Open for Business: Dressing Room Shoes

*New Boutiques, Lincoln Square No Comments »

Find kicky boots at Dressing Room Shoes, and set yourself apart. Josh Hambly, a salesman at the shop, quotes “Sex and the City” stylist Patricia Fields: “We’re all essentially wearing the same thing—it’s the accessories that make us stand out.” At this new Lincoln Square store, today’s chic woman will find a wide range of fashionable boots, shoes, purses and jewelry—in other words, everything she needs to establish her personal style.

Dressing Room Shoes, which opened in August 2008, is the brainchild of Barbara Ruiz and Sarah Sanchez. Ruiz attended Columbia College and Sanchez studied at Harrington Institute and worked at Herman Miller. In 2005, the friends combined a love of fashion, natural aesthetics and bohemian style, and opened the Dressing Room clothing store. Three years later they launched the sister shoe store and gave it eye-catching decor: bright orange chairs and a white bicycle protrude from the walls, while jewelry tumbles from ceramic bowls, glass cubes, round mirrors, and wooden frames.

The boutique features snakeskin shoes by Naughty Monkey, chunky-heeled shoes by Seychelles and Kenneth Cole, ballet flats by Penny Loves Kenny and oversized bags by Nicole and Bagtique. Moms can slip into comfy Nyla moccasins while teens snap up Superga gym shoes. The vast boot selection includes stylish models in leather, fabric, wool and synthetics by Blowfish, BC and Colcci. Shoes cost between $40 and $200; boots range from $60 to $300 a pair.

The staff knows the importance of both staging and styling, so they rearrange merchandise on a daily basis to keep it fresh. Speaking of fresh, top winter fashion trends include cashmere tights by MeMoi ($35), leather cuff bracelets ($66.50), and long rectangular purses handmade by New York-based  ($192.50). In other words, everything a girl needs to dress up and hit the town. (Sarah Klose)

Open for Business: Nau Connects

*New Boutiques, -Menswear, -Womenswear, Green, Wicker Park/Ukrainian Village No Comments »

When the innovative clothing company Nau unexpectedly closed its doors last May as an early victim of the credit crisis gripping Wall Street, a discouraged sigh echoed through the eco-fashion community. Nau, a pioneer of the ecologically conscious clothing movement had been a touchstone and role model for responsible design and production. Based in Portland, Oregon, Nau made Chicago its first market outside the West Coast and had a retail “webfront” in Lincoln Park.

Shortly after the Nau collapse, its name and mission were resurrected under new ownership. One notable strategic change: the new Nau would be a web retailer, with bricks and mortar a future consideration, if at all. But a new Chicago eco-retailer, Connect, is bringing the entire Nau line back to this market, led by Nau’s former regional marketing manager Jonathon Shaun. “It was heartbreaking when Nau 1.0 closed shop,” Shaun says. “Here was this forward-thinking business bound and determined to revolutionize the sustainable apparel and retail industries with philanthropy at its core, and before it had a chance to really expand throughout public domain it was forced to wind down.”

Shaun leapt into action, calling on business partners Mitch and Nate Lindsay to help raise funds to revive the mission. With Nau as its anchor brand and many other socially responsible lines such as Chicago-based bag company Noon Solar and Wired Jewelry, Connect is poised to take philanthropic shopping in Chicago to new heights. The boutique-showroom also offers its own donation-based label, Connect Organics, which gives a portion of sales back to the community. As part of a commitment to reducing carbon footprints, the guys at Connect have developed a bicycle-courier program that delivers orders to your door via a professional cyclist. And the resolve to create change doesn’t end there. Connect plans to host conscious fundraising events for not-for-profits, and has a vast network of community partners including Chicago Sustainable Business Alliance, Recycling Services and Creative Pitch. (Kari Skaflen)

Connect, 1330 North Milwaukee, (312)89003684, celebrates its launch with an in-store event November 6. See Style Events for details.

Lenny Lives!

