stars for the GORGEOUS Ben Sherman trenchcoat I purchased there. Fair warning: they do not accept returns and only do exchanges/store credit within 7 days. For that reason, I waited a few weeks & did some comparison shopping first before throwing down the $300 on it. Deciding everything else did indeed suck, I returned a few weeks later to take a look at it again. Fantastic timing, as it was 20% off that weekend. OK, I'm sold. I am still foaming at the mouth over how cute I look in said coat a month and a half after getting it. I also lucked out by getting a $5 Stila foundation at the front desk, so all in all I had a favorable experience at Akira, unlike so many others.
If you want inexpensive, fairly durable and stylish clothes, you're way better off going to Pitaya just a few blocks down or even H&M and Forever 21. It's worth giving Akira a shot now and then to see if they have any good higher end stuff in, but even then don't rush into making an expensive purchase until you're 110% certain that you want that particular item. You do NOT want $300+ of store credit there, oh god.
I love the selection here, but ESPECIALLY during the summer when they FILL their store up with dresses. They have the best summer dresses EVER at Akira.
It can be a bit overwhelming, but when it comes to jeans, accessories, and dresses, they have everything you need. I like that they carry BCBG tops in the same store as $20 tank tops (diff sections of course) because sometimes we need both!
The other thing I love is their $30 promo cards....If you spend $60 you get a sticker--get 5 stickers and get $30 gift card. NOT $30 off a certain purchase, but a gift card. And it's super easy to spend $60 so those cards are wonderful.
I need to join AA. Akiraholic's Anonymous. I've cut back on my addiction, but I used to frequent this store a couple times a day. It's ironic that I don't go as much because I moved right by it.
Their clothes range from low to high end making fashion affordable. They don't have too many of the same pieces ensuring that you won't have an embarrassing "omg she's wearing the same dress" moment. I've gotten many compliments from the stuff I've bought here, and several times people have mistaken some of it for being very pricey. Quite the contrary. They even have a frequent shoppers card. For every $60 you spend, you get a sticker. After 5 stickers, you get a $30 credit. I've filled out one too many of these.
The workers always make me feel like VIP here. Love it.
Not for a woman in her mid 30's.. maybe a Cute top when you're attempting to Look Young and HIP! and walking down a Strip! LOL.. They have some cute Accessories that I'm able to pull off but their clothing are something for a younger woman to be admired by. Cute concept.
I get a sad, sick feeling every time I walk or drive by an Akira store and not go inside; but when I do get to walk through those doors, I get all tingly inside. The store offers variety upon variety. It's easy to find clothes in any color and style imaginable.
I'm obsessed with their dresses. No matter the occasion, I can guarantee I will find one here. Though one downfall is trying to something in a size small. It's almost like trying to find the holy grail. Their higher end designer merchandise is still pretty affordable, and the Akira brand clothing ranges from reasonably price to really cheap. However, you may or may not get more than one use out of a clothing item. But you get what you paid for, so it's expected.
yeahhhhhh, so. This was an unplanned extravagance of the most lovely variety.
It's raining on me.
I'm an hour early for dinner.
Let's shop in Wicker Park.
Onward!
Yes, I realize "extravagance" may not apply to Akira for some of you, but for me...sort of. Whatever, sometimes we just all need new girly shirts and belts and earrings and to try on 45 dresses before deciding to buy none of them. Or mustard-colored coats (swoon, that thing is meant for me, yet I refuse to buy coats in AUGUST!). Sigh. None of you better go buy it in my size, I'm watching you. Oh, kidding. But, I'll maybe be jelly, jelly...super jealous. Puff sleeves are back? Guess so.
My only beef...really young (like 21 year old) girls calling me "honey." STOP IT. I realize I'm shopping at "Forever 25" and that I am older than you. The only people allowed to call me "honey" are my parents, my grandma and waitresses at diners. That's it. So stop, it comes off as condescending to many, but I just find it to be annoying as all get out.
But, I overlooked it. And Lindsey (my sales helper) was lovely...and of course appropriately tried to convince me to buy that coat. She's smart. I should've. Maybe later.
