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.

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)
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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)
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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

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)
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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

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)
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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

Via Firenzi/Verse Chicago

*New Boutiques, -Mens Shoes, -Menswear, -Women's Shoes, -Womenswear, Bucktown No Comments »

1821 W. North, (773)486-4434,viafirenzi.com 1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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Goods: Men’s and women’s clothing and shoes. Designers: Ginger Goff, Martinez Valero and Via Uno.  Owner:  Having taken over in July, new owner Kortnee Doss has big plans for the store, which will soon take on the new moniker ‘Verse Chicago.’  Vibe:  With a remodeling scheduled for January, Doss plans to give the boutique a more polished look with dark wood, a black-and-white palate and old family photos. Price Range: Moderate.  The Look: European. A travel-savvy shopper whose wardrobe boasts bits from Spain, London, Europe, Sweden and France .  Shopper’s Perks:  New designers are encouraged to showcase their work every Thursday night from 5pm to 7pm.  Doss also has deals in the works for a Fair Trade program with the Peace Corps.

Via Firenzi/Verse Chicago

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2008

Hunny/SheShe

*New Boutiques, -Accessories, -Jewelry, -Womenswear, Bucktown No Comments »

2027 N. Damen, (773)292-1120, hunnyjewelry.com 1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Clothing, accessories and jewelry for women. Owners: Charyl Witz of Hunny jewelry hooked up with Karen and Jen Nielson of SheShe clothing to open this all-in-one shop. “We like fashion and we like to work together,” says Witz. Designers: Clothing from Sir Alistar Rai, J Brand, Velvet, Fashion Spy, Rebecca Taylor, Alice + Olivia; jewelry from Lulu Frost 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: Moderate-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 and the Nielson girls are abreast of the latest Hollywood trends—many of the items in their shop are regularly seen on celebrity fashion icons.

Hunny/SheShe

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2008

Strut Boutique

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

1744 W. Division, (773)227-2728 1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Clothing and accessories for men and women. Designers: Miss Sixty, Beach Bunny, 213 Industry, Noir, Margaret Howell, Toxic Waste. Owners: Sisters Margaret and Aga Jankuc designed their Wicker Park shop to close the gap between high-end and low-end clothes and to offer a range of chic looks. Vibe: Prepped for a night out. The décor is stark, metallic and sleek; beats accompany try-on sessions, while video of runway shows plays in the background. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: Dinner at Hub 51 followed by drinks and dancing at rednofive. Shopper’s Perks: DJs often play at the shop, adding to the charm of the cozy confines, and monthly happy-hour shopping events bring the neighborhood together. Sign up for their email list and stay clued-in about sales, fashion shows and new merchandise.

Strut Boutique

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2008

Le Dress

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

1741 W. Division, (773)697-9899, ledresschicago.com 1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Dresses, jackets and wardrobe essentials such as Spanx and double-sided tape.
Designers: Betsey Johnson, ABS, Trina Turk, Julie Brown, Wendy Katlen. Owners: Sisters-in-law Eva and Robyn Anderson opened Le Dress because they wanted to provide feminine fashionistas with a mecca for dress shopping. Vibe: As feminine as its namesake frock, this shop is covered in pink walls, chandeliers and dresses as far as the eye can see. Price Range: Inexpensive-Moderate. The Look: From red-carpet events to Sunday brunch, Le Dress allows you to flaunt your feminine wiles at almost any occasion. Looks run the gamut from classic pieces to off-the-runway trends. Shopper’s Perks: While accommodating a multitude of style palates, Le Dress also provides monetary variety. Dresses range from $40 to $500.

Le Dress

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2008