Welcome from Kansas!
Thank goodness you got out of illinois!
A few suggestions: Like others have said go to a gun range that rents pistols and hold, fire, operate (the slide, magazine release, cylinder etc.), several different pistols in different calibers.
When you decide which caliber (preferably 9mm, .45 acp, .38 spl, .357 sig or magnum, or .40 s&w) you open a whole other can of worms. See next suggestion BEFORE YOU DECIDE.
Look around for ammunition to buy, you'll need plenty of target/range/practice ammunition. You will need a good self defense round-preferably hollow point, you may need to get a box or 2 of different brands and make sure they function in whatever gun you choose.
Ammuntion availability and price are something to keep in mind, .380 is near impossible to find. 9mm, .357 sig, and .40 s&w aren't too bad to find, 9mm is a cartridge used worldwide FWIW.
.45 acp is higher priced vs. 9mm. Try to avoid the whole 9mm vs. .45 acp debate. .45 acp is ideal for it's legendary stopping power, however you can generally fit more 9mm in a magazine that will fit in the grip of a compact pistol. Modern 9mm ammunition is getting closer to .45 acp in stopping power, and you will probably have more rounds available. Shot placement is key no matter what size lead you're are slinging, but few of us know how accurate we'll be when the SHTF.
I can't knock a 1911 or .45 acp, I carried one for several months. There is not a more beautiful pistol than a 1911, however for concealed carry, looks should be last on your list. Think caliber, accuracy, concealability, capacity, and reliability.
I'm going to suggest a Glock pistol. I carry a G19. Compact, 9mm, 15+1 capacity (or more if you use a G17 magazine), great reputation for reliabilty and durability. It is amazingly easy to take apart and clean. They do offer full size compact and sub compact models in various calibers. I also went with a Crossbreed Supertuck IWB holster and a Crossbreed belt, a good gun belt is almost as important as the holster. I think you find this is one of the most popular/best holsters out there, it ain't pretty but it's inside your pants, this ain't a fashion show.
Good Luck
Joker1