Why are the racks in this store always so crammed with inventory? Abundance = good, however wrinkly clothes are bad. Akira seems to be setting the example that wearing wrinkled clothes is okay but IT IS NOT.
Speaking of wrinkles, last winter my sister bought a dress at Akira and when she went to iron it, THE DRESS MELTED. What kind of synthetic sh*t are these clothes made out of?!? I went with her to return the dress the next day. They refused to take it back AND they were rude as hell. Eff that.
Um, Akira has a security guard? Alright, if you say so.
Update: get this - they now have valet…
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i've heard a lot about this place. So i decided to go check it out, but to my surprise i wasn't impressed at all especially with the loud music. Maybe the loud music through my concentration off. i had my eye on a couple of pieces but the sale associate was very pushy & impatient. She left me to help another customer & never came back to see if was ok. Nobody else asked me if i needed help so i left the store. They don't need my business because their running a daytime nightclub!
My sister and I spent two whole days shopping for a dress for her to wear as maid of honor at my upcoming wedding. We hit paydirt at Akira. In less than an hour, we found 4 options under $100 that would have been awesome. She ended up with an amazing, perfect fitting, black knee-length flapper dress with fringe for less than $50.
I really like supporting this local biz. The service is friendly and the selection is huge. I don't always have the energy or emotional wherewithal to deal with the crowds, noise and awful music, but for unique, reasonably priced dresses, I can do it.
A bunch of crap.
The service is horrible.
Even the cheap stuff is over priced for the quality.
They work on commission and because I wear a backpack they think I don't have money so I get ignored. Anybody that has seen
Pretty Woman knows that that approach is no good. I'm sure that none of the girls have seen that movie since it came out before most of them were born. It all knock offs of real designer made in China with the Akria label slapped on it.
AND they play shitty music!!!!
I will say that the shoe store is pretty okay. They have a much better staff and a decent selection.
Akira is a total candy store and if you have any latent girly-girl tendencies in you, even those that you thought you got rid of when you graduated from college, they're going to surface. Going in here, you'll find your inner 7-year old squealing with glee over the rainbow of colors, all things lacy, silky, ribboned, and ruffled. Despite having picked up a few very chic and sophisticated wardrobe staples and officewear pieces from Akira, my typical inner monologue when I walk into this store is usually kind of like this:
ME: Ooooooooohhhhhhhhh, ruffles!!!! Pretty pretty pretty! Can I have it? Can I? Can I? It's only $40!
ME: Don't be ridiculous. You're 33 years old. You can't wear that.
ME: I promise I will, I triple promise, I will sooooo wear it!
ME: What are you talking about? Where are you going to wear that? You can't get away with wearing that to work, and you don't go to Spring semi-formals anymore, grammy.
ME: I'll FIND somewhere to wear it. I'll wear it to weddings. I'll wear it to fancy dinners. Pleeeeeaaase??
ME: No. If you get it, it's just going to hang in your closet with the tag on it, collecting dust with all of your other unnecessary ruffle dresses. Put it back on the rack and let's get out of here. The 22-year olds are scaring me.
ME: Can I just try it on? I just want to see what it looks like. I'm just going to try it on, ok?
ME: Fine. But be quick about it.
ME: Oh my god it's soooooo cute. Look at this. And it fits me! I LOVE this dress! Look!!!
ME: Damn, you were right. That IS cute.
ME: Can I get it? Can I? Can I?
ME: Yeah, you'd better. That shit's pretty freakin' adorable. Here's your credit card.
So yeah... be careful in here because shopping in this store is pretty much the equivalent of handing your wallet over to your inner child. And she doesn't really have a very good grasp of what constitutes a sensible purchase.
Sometimes you want something sexy, and if you don't want to break the bank, you go to Akira. A slinky, come-hither dress? Bought it. What about a coquettish one-shoulder black top? My latest find.
You're not going to find quality here, but the trendy garments are on point. Once the clothes start unraveling they're usually outdated anyway.
Oh, and they have those amazing wrap dresses in, the ones you take on a beach vacay that you can arrange 20 different ways if you're nimble (halter, strapless, one-shoulder, etc). I call it Akira: The Resort (on the cheap) Collection.
