Akira is a staple Chicago clothing store. My friends who are out of state love it when I gift them Akira pieces for their birthdays. There are two locations down the street from one another in Bucktown. One is a regular Akira clothing store that you can find at other parts of the city and the second location is for shoes and the sale items (which are in the basement)! Akira in Chicago can be compared to Fashion Nova and Pretty Little Things in LA. The only difference is that Akira carries brand clothing in addition to their own collections. A few reviews compare Akira to Forever 21 which is an insult. Does Forever 21 carry $500 dresses? Akira carries a select number of pieces which reassures you will not see someone wearing your same outfit. Akira has clothing for everyone's budget, style, and body type. They have personal stylists that offer their assistance free of charge which makes the shopping experience seamless. All of my New Year Eve dresses and birthday dresses have been from Akira for the last three years. From business casual to luxurious ballroom gowns Akira provides beautiful clothing that make you look and feel your best. I definitely recommend! 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. read more

Kenny is the man. I asked & he delivered. Miss Dorie tho. He was very helpful & even found my dress at another location. I'm fact he was so hood that I came in for 1 dress & walked out with 6! No regrets here!!!!!! read more

Went here and Kirsten was super helpful with me ... She brought me MANY outfits and dresses to see what I would like. and everything was gorgeous hard to choose some . read more

My best girlfriend & I are avid shoppers from Los Angeles and we had THE BEST shopping experience at Akira!!! We knew we were in trouble within minutes of entering the store. The pieces are adorable, selection is far and wide - we easily found a weeks worth of new clothing at reasonable prices - and great quality attire & wonderful service. DAMIEN & his team catered to us (thank you for the champagne!) and made fantastic style / piece recommends that I would normally not pick - but were adorbs & fun to add to my wardrobe! Excited for all the purchases!!! THANK YOU AKIRA for making us even more fabulous! read more

Bleh. This place is annoying and the clothing quality sucks

The store is great but the sales girl shannon is so rude. First of all she follows only black people around the store. She followed me and my friend around ,when we told her we didn't need her help. She stepped a couple of feet back but still watched us. Then she follows us to the clearance room like we were going to steal. I never have this problem when she is not there. She makes me not want to go to the store. She need to be fired or put in her place . read more

The clothing is fun, but the staff is more fun. The edgy fashion is what defines the store, but it's the friendly and helpful employees that defined my great experience at Akira. No stares, no scoffs, just straight-up good people who will tell you how your butt really looks in those was coated wax jeans. read more

i didn't really take the time to look through the thousands of racks of clothes b/c i have no patience for that. however, i made a beeline to the demin room in the back. as a denim addict, i was impressed with the selection...more impressive was their selection of sizes. most people aren't size 26, so it was great to see the 28s, 29s, 30s, etc. in almost all the styles. there were some great deals as well. buy one, get one half off on rock 'n republic is phenomenal, and there were even some on sale for $75. At $250 a pop, that's a GREAT deal. i ended up getting a great pair of citizens that were priced just right (no mark-ups like other boutiques). and while i usually can't stand the annoying girls who work at clothing stores, the girls who helped me were great. they weren't pushy, they gave their honest opinions, and they brought over tons of jeans for me try on that they thought i'd like. i'd give it more stars on the denim selection alone, but it seems like the other clothing, while some really nice, wasn't that great. ps. if you venture over to Akira Shoes, prepare to wait like 20 minutes to buy your shoes. i don't understand why it always takes so long... read more

4 stars because of the amazing sales associate, Damian, who helped this not-so-fashion-foward girl find the perfect top for a girls night out. He brought me tons of options, all of which I liked better than what I had chosen for myself. I was super happy with the shirt I settled on but after one wear I was questioning the quality. It was a $42 blouse that had a few threads sticking out and a small hole at one of the seams by the end of a short Friday night out. I'd probably stop back in when dealing with a time crunch, but wouldn't shop here on a regular basis. read more

If you are lucky you will get good stuff at good prices. If you are not, well go back and check. The people who work here are plain weird so stay away until you are ready to haggle. Yes, you can. Also I read Grennan's review... agree with her. Worth a shot for sure read more

Akira is a great Chicago exclusive boutique. They have unique clothes that you wont see everyone in. some things can be a little pricey but they have a range of things that are reasonable as well. I love their jewelry selection! They have some of the best pieces I have seen for fashion jewelry. Overall i say give it a look you won't be disappointed. read more

Akira is one of my favorite boutiques to shop at, however, there are a lot of cheesy clothes in there that look like they belong at Discovery..Some of stuff is overpriced for the material and the design but the actual designer clothes they have are hot. I love their accessories. read more

Nice selection, decent clothes, great prices and conveniently located.

