A Chicago Suburb Best Kept Secret – Yorktown Center

Yorktown Center is a place we eat, shop, get gifts, walk around, play, run errands and is one of the best kept secrets in the Western Chicago suburbs. 

When Penelope was born in the arctic month of February, my friend and I would stroll our babies around and browse the shops just to get out of the house! You can even walk your dog here and there’s just about everything you need. 

I personally love that it’s not overwhelmingly large but big enough you’ve got plenty of options. You can get around easily (no need to move your car) and can be in and out fast. When you have kids (especially a newborn) this is important. 

Below is exactly how I navigate my favorite shops and keep it efficient. Obviously some of this all depends on what you need, but this should give you a good template and possibly new spots to try!

I recently went in for some spring shopping with Penelope and Chloe and made a fun video! Penelope is growing like a weed and when you’ve got a new baby, let’s be honest, shopping is FUN.

My Favorite Itinerary – Yorktown Center

Diaper Changes and Nursing: Von Maur 3rd floor has a very nice “Mother’s Room”. It’s the perfect spot to change diapers and nurse, plus it’s right by the kids sections. For an effortless shopping experience (if you have little ones) I suggest parking here so you have immediate access when you arrive and leave!

Von Maur: I swear whoever the buyer is for Von Maur should have a job here for life. They have the BEST brands and cutest selections. HOT TIP: Get kids birthday gifts here. Their toy selection is AWESOME and be sure to take advantage of the complimentary gift wrap!

H&M Kids: A friend once told me how the H&M kids here is the BEST kept secret. And it’s SO true. Everything is spread out, you can find things easily and it just feels different than all the other H&M’s. TRUST.

Kid Entertainment: In the center of the mall is a children’s play area – conveniently located by  beverage and food options. We always make a pit stop here to let Penelope release some energy and expand her attention span. Which means I can squeak in a few extra stores. There is also a FunFlatables – an indoor, year-round inflatable play center. It’s nothing fancy but Penelope LOVES to jump around here. When I have one of those days I can’t think of what to do, we come here.

LOFT: LOFT is one of those places you can always find something – especially when you’re in a pinch. A forever staple.

The Children’s Place: Great for cute play clothes and comfy wear that’s realistic! Summer camp, climbing trees, painting, and kids just enjoying their life. Not to mention the deals are insanely good.

Home Goods: I mean… do I even need to explain? I always hit up the rug, art and dishware section 🙂 You never know what kind of goodies you’ll find!

Last Chance: Not to be confused with Nordstrom Rack or Last Call. There are only TWO in the ENTIRE COUNTRY and one just happens to be in Yorktown Center. It’s where all the out of season or returned items from Nordstrom go for their “last chance” to be sold for an astronomical discount. This includes their VERY high end luxury designers too. I once found a pair of Christian  Louboutin heels (with the red soles) for $100. I’ve also scored a $2,000 Mackage coat for $150, $500 designer dresses for $70 and so much more. This goes for the children too! However the BEST KEPT SECRET is their $5 bras, normally priced for $60+. A steal! PRO TIP: Expect to spend some time here because you have to sift through A LOT of items. But worth it!

Other Honorable Mentions: Sunglass Hut, Francesca’s and the  Eatery! HOT TIP: Get dinner to go from Cilantro and my favorite “healthy” treat is Skinny Sweet Frozen Yogurt. Penelope likes to pick her own toppings 🙂

Thank you Yorktown Center for sponsoring this post!

Photography by Chicago Andrea