--Closed or Closing, News and Dish No Comments »

Lenny and Me has been saved. Owner Ana Camino reports that the popular Wicker Park shop took over the old Brown Elephant space on Milwaukee Avenue:

“Lenny and Me did not close after all.  We were able to relocate right next door to our old location to a larger space.  We still carry our great vintage and contemporary clothing and accessories and now with our larger space have expanded into home furnishings with lots of vintage and mid century modern pics.”

New deets: 1459 N. Milwaukee,  (773)489-5576.     Open seven days a week, 11am-7pm.

Gen Art Fresh Faces: Elise Bergman

-Mens Shoes, Designers, Fashion Focus Chicago, Fashion Shows 1 Comment »

Elise Bergman showed why she’s taking off in Chicago, with her accessible but feminine collection. Smart details, varying hem lengths—something for everyone, but nothing crazy. Lots of beige, perhaps in more than one sense of the word.

Read Boutiqueville’s profile of Elise Bergman

Armadio

*New Boutiques, -Accessories, -Menswear, -Womenswear, Lincoln Park No Comments »

1006 W. Armitage, (773)477-7505, armadioboutique.com 1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (1 votes, average: 3 out of 5)
Loading ... Loading ...
Goods: Clothing and accessories for men and women. Designers: Just Cavalli, D&G, Gianfranco Ferre, Moschino, C’N’C. Owner: Maira Okuleye, who studied fashion design at Columbia College, is currently working on her own line, Hashimi, to debut next year. Vibe: Sleek, chic and ultra modern. Silver and black are the dominant colors, décor is of the minimalist variety, and clubby music plays softly in the background. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: Notice-me ensembles with an edge. The Armadio devotee loves to see-and-be-seen, and will easily be spotted at the hottest bars, restaurants and clubs. Shopper’s Perks: Because Okuleye is a designer, she selects goods with a designer eye. Clothing here features quality fabrics, stunning fits and attention to detail. Okuleye also offers shopping by appointment, complete with champagne, treats and personal-shopping expertise.

Armadio

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2008

Aberle

*New Boutiques, -Accessories, -Jewelry, -Women's Shoes, Lincoln Park No Comments »

1101 W. Webster, (773)477-1101 1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (1 votes, average: 1 out of 5)
Loading ... Loading ...
Goods: Shoes, bags and jewelry for women. Designers: Shoes by Cynthia Vincent, Sigerson Morrison, Loeffler Randall and Jean-Michel Cazabat; jewelry by Me & Ro and Andrea Fohrman; bags by Rebecca Minkoff, Bird and Katherine Kwei. Owner: With years of retail experience under her belt, Kira Price found the time was right to open her own shop. Vibe: Classic and rich. Dark wood, Persian rugs, deep purple walls, chocolate-brown ottomans and tin ceilings provide simple accompaniment to shoes with the same minimalist aesthetic. A small shelf provides coloring books and a Mr. Potato Head for the little ones. Price Range: Expensive. The Look: A swank store opening event followed by dinner at Table Fifty-two and drinks at Zed451. Shopper’s Perks: Price has a cabinet full of wine and glasses, and provides refreshments to weary shoppers. She and manager Joy Koizol also offer closet consultation, personal-shopping services and can play host to shopping parties and events.

Aberle

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2008

Yellow Jacket Vintage

-Mens Shoes, -Menswear, -Vintage, -Women's Shoes, -Womenswear, Lakeview No Comments »

2959 N. Lincoln, (773)248-1996, yellowjacketvintageclothing.com 1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (No Ratings Yet)
Loading ... Loading ...
Goods: Clothing and footwear for women and men. Large selection of multicolored wigs, accessories, clothing patterns and vintage artwork. Designers: While brand names aren’t the deal, there is an impressive stock of comfy Levi’s, Jordache and Wrangler jeans. Owner: Jennifer Rau opened Yellow Jacket’s first location in Milwaukee’s trendy Brady St. district in 1993. Four years ago, she brought her retailing expertise and thrifty eye to Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. Vibe: Classic hardwood floors and vintage playhouse seating play an attractive yet understated backdrop to the racks of vibrant and funky clothing and accessories that steal the show. Price Range: Inexpensive-Moderate The Look: 1960s, 1970s and 1980s streetwear. Shopper’s Perks: The stylish staff is friendly and complete with advice and the four changing rooms and ample space allow perusing without tapping boots.

