High-end retailer Henri Bendel makes its Chicago comeback in November at Water Tower Place, with a noticeably different feel from its first Michigan Avenue location 13 years ago.

In 1990, the company unveiled a grand-scale four-level store with departments for couture, lingerie, cosmetics, and leather goods at 900 North Michigan Avenue. Eight years later, the doors closed.

Today, Henri Bendel labels itself “a girls’ playground,” says Sasha Feldman, a company spokesperson, and the emphasis is on women’s accessories, such as purses, sterling silver jewelry, patterned scarves, and leather iPad covers printed with the brand’s signature brown and white stripes. In the new location, gifts (such as the piggy banks, $58 and $88, right) are also a focus, as well as home items, including Henri Bendel’s popular line of scented candles.

This fall, look for ladylike clutches and handbags (patent leather tote, $450, above), business card cases and other small leather goods, Swarovski crystal jewelry, travel items (luggage tag, $28, and passport cover, $58, above), and Henri Bendel’s own line of women’s fragrances.

The Chicago site is just one of the stores launched during a recent nationwide expansion, with other new outlets in Washington, D.C., and Miami, among other cities.

GO Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-951-1928, henribendel.com

Finds Women’s accessories, handbags, home items, and gifts

Photography: Courtesy of Vendors