Oct. 16--Cubs cap, check. Cubs shirt, check. Those fan essentials have gotten you through good seasons and bad with Chicago's North Side baseball team.
But now, the Cubs are heading to the 2015 National League Championship Series, and it's time to raise your game. That starts with postseason versions of the shirt on your back, then your choice of elevated accessories. Now, you're ready to watch in World Series-worthy style.
Chicago wants more of it
Wrigleyville Sports had just gotten a shipment of the official clubhouse T-shirt, with "Chicago Wants It More" in red on a black background -- and XLs and XXLs had already sold out. Word around Clark and Addison streets was that sales were equally brisk at other stores. Ditto for the "Take October" postseason sweatshirts and hoodies. Replenishments were expected any minute, and they're also sold online (www.fanatics.com and www.wrigleyvillesports.com).
Trade the curse for a charm
Pick up a Cubs charm for just 7 bucks and hook it to an existing necklace or bracelet. Origami Owl's MLB assortment covers all 30 teams, and charms aren't where it stops. Add a Swarovski crystal-encrusted pave Baseball Dangle for $16. Choose one of the site's own necklaces and bracelets, and you can personalize further with an inscription of your favorite slugger's name, number or phrase. Prices vary; www.origamiowl.com.
Baggage loaded
Little Earth Productions, a longtime Major League Baseball licensee, has a line of sturdy bags with the Cubs logo, so you can root and tote at the same time. Little Earth's messenger bag ($125) is made from heavy duty washed cotton canvas, with multifunctional organizers and pockets. The Hoodie Purse ($29.99) is part of a line of bags designed to look and feels like your favorite hoodie sweatshirt, complete with hoodie lacing and a working kangaroo pocket. Purchase online at www.littlearth.com and www.shop.mlb.com or in-store at Wrigleyville Sports (www.wrigleyvillesports.com for locations) and Lids Locker Room (www.lids.com).
It's about time
Celebrate that feeling literally with Modify Watches' Cubs option. Modify's interchangeable faces (options include Bulls, Blackhawks and White Sox) mix and match with a rainbow of colored straps so you can switch it up seasonally. $50 per watch ($35 for a face, $15-20 per strap), www.modifywatches.com.
Dazzling performance
After the Cubs' performance against the Cardinals, bedazzled jewelry seems especially apropos. Swarovski adds its best-in-the-business crystals to its line of Major League Baseball (MLB) necklaces, earrings and bracelets with your favorite team's pendant. And we all know which team that is. Prices range from $49 for earrings to $145 for the necklace set. www.shop.mlb.com
Luxe logo
Bag connoisseurs can have their luxe and their Cubs logo too. Dooney Bourke's Signature MLB Cubs Collection features nine new styles with a signature Cubs logo print on coated cotton with leather trim. Prices range from $88 for a wristlet to $248 for the satchel. www.dooney.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/
Win-win
Whether you're drowning in misery or partying like it's 1908, Smathers Branson's hand-stitched needlepoint flask ($65) preserves your dignity with full-grain leather trim and a 6-ounce size, to encourage you to sip responsibly. The needlepoint belt ($165) shows the same attention to craftsmanship, and you can monogram it for $35 more. www.smathersandbranson.com
Relief pitcher
Replace your stress ball or worry beads with a teddy to clutch tightly when the bases are loaded. Build-A-Bear Workshop is happy to pitch in with its Chicago Cubs uniform ($16) and The Happy Hugs Teddy ($16), www.buildabear.com.