Yellow Jacket Vintage

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2008

Grasshopper 510

*New Boutiques, -Accessories, Bucktown, Green No Comments »

1944 N. Damen, (773)292-0510, grasshopper510.com 1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (No Ratings Yet)
Loading ... Loading ...
Goods: Colorful, classic jewelry created out of recycled items like phone cards and hairclips; artwork made from recycled street signs; body lotions, shower gels and candles; cute clutch purses made from recycled candy wrappers; baby bibs and books. Designers: Jewelry from Toby Pomeroy and Prismera; Colette candles, Entermodal clutches; home décor from Russell Johnson and OneEighty Design. Owners: Jean Taylor and husband Michael Roberts opened this eco-friendly boutique after years of brainstorming “green” entrepreneurial ventures. Vibe: The brightly lit shop fuses a modern-art-museum vibe with a cozy living room. Grasshopper 510 uses the elegant store fixtures, mirrors and the cash wrap from the previous boutique, sticking true to the “reduce, reuse, recycle” philosophy. Price Range: Inexpensive-Moderate. The Look: Eco-chic, quirky and utterly original. The accessories here are as much conversation pieces as wardrobe essentials; and since most items are easily gift-able, this is the store for people who don’t like to show up empty-handed. Shopper’s Perks: Every product in the store is made from organic, recycled or sustainable materials, so your eco-conscience remains clean. Need we say more?

Grasshopper 510

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2008

Eye Spy Optical

-Eyewear, Lakeview No Comments »

3350 N. Lincoln, (773)477-2670, eyespyoptical.com 1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (No Ratings Yet)
Loading ... Loading ...
Goods:  Men’s, women’s and children’s prescription frames and sunglasses.  Designers:  Anne et Valentin, Lafont, ic! berlin, Persol, Francis Klein, Christian Roth. Owner:  Alissa Fields has been selling specs in Lakeview for ten years.  Vibe:  Retro. With funky chairs and decorations adorning the turquoise, bird-muraled walls, the scene is totally groovy.  Price Range:  Moderate-Expensive.  The Look:  Retro.  The store features exactly what you would expect from its décor—loud, plastic and uniquely shaped frames galore.  Shopper’s Perks:  An in-house doctor makes the store a one-stop shop with prescriptions and exams readily available.

Eye Spy Optical

UPDATED 2008

Click

*New Boutiques, -Women's Shoes, Lakeview No Comments »

3729 N. Southport, (773)244-9141, clickshoes.net 1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (No Ratings Yet)
Loading ... Loading ...
Goods: Shoes, shoes and more shoes for women. Designers: Oh…Deer! Franco Sarto, Seychelles, BCBGirls, Sam Edelman, Reef. Owner: The former owner of Chicago Shakers Social and Adventure Club, Paula Eisen left the event-organizing business to pay retail homage to her shoe obsession. Vibe: Lighthearted and upbeat: original artwork covers the walls, a comfy couch offers try-on ease, and shoes of all shapes and styles cover every spare inch of this small shop. Price Range: Inexpensive-Moderate. The Look: Low-maintenance yet fun; grab coffee across the street at Café Avanti, a movie at the Music Box and some post-flick Dairy Queen. Wherever a Click shopper goes, she portrays her personality through her shoes. Shopper’s Perks: The variety offered here isn’t characteristic of most shoe stores—Click has something for nearly every style palate. Also, Eisen and her crew host events and shoe parties regularly, including occasional fundraisers for neighborhood organizations.

Click

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2008