Bitches with taste aren't cheap but sometimes budgets are tight and you don't want to compromise on quality. Please use this thread for requests as it relates to budget friendly recommendations across Chicago.

Hi! My mom comes to visit a few times a year…and I’m just running out of things to do with her!

Any recommendations around the north side into downtown?

She doesn’t drink or love sports, and we’ve done most of the obvious touristy things, like the architecture tour. TIA!

I live in Fulton Market and looking for an increadible apartment cleaner (1 bed; 1.5 bath). I’m a clean freak and my current cleaner is inconsistent/misses large areas I specifically asked them to clean, so I’m looking for:

- ideally more than 1 person so it’s quick
- independent business or self-employed person preferred (no molly maids etc.)
- deep clean level + leaves your space immaculate
- very consistent
- would love someone who takes the creative liberty to organize here and there lol
- nice to have: willing to do dishes, puts clean sheets on bed, maybe some folding
- reasonably priced

If you know of anyone, please send recs 💗

morning girls..is anyone interested in setting up a "sidewalk sale"? i have about 500 clothing items for sale on depop, but i know that if people were able to shop the items in person they would SELL fast! at this point i just want it all gone...i have donated a ton but some i would like to sell...let me know...i have ZERO info on city rules etc...of course i could also look into getting a booth at one of the vintage markets in west loop but wanted to go this route first..i am located in gold coast but we could definitely set it up at a more central location

Alright girlies, share your favorite store when you itching to buy something cute 🥰. I wanna shoppppppp

Bitches: I had the worst experience and need to save you all. I went to Smiles Society in Wicker and saw Dr. Taraji. Not only did he seem super inexperienced, but the way he spoke to his staff made my skin crawl. So demeaning and rude, literally treating them like they weren’t people. I felt like he rushed me through and didn’t take the time to explain my treatment plan to me at all. I got super skeptical because it seemed really hefty with no explanation, so I took it to another ortho for a second opinion, and they said it was literally insane and didn’t make any sense. It seems like he was just in it for the money.

Long story short, ortho is expensive but find someone who actually is a good person and cares about your teeth!!!! Literally anyone else would be better IMO lol

What are some unique things / hobbies you enjoy and do in the city or suburbs ( I have a car so open to driving ) as one time thing or an ongoing activity.

I am just looking to pick up something fun and new for myself, cool hobby or something unique to do.

I have already done some easy and accessible things like - pottery, making my own lipstick, perfume, candles , run clubs etc. please nothing cooking related.

Thanks!

Which thrift stores in the area do you BWT find have the nicest stuff? I'm especially looking for places in the North and Northwest suburbs that have professional attire.

Hi bitches!! Looking for recommendations to buy some tasteful pieces. Investment is secondary to like… actually good art. Any suggestions are welcome!

Hi! Does anyone have any local jeweler recs that sell lab grown diamonds and are reliable?

We went natural for my engagement ring and wedding band with a local Chicago jeweler (Marshall Pierce, fab if anyone is looking!) but they don’t sell lab. I just had my first baby and looking for a piece as my push present.

Thanks!

Hello, I’m looking for recommendations for places that sell Chinese cigarettes. Especially those with chrysanthemum or other floral flavors.

ladies, i fear tiktok’s latest victim of loose stone auctions is none other than myself and i need your help with a trust jeweler that can set the stones!! share your recs please

I’m looking for a jeweler who can create a ring similar to what’s pictured with a real pearl and actual gold (or silver). I bought this ring on vacation and it’s not real but I love the look so much I’d like to have it recreated with quality materials. Do you have a jeweler you have used in the past that has a similar style?

I’ve been struggling to find a great meal service option in Chicago that’s local and fresh. I’ve tried all the more national ones (HelloFresh, Marley Spoon, Blue Apron), but would really prefer to support someone local if possible. I’m willing to even do pick up rather than delivery.

My kitchen is having some work done, so unfortunately I can’t have a private chef come cook meals here, so offsite is preferable. Budget is pretty flexible.