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. read more

Preface: I avoid store associates here by any means. Maybe it's just me, but I find that Akira is the type of store you have to look at on your own. They have a really diverse selection, from dresses to jeans to casual wear, so you need to dig through and see what's mixed in with what at the rack. You'll definitely find at least one thing you want to try on. I like that the sales section is quarantined to the back so that people who just want a sale item can all go back there immediately. The rest of us can actually walk around the different sections of the store and see what's new. read more

Fun, trendy women's clothing store. Music is too loud, but the service is nice and I always seem to find at least one thing to get.

Trendy, hip, cheap and pricy. Not for me, but I send a lot of guests here. I jhave found a couple items here that I have liked, but they were all in the $200+ price range. Not gonna happen unless it says Gucci on it. read more

I went to chaise lounge last weekend and happen to see AKIRA stores basically owned the whole North Ave section. So the next day I decided to stop in...What a great place! They have tons of selection; it's urban, chic, and classic. You can find everything from designer dresses to, fabulous purses and movie star sunglasses! I really enjoyed it. The music is awesome and the staff was so nice. read more

Considering I didn't shop at the women's store, it was awesome that they have a couch for the guys to sit on. Wish they had more reading material rather than Chicago Style. If they had more stuff for the guys waiting for their gf/wives than probably bring in more business. read more

Akira really isn't my taste in boutiques. Some of the clothes seem oudated but it could be a great place for someone with different tastes. If you search, you can find some great deals on designer labels. read more

AKIRA - Women's Clothing Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I'm not a big shopper, so I may be biased. Akira is down the street from my house so when I'm need of something I go there. For my birthday I bough a cute inexpensive skirt there and I also got really cute shoes from the Akira shoe store. Every time I've gone there the people have been very helpful. V has been the one to help me the most, he is very good. I was there yesterday and Shanelle (sp) helped me out. She was also very good helping me find tops. read more

Super nice ladies that work there. Mariah helped me find the perfect outfit for my Cali trip. They are very helpful and throw in other outfits in your fitting room that you might like. read more

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!! read more

I have always loved Akira's vibe so I love to just stroll in there ever so often to see the new styles. On my recent visit, I was actually able to find several pieces with the help of Lindsey and Jenny. They really helped me a lot. My only negative with Akira is the lack of sizing. I know that fashion usually caters to naturally thinner silhouette, but there are some women with a few extra pounds that like to be chic as well. Add some more sizing in a few styles, you would definitely have more stars from me! read more

As a 5'10" female, it's hell trying to find jeans that are long enough to fit me. Fortunately, I learned several years ago that Akira has several different brands that work for my body. As a result, each year I go back to Akira with my fingers crossed that I won't walk out empty handed. Today was not an exception! Many, many thanks to Tiger and Chelsea for their patience and help in finding me my new jeans for fall! I was in and out in less than 30 minutes - which is heaven for a girl who doesn't like to shop! Tiger & Chelsea, you are awesome and are the reason I will be back shopping in Akira soon! read more

I went into Akira looking for a last-minute dress for a wedding, knowing that although it's cheaply made, the stylists are quick to help and you'll probably find a garment that nobody else at the party will be wearing. Especially out of town. I don't know if I gave a bad first impression because I was tired and told the girl that I didn't need a lot of help, BUT, from then on out I was ignored. One girl asked me if she could start me a fitting room after another girl already had, when I said, "sure but someone else started one," she just walked away. Ouch. No team work there. Clearly commission. When I checked out and the cashier asked me who helped me, I said "no one really but someone started a room" to which she replied "blonde or Hispanic?" I said blonde and then I heard another girl whisper about the one who was helping me. Very odd experience. Oh and better yet, the cash girl became super cold. Snapping at me when I swiped my card too quickly. And with zero niceties. It's sad because even if the girl at cash had been half way pleasant I wouldn't have thought twice about posting. You should feel like garbage when spending your money. If I didn't need a dress I would have walked out right them. I'm regretting my purchase because if I have to return anything I'll have to spend more time there. I was hoping for better as I know some great people who have worked for Akira. Yikes. I'll be sticking to H&M. read more

i used to live close to the wicker park store, and i knew it back in the day when it was still a small, personal neighborhood place. now it kinda seems like north ave has turned into akira ave... i must admit i do go back there every once in a while. i never buy anything that's not on sale, because some of the prices are really ridiculous. i have found a few favorites there - but it is hit and miss, and i do agree with many of the reviewers that you have to dig for the great finds. they do have good sales every once in a while, so if you're in the hood it might be worth it to take a look... sales people used to be great there, but since the store has expanded they are either too pushy or completely stuck up. and yes, they are by far not as cool as they think they are. and i really don't know what the doorman is all about. read more