Agh....
I wore one of previous said dresses for a total of a couple hours, and it was just to make a quick stop in Bed, Bath, and Beyond and to take the dog for a walk. I changed for work and noticed there was a HUGE rip in the seam of the dress, and I'm very gentle with clothing. Nothing happened during the day to cause the rip in the back of the dress. It was just loose threads that unraveled and separated the top and bottom of the dress. WTF???? VERY poor quality for a $35 dress........... I wonder if the rip was already there and I didn't notice when I bought it......
Also, the bf wanted to return his jeans after he found them for $50 cheaper online, and they don't do returns, only exchange! So, be absolutely sure when you buy there.
Yesterday was gross out. It was rainy and cold and perfect shopping weather!
I originally headed to…
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This is one of my favorite stores up North! I love everything and everyone there is very helpful. Ask for Kenneth (he wears a mohawk) he knows all the latest trends, styles and he will put you together honey!!
I am reviewing the Akira Women apparel shop that's in Wicker Park/Bucktown.
This store has so much potential. Their marketing is great...they made such a huge impression on Chicago women shoppers with their marketing campaigns (ie. fashion shows), but when you actually shop there, it's like shopping in a completely different store that had nothing to do with those campaigns.
If I wanted to buy $200+ jeans, or purchase a $500 dress, Id rather shop at Neiman Marcus or Saks. Their lower priced items are of poor quality and the styles they offer is nothing exceptional.
I wish I could give more than 5 stars to Akira. i love this place! I always deal w/ Margie or Matt but the entire staff is amazing. I can never seem to find that great of stuff here on my own; the second I tell them where I am going, they have a fitting room full of PERFECT outfits (this place is best if you have a certain event in mind). Somehow the bill is always shockingly low here as well.
I don't really consider this a complaint, but both of them will often pull stuff a size smaller than I wear- and I have to dispute them to go a size up. The sizes on the Akira branded clothes can be a little inconsistent, but the ridiculously low prices make up for having to sometimes try on a few different sizes.
Their fashion shows & events are always fun and the smart cards are pretty sweet too. Overall, I would cite the stylists as the reason why this shop is so much better than any of the other boutiques and stores in Chicago.
My review is for the Akira women's store on North Ave. (not the separate women's shoe store).
This store is huge, with one room devoted to dresses, another to jeans, and the third largest one to everything else. Akira is extremely well organized (often by color in addition to type of clothing), making it easy to shop if you are looking for something in particular. You can find casual, youthful business, or dressy items here.
My favorite items here are their jackets and coats. I bought a fantastic orange winter coat at Akira last year (see my profile photo with the Blueman Group) for less that I had seen it in another local shop.
The prices run the gamut from $20 - $100 for a nice looking shirt, so it is a good place for many different budgets.
They offer the same items as the Clark Street location, but the space is larger and the people who work here are brats.
Come on guys... you're selling $50 dollar dresses, not runway items.
They didn't have any thing in small... only mediums and large.
I like that the racks are assorted by color.
Lastly, why do these stores feel the need to blast music like it's a night club??
Erikka, John and Eric are quite the entrepreneurs with a handful of stores all on the same street within walking distance from each other! And the Akira empire increases as we speak. One location will offer you clothing, one will offer shoes and accessories, one will cater to the men...I won't be surprised if an Akira for babies opens up somewhere soon, or a maternity-catering Akira, or even an Akira for computer geeks (um...not sure how that one would work, but I'm sure they can make it happen).
What can I say? Even when there was only one, tiny Akira location years ago, it's been an establishment for some unique and beautiful finds, and not outrageous in price (well, depends on how designer you want to go -- some jeans, for example, can empty your checking account in one shot!).
I've met nothing but friendly staff, eager to help you find what works well for you -- even past the days of old when you would see the owners running the floor or registers. I sometimes really LOATHE shopping, but the Akira staff makes it kind of fun. ;)
Congrats Erikka, Jon and Eric, for the success, and thanks for giving us something different to wear.