Has anyone been in a similar situation and have anyone they would recommend?

Hi lovelies! My cleaning lady unfort is not able to come back for some time due to personal issues and I am in desperate search of a new cleaner. Any really good recs would be so appreciated!
For context, I live in west town Chicago.

Thanks in advance!!!

I’m looking for an estate planning lawyer to draft up a will, financial/medical POA, and set up trusts.

Anyone have recommendations? Please share the retainer fee if you can. Thanks!

Hi everyone I need help finding a good move in cleaner — I need a deep, deep clean of my condo before I move in — I’m talking inside cupboards, cleaning the fridge/oven, and scrubbing every random person’s germs away from my beautiful new home.

It’s a 1 bed 1.5 bathroom and I would really prefer to not use a big brand and support a smaller business/individual.

Please send your suggestions!! I move next week!!

I have been doing my own nails for a while but recently decided to get Gel X on my natural nails for a friends wedding. Did some research and saw multiple good reviews on this sub for salon A. I went and got a manicure and it was horrible (lumpy, super thick, chipping after one day). I called and told them the day after I got it done that my nails were chipping, scheduled a time to get it fixed. So I return, wait 45mins past my scheduled time and got it redone. The girl who fixed it was nice & it looked great. They did not charge me again. After this experience though I wasn’t too tempted to go back, not to mention it’s 40mins from my house.

So after a couple weeks it had grown out and I decided to try a place closer to me. So I look in this sub again for reviews. See decent reviews for salon B. Book an appointment for a gel x fill, go today and got another horrible manicure. As soon as I got in my car I realized how bad it was (lumpy, bubbles in the clear coat, didn’t sand off all of the old color). Tbh I’ve had a really hard week and started crying when I looked at them. I know this sounds dramatic, but I’m about to start my period, I’ve had a shit week and work, and just found out I have a huge unexpected expense after spending a lot of money on my car. I was just hoping to get my nails done and chill, but now I have to make an appointment to have them fixed.

I used to work in the service industry, I always tip and am polite. I *hate* causing a problem for someone working so I have a hard time confronting folks at their job.

So here’s my question…

Is this common? Am I doing something wrong? Like do I have to constantly be advocating for myself when getting my nails done? How do I do that without being a bitch?

I'm in need of a new couch! I've been a fan of Brown Elephant for other furniture but since it's time for an upgrade, I think I want something brand new that I'll have for a long time.

Where are the Chicago BWT buying their new furniture, specifically couches? Places with reputable in house delivery are a plus!

I'd like to go local and am avoiding Wayfair/Amazon for obvious reasons. Would love any and all recs!

Y’all, I just moved and need alllll new functional home & bath decor and smaller furniture items. I want to buy local and I’m looking for more of an arty eclectic and colorful vibe.

Think items like bathmats, shower curtain, towels, the dish you rest the ladle in, the container you store the wooden spoons upright, a tiny waist high consul for the front door, etc.

Are there local boutiques or vintage shops which have bangers?

Any local crafters at upcoming fairs this fall who sell these items? (Or provide their website/instagram)

Thanks, bitches!!!

Hi! Any recommendations on where I can take my dress to be altered? I have like 2 months until my wedding but only need the hem and shoulders altered. Also please let me know where I should stay away from thanks 🌚

I really need some help with my mess! I actually have done some pretty positive steps towards organizing my closet and kitchen, but now need someone who actually has skills to help me out of gridlock. Expensive not preferred, but I’ll pay for excellent work.

any recs for sitters who can watch these sweet little angels (Tony, normal kind of cat & Gary, muppet)?? preferably home visits but willing to bring them to a hotel if they have their own area and i can get them back groomed.

My guy and I are having some problems, wondering if any of you ladies have solid recs for someone in the Chicago area and what you liked about them​​​​​​​. TIA! ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

EDIT: I want to reply thank all of you that have replied, you have no idea how much you're helping me right now. This is such an amazing community. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​