Although it's now owned by Minneapolis-based Target Corporation, Chicagoans still consider Marshall Field's their "hometown" department store. The flagship store, which covers an entire block on State Street, is second in size only to Macy's in New York City. Within this overwhelming space, shoppers will find areas unusual for today's homogeneous department stores, such as the Victorian antique-jewelry department and a gallery of antique-furniture reproductions. Store craftspeople are still on hand to fix antique clocks, repair jewelry, and restore old paintings. A basement marketplace offers gourmet goodies, including a bakery and upscale cafeteria.

The breadth is what makes this store impressive; shoppers can find a rainbow of shirts for under $20, a floor or so away from the 28 Shop, the Field's homage to designer fashion. For a sophisticated take on the latest trends at a more affordable price, look for clothes from Field's own label, 111 State. The recently expanded shoe department is huge, with everything from killer high heels (at killer prices) to slippers and casual sandals.

The Water Tower store -- the mall's primary anchor -- is a scaled-down but respectable version of the State Street store. Its eight floors are actually much more manageable than the enormous flagship, and its merchandise selection is still vast (although this branch tends to focus on the more expensive brands). .