I used to go there every now and then. but each time i got there the quality of the clothes has gotten worse n it's always messy they have too much clothes out. It's just not very appealing anymore..
but they do carry some great designer jeans.. but they are pricey.. so wait for the sale..
I should preface this by saying that of the Akira stores...this is my least favorite.
Since i'm WAY over 21 Akira is kinda my version of forever 21...Cheap clothes that i'll only wear for one season (if that). Disposable fashion so to speak. I think they do a pretty good job in that respect. Lots of colors, styles and fits. I can usually find a handful of things I want to try on. I wish they carried more styles for us girls with gi-normious breasts...but since no one carries too many styles for us i'm trying not to begrudge them that.
The customer service isnt as good here as it is at the shoe store across the street but they are friendly...all the male employees seem a little too "gayer/hipper than thou" for my taste...but that's how young people do things now-days...and i'm just a (relatively) old fuddy duddy...
but in the end...i give them props for doing what they do well....and they carry rock and republic jeans....which i love
I am really confused by this place. I am shocked that they are able to get some of those brands in their high end dress section. As a formal retail person -I have worked in and with the highest end (NM)- I have this feeling something is shady. (Any retail peeps out there- you know what I am talking about)
And there low level stuff is junk. I stopped back in recently and could not believe the poor quality.
This place has to be the WORST. Yes, I am guilty of buying a few things there in times past (when… Read more »
My go-to spot if I need a dress for any occasion. Dresses range from $30 to over $300; designer and cheapy brands all mingled together, and never a difficult time finding styles in multiple sizes and colors. The sales associates are always very helpful and friendly. The selection can be a bit overwhelming, so having someone look around for dresses that fit your style and price range is very much appreciated. I have never gone into Akira and not found what I was looking for.
Haikus for Akira:
So many fly kicks
to make my feet look sexy.
Why you so 'spensive?
Why you gotta have
The Jeremy Fish S.B.s?
I would kill for those.
If I had money
you wouldn't have no more shoes
at all Akira.
Passing this location driving down North Ave countless times, I decided to stop in one day to hopefully find a holiday party dress that was more affordable than something at Bloomingdales, but better quality than something at Forever 21. Lo and behold, it was not difficult finding EXACTLY what I wanted for 40 bucks! One half of this store is devoted to dresses, including your designers like BCBG, DKNY, Betsey Johnson, etc. Also I loved how the dresses were arranged according to COLOR, which makes the decision process a little easier. The other half contained accessories, designer denim, a clearance room with a ton of damaged items and tops, which weren't anything too special.
Chanel was one of the girls that worked there and was very helpful and friendly in helping me find the perfect purple dress. However, I didn't like the atmosphere in which I felt like I was in an exclusive boutique that I needed a membership for, since a group of over-dressed people were lingering at the "boyfriend lounge" in the middle of the store, talking loudly and gossiping with the employees. They stared at me strangely when I walked into the store, which also kinda put me off. Same with the seemingly ditzy chicks that shopped there, spending well over $200 for 2 plain tops and whining to their moms on their cell phones, learning that their card just got declined...lol.
However about a week later Chanel sent me a postcard which I could redeem to get 20% my next purchase =) I don't plan on returning anytime soon for anything else but the dresses, but at least I know I can get in and get out with exactly what I need.
Pushy sales people. The place is a MESS.
And I know for a fact they conduct very shady business practices.
Stay away!!!!!!!!!!!!
A mad house, there are Akira-branded clothing as well as other designers you may find in other department stores. There's a sales/clearance section in the right-hand side of the store, so be sure to check that out if at all anything to find a good deal. Otherwise, there may be some cute pieces here and there, but still overpriced. You can get better deals when Neiman's is having a last-call clearance or Macy's on State.
Akira is fashionable AND affordable! This is always my go to place when I need something new and fun to wear. Living in Wicker Park for many years, I've watched the numerous boutique's & artsy places close down and switch over to retail giants. I watched the first Akira store go up, and am thrilled they they are able to thrive in the neighborhood despite the changes going on around them.
