The Lake Forest Shop

About Us

Trendy boutiques come and go, but few stand the test of time. For nearly nine decades, discerning women of style have chosen The Lake Forest Shop, located in historic Market Square in downtown Lake Forest. Founded in 1922 on a whim by Chicago socialite, Margaret Baxter Foster, The Lake Forest Shop was passed down to granddaughter and current owner, Ellen Stirling. Fashion and passion run through Ellen’s genes, inherited from her grandmother, as well as from her uncle, Conde Nast, who built Vogue magazine.

According to Town and Country magazine, “Three generations of Chicago’s top families come here to be dressed comme il faut.” Fashion designer, Bill Blass, proclaimed Lake Forest women to be among the best-dressed in the country. “Ellen Stirling’s shop is one of the reasons,” stated Mr. Blass.

As lifestyles change, The Lake Forest Shop continues to evolve to meet the needs of women of all ages. While we retain our status as the shop for all important special occasions when nothing short of gorgeous will do, our customers can also count on us for all their wardrobe needs, whether it is cocktail, sophisticated business and board meetings, dressy casual, or simply jeans with a fun top.

Discover why The Lake Forest Shop is Chicagoland’s premier women’s specialty store. Our high degree of customer loyalty is a result of beautiful, fresh fashions and superb personal service. We look forward to welcoming you to our friendly atmosphere where you can look and feel your fabulous best.