4161 N. Lincoln, (773)525-4400, embellishchicago.com 
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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Goods: Women’s jewelry and accessories. Designers: Rebecca Zemans, Anne-Marie Chagnon, Ubuntu, David Aubrey, Bellissima. Read the rest of this entry »
UPDATE: The current version of this listing is found here.
5668 N. Clark, (773)447-8527, mrandmrsdigz.com
Goods: Men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, accessories and gifts. Designers: Mixing couture vintage with great new finds, you can find everything from classic Yves Saint Laurent and Chanel to fun tees, hoodies and frocks from labels like Eva May, Nabi and Corporate Punk. Read the rest of this entry »
75 E. Walton, (312)440-0044, sabbia.com 
(No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Fine jewelry and accessories. Designers: Dodo by Pomellato, Alex Sepkus, Yossi Harari, Lina Fanourakis. Read the rest of this entry »
200 E. Delaware, Unit C, (312)335-1353, urbanstyleemporium.com (2 votes, average: 3.00 out of 5)
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Goods: Formerly known as Only She, the store has expanded from women’s clothing and accessories to also include gifts and art. Designers: Lorain Croft, Elm Design and Ivan Grundahl. Read the rest of this entry »
UPDATE: As of January 2012, Buffalo Exchange has closed its Lakeview location.
1478 N. Milwaukee, (773)227-9558; 2875 N. Broadway, (773)549-1999, buffaloexchange.com
Goods: Men’s and women’s gently used clothing, shoes and accessories. Designers: Varying—Buffalo houses anything from Express and Banana to hipster labels American Apparel and Cheap Monday. Read the rest of this entry »
1519 N. Milwaukee, (773)227-5300, 2711 N. Clark, (773)296-1000, 1730 Sherman, Evanston, (847)492-9400 crossroadstrading.com
Goods: Men’s and women’s gently used apparel, shoes and accessories. Designers: Marc Jacobs, Diesel, Express, Nine West, etc.—the stores stock all types of brands, as long as they’re contemporary and in good shape. Read the rest of this entry »
2207 W. Roscoe, (773)281-2772, juliangifts.com (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Handbags, home decor and accessories at Julian’s gifts; women’s shoes and clothing at Celia’s. Designers: Julian Gifts stocks mainly European lines from Italy, France and Spain while Celia’s Closet features gently used name brands like Coach, Prada, Guess, Louis Vuitton and Kate Spade. Read the rest of this entry »
Bella Chica is more than an accessories boutique—it’s a breeding ground for entrepreneurs. Opened in the heart of the art district in Pilsen on February 1, the boutique has brought together a group of approximately thirteen designers from all different backgrounds and retail experience to show their work.
From jewelry to paintings to scarves and soaps, owner Anne Marie Garza says she found most of the store’s talent online. “We looked through Craigslist and Etsy,” she says. Posting an open call for designers, Garza says the response was great. “I chose people whose product had a good story.”
Take Yazmine Carbajal, creator of Yazzy Jewels. Featuring stained-glass-looking bracelets and beautiful turquoise and onyx rings, the designer is just 15 years old. Starting her own line at 11, Yazmine makes up in talent what she lacks in age. “I was very, very impressed with her,” Garza says.
Then there’s Rootid—designer Erin Martiney creates her beaded necklaces from actual seeds from all over the world.
Keeping with the feel of the Pilsen community, Garza chose brand Edgy Chola for its religiously infused theme.
“I wanted to give people like myself the opportunity to come together, because not everyone can afford a storefront property,” Garza says. With artists working on straight consignment or hire for rent exchange, she has been able to do just that. Featuring many newcomers to the world of business, Garza has worked with the artists on nearly every front, from marketing to pricing. “We worked together to price items so that they can get some money…and have fun,” she says.
Keeping pieces between $10-$100, Garza says Bella Chica has something for everyone. Vintage collector Jennifer of jenstyle.com has wares for sale, as does Sherry Lou—a local designer who creates paintings of modern-day women and bracelets based on the bestselling Stephanie Meyer’s series, “Twilight.” “It’s a mix of old and new,” Garza says.
With trunk shows for the designers in the works and new talent to scout, Garza’s only just begun. While she says she has been fortunate to meet a great group of designers that have quickly become friends, there’s always room for more. “I’m hoping that Bella Chica can bring more artists in of all kinds,” she says. “[I hope that] we can create a community [where] we can have fun, sell and grow.” (Nicole Briese)
Bella Chica, 1253 West 18th, (312)927-3535.
1253 W. 18th, (312)927-3535 
(2 votes, average: 1.50 out of 5)
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Goods: Paintings, jewelry, scarves, vintage and handmade accessories. Designers: JenStyle, Sherry Lou, Natalie Prazen, il Jocale, Jewelry by Jessica, Happenstance, Kaley Kouture and more. Owners: Anne Marie Garza and Jennifer Lorenz. Vibe: Artsy. In the heart of the art district, the store’s décor is loud—bright orange walls are adorned with colorful paintings and sheet metal surrounds the door. Price Range: Inexpensive. The owners and their designers wanted prices “that fit the current economy.” The Look: Cultured. Many of the pieces are inspired by Meso-American culture in particular, or have been influenced by the designers travels. Shopper’s Perks: The prices. You can find a lot of great stuff for under $20!
UPDATED OCTOBER 2009
2027 N. Damen, (773)292-1120, hunnyjewelry.com (1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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Goods: Clothing, accessories and jewelry for women. Owner: Charyl Witz of Hunny Jewelry. Designers: Clothing from J Brand, Serfontaine, RYU, Testament, Jenny Han and Fluxus; jewelry from Lulu Frost, ToyWatch, Pyrrah and Lana. Vibe: The exterior black-and-white sign is a nod to the interior’s elegance. Inside the neutrally decorated shop, jewelry is housed in sophisticated armoires, chandeliers radiate glamor and displays feature combined clothing and jewelry for ensemble inspiration. Price Range: Inexpensive-Expensive. The Look: A gal who has her act together, she effortlessly combines current trends with classic pieces. Head to Juicy Wine Company for a glass of vino, then Piccolo Sogno for Italian. Shopper’s Perks: Witz is abreast of the latest Hollywood trends.
UPDATED OCTOBER 2009