The customer service is AMAZING. I have my own favorite "personal assitant" at Akira Women. I'd post it here, but I am not sure I want to share him! :-) Honestly though next time you go, find one of the crew and tell them what occasion you are searching for. They will stick you in a dressing room and bring you things you would never have grabbed yourself! I always end up LOVING what they put together. Go have fun!
Ugh, TRIXIES everywhere! The place was messy, they had the heat on too high, and I was competing with, like, 30 other girls over a pair of friggin' True Religions... Not worth it!
I'd give it only one star, because it's nothing but a big ol' generic hot mess... but they do carry some decent brands of clothing. A little higher end, than say, Fashion Tomato or Pink Frog... but not really worth the hassle, in my opinion.
I did not feel welcome in this store. Maybe it was the security guard at the door. Or the eleventy-billion photos of too-too cool fashionistas and their makeup artists at runway shows donning the corners and doorways. Or the really, really weird sense of "creative organization" there - it was like ADD shopping - Oh, a purse! *turn* Oh, a dress! *turn* Oh, a purse in a different color, but which goes with those jeans over there! Oh, a metallic tube top! Gads...
Or it could have been the furry eyeballs of the salespeople. OMG! What are those...THINGS she has on her chest? Are those BOOBS? What about that weird curve at the top of her legs, what's THAT all about? And (to borrow from Mark) Holy Rosie-Oprah-Martha!!! She has an ass!!! *on walkie-talkie to guard* Security, we have a code R, we have a code R...R as in, Real. I repeat, we have a REAL WOMAN in our store! Hide the cucumber slices!
Ok, so maybe that's a little over the top, but seriously, I got the not-too-subtle vibe that the staff was quietly giggling about the curvy girl. The lack of sizes past about 8 just underlined it. This is fine - this store has some cute stuff, and I could see myself wearing some of it out. But I'm not a twig, and I will never be simply a clothes hanger.
I went in with an open mind...I'd seen the shoes. I snapped a picture of some platform wedge bunny slippers (only $35!). Pretty stuff, accessories-wise. But...
EDIT 3/23/08: I'd fit into their clothes now and I STILL won't go back.
My daughter and I came here on the recommendation of fellow Yelpers. I had asked for suggestions of fun, cool clothing stores for my 15 year old daughter. She's a special kid and deserved a special treat! We were given several good suggestions, and decided to stop in Akira first.
I suppose some day we'll get to the other stores, but I was pretty impressed with the service and selection at Akira. My daughter found a bunch of great items, including a pleated skirt which she wears all the time, as well as an adorable red top that has a cartoon of an Asian girl. So many cute things, and my daughter, being the cute thing herself, looked fabulous!
Thanks again to the wonderful Yelpers who pointed us toward Akira. Being an old lady, I had no idea about this place at all. Thanks also to the incredibly helpful staff for helping to make our shopping spree a fun one!
Oh, man. Akira women's clothes blow. The styles are cute, but the quality suuuuucks! As if low quality weren't bad enough, the prices are ridiculous. I once purchased two dresses, a sweater, and a shirt here, all of which began to fall apart the first or second time I wore them.
Their service leaves something to be desired, too.
However, please do not confuse Akira clothes with Akira shoes, which are better quality (usually), sold to you by friendlier people, located a block or so to the west.
Uh, ok...I'm a shorty...5"3, 100pds. Lets just get that out of the way.
Every single time I go in here, I always find such cute articles of clothing only to look at the sizes and see just Mediums and Larges left. The Small sizes I do find, are still too big. The dresses look like moo moos on me.
I'm really quite upset at Akira for playing with my emotions in this way. Its a roller coaster of highs then lows and I go home feeling like I just had an argument with my boyfriend. Akira, it's not you...it's me...I am too small for you.
I'll still come here for the cute handbags, belts and other miscellaneous accessories and possibly still browse. I will not give up hope!
I had to take down my previous 4-star review and start from scratch. I have vowed to never shop here again.
They have the most RIDICULOUS return policy ever: must be returned within 7 days for store credit only. After speaking to a manager, I was able to return my items purchased two weeks ago "just this once" if I exchanged for something purchased THAT DAY. So I begrudgingly bought a pair of jeans and that will be the last purchase I ever make there.