Akira is fashionable AND affordable! This is always my go to place when I need something new and fun to wear. The customer service is AMAZING. I have my own favorite "personal assistant" at Akira Women. I am always contacted for all their events and fashion show. Love this place. read more

I bought a dress here and was charged twice! I called my bank to dispute the claim and was credited back the money and then the next day Akira charged my card again! I called the store and the manager said the only way to change it would be if I came into the store to take care of it. What and INCONVENIANCE!!!! no apology or anything I've wasted sooooooooooooo much time on this stupid error. Never shopping here again. read more

I love this store!!!! everyone is super friendly and helpful. the style is trendy yet affordable!! they have great customer service along with cute clothes.. what girl wouldn't love that? akira is the best!!! xo read more

After reading many of your posts, i decided to also write my review, and clear up some questions you may have. All in all Chicago lacks many boutiques that many other cities have. In reality many boutiques and even corporate stores buy their same things from the same vendors, its retail that's what happens. Aside from that Akira is probably the only store in Chicago that you can find high end, contemporary, designer denim, and designer accessories, mixed with very very low end, lower quality private labeled clothing from vendors. What many people don't know is those low end private label clothes are what makes Akira so successful. Many women in Chicago don't like to spend a lot on their wardrobes, Akira is one of the only places in the Buck town area especially that makes personal relationships with customer relations, and Akira loves and greatly appreciates all of their customers and returning customers very much. Akira's staff is one of the only places that i have been where their stylists are REAL!!! they aren't there to sell you something that isn't going to completely make you satisfied, and feel good. Their honest, and they know about fashion. (many people have the misconception that if you look stylish, you must be stylish, but in reality fashion is about proportion and fitting ones body type, and the Akira staff is one of the best places I have come that know the difference. AKIRA your doing better than ever, and even since a lot of retailers aren't doing well during this economic time, I know you guys will come out ON TOP!!!!!!! read more

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! read more

Kevin is the best employee they have! He helped me find multiple outfits for a variety of birthday events I have coming up! I wasn't finding anything that fit me until Kevin came and pulled the clothing for me! He picked items to fit both the event and my appearance!! Thanks Kevin and I will be back to see you! Jessica!!! read more

Well I want to share my experience I had today. I went to Akira today and I had no idea of what to wear or what's in style, just a total mess. I thought I could find something on my own I grabbed a couple of dresses and I was still undecided..... So before I went to pay I asked An Akira worker by the name of Kevin if he could help me decide on what to wear, Best decision I made!!! He was so pleased to help me he grabbed so many different items, things I would have never thought I looked nice in and he had me try them on and I left with several outfits that I am in love with... Kevin made my experience GREAT!!! Today Kevin was my stylist and my friend.. Thank you Akira for hiring him!!! Nina read more

Nice Place , I am a life long nerd so I only recently started shopping here , everyone was nice , I feel only due to nerds being in

I LOVE this location in Wicker Park. I went in looking for a 40th Birthday outfit and Kevin did not disappoint. He took my shoes and put together the perfect look!!! Thanks Kevin. I'll definitely be back. read more

Rude! Rude! Rude! I really tried to keep my patience so I can get help looking for a specific item that was out of stock in Andersonville location. Was it hard! Never going back again. I felt like I was practically begging them to give them a sale. And don't bother calling the stores, theres no direct line to the specific location you want to reach to see if they have something you're looking for. They are all out of service. I finally found one number that I believe was their head office and they couldn't direct my call either. I was told they can send an "email" to the store manger to look for the item I was searching for, but can't tell me when they'll get back to me. Im sticking with Andersonville location and thats that. read more

I love Akira!! I'm always able to find cute inexpensive pieces for my wardrobe. The sales associate Kevin is awesome. He's knowledgeable and very attentive to the customers needs!! read more

Akira gets one star for having some really cute clothes but one star for having the crappiest customer service i've ever experienced. You can sometimes get lucky and meet a great associate, but of all the times i've given my money to this store, 95% of the time i've hated being there. Someone always seems to irk me in some way by making some comment that was very unneccessary. Tone and attitude while i'm already giving you my money?? I mean, fine if i'm that customer buying nothing and nagging you but I'm actually a paying customer. Even on the phone... I asked simply, is your system check stock at all stores or just yours, the reply, JUST ours but if you call other stores you won't be able to reach them. IT IS the weekend. OH THANKS i didnt' need the last response. I mean it's just silly. I have cut down shopping here and visit only a few times out of the year when i'm VERY bored. read more