More non-words on Flickr.

Having heard the buzz around Haberdash Men’s Shop, I’d been planning to stop by for a while. I finally got my chance last week, and I definitely wasn’t disappointed.

I got to spend a good amount of time chatting with Adam Beltzman, the owner and manager of Haberdash. Adam’s vision is simple: he realizes that guys in Chicago aren’t looking at the label (for the most part). They’re looking at the style, the fit, and most likely the price. Adam takes a similar approach in his vision for Haberdash. Instead of worrying about what big names they’re carrying, Adam concerns himself with what looks good.

But that’s not to say they aren’t carrying some great labels. On the same rack you’ll find Gitman Vintage, Gant, and Rag & Bone, alongside their own private line of shirts in collaboration with Gitman Bros. Not to mention some fantastic offerings from Timberland Boot Company and Tretorn, amongst others.

Haberdash also has custom suits, a loyalty program, and just about everything else you could ask for in a men’s boutique. Keep your eyes on this one, guys. I know I will.

Below are some photos I took on my field trip, or you can check out the full set on Flickr.

If Chicago is known for anything, it’s the amazing history of blues musicians that have come and gone from this city. And some of them had a swagger that cannot be tamed. Case in point, Muddy Waters.

Check out this amazing photo set I recently found of the still vibrant Chicago blues scene.

Photo credit (above): kevindooley

You can’t think about Chicago without thinking about the time of Al Capone and the Untouchables (even though the Chicago Tourism Office wishes this wasn’t the case).

So lately I’ve been scouring the Web, looking at photos from this period in Chicago’s history. What have I found? Lots of hats, large lapels, and dapper gangsters. It was a simpler time.

In my ever expanding quest to put my finger on Chicago style, I stumbled across this Flickr photo set by keith-e, and I’m a little obsessed with it. Check it out.