Another annoyingly ridiculous thing about Akira is their security. Do you really need to search my bag as I walk in your store? Is there something about my appearance that screams shoplifter? If security is that much of a problem, why not invest in those plastic anti-theft devices?
Akira, I am soooo over you!!!
I have a good time browsing this boutique. Attractive store with a room devoted to jeans, another to (mostly) dresses. Big main room with sunglasses (shades were quite a bit less expensive than Details by Akira) and accessories, and more clothes.
Many pretty dresses with cuts and patterns reminiscent of the 50s classic modern period - dots, loops and lines. I fell in love with a dark red dress that would have flattered Bettie's figure, if only it were available in a larger size. Some serious mini dresses...the kind you can't sit down in, or should wear over pants. Very sexy.
Low prices - I wonder about the quality. Get there early for the size large, which translates to an 8 or so. Larger than that, you probably don't want to shop here. Being on that cusp, I would feel lucky to find the right dress.
7/27/07 update: yep, everything I bought last year (and I shirt I just bought a couple months ago and wore twice) has defects. I'm over Akira for clothes. Even after laundering with gentle care, they failed me!
Holy crap, was what I thought as I walked into this store. Clothes everywhere - which made it really difficult & tiring to shop; I took note what they had on the mannequins and went from there - and the music was frickin' loud (maybe it's just me and my old age of 30+).
Cute, trendy clothes, a step up from Forever 21.
I did, however, leave with a $18 scarf that I adore.
Loud music, valet, an assortment of trendy dresses....I wasn't at a club, I had my first Akira experience yesterday.
I had a friend in from WI this weekend and she was in hopes of finding a summery dress, so we gave Akira a try since our dinner reservations were right around the corner.
Every store needs to separate clothes by color like Akira. I found that to be quite helpful as I just bypassed the racks of orange and neon yellow dresses. (Not that they weren't cute styles, I'm just too pasty pale).
I could have done without the loud music, but she found a dress and we were out in around 15 minutes. Ehhh. Not sure I'd go back, but I'm glad she found something she liked at a reasonable price.
I find Akira totally frustrating. You can go from one rack of Wet Seal quality $20 shirts, to a table of $200 wraps. Where's the consistency?? What is your niche? I mean, they do have some cute, quality things, but it's just a lot of work trying to find them amidst the surplus of cheap rags and overpriced labels. Too much.
They do have a great selection of jeans though and I love the room with the cocktail dresses. The staff is also very friendly.
I hate to say it, but I really don't get the appeal of Akira. The clothes especially. The clothes that are pricey don't look like they're worth half of what they charge (I could be wrong though, I've never actually bought anything from here), and the few things I did try on just didn't fit me right - as in the cuts were all wrong. Also, the clothes that are on the inexpensive side look like they're worth about that much. Every time I go in there, it's just so frustrating. I've never been thrilled about anything here. And I tried. I really, really did.
I give them props for their accessories though - especially the separate accessories store. Awesome bags and jewelery.
I kind of can't stand the staff here as well. Pretty smug, don't say anything to you. If you make eye contact, they immediately look away like they'll turn to stone. What IS that? But that could have just been the four or five times I've been in here.
I've been to this location a few times and in my opinion Akira can be hit or miss. I have friends that get really cute stuff from there every time but I will often leave empty handed.
I went last week during the Carnivale Event, it was crazy but very fun ( extremely crowded, shirtless guys handing out red bull and belvedere, dancers up on a mini stage, DJ's, and 10%-25% off). Despite the fact that everyone in the store was sweating like pigs because of the heat and the crowds my sales girl was still very attentive. I was a little disappointed that my stuff was only 10% off when I thought everything was 25% off. I'd go back but it's not my favorite place to shop.
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Category: Women's Clothing
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Category: Fashion
Neighborhood: The Loop
Category: Shoe Stores
Neighborhood: Wicker Park
Category: Shoe Stores
Neighborhood: Wicker Park
Category: Men's Clothing
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