Nov 03
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.
Sep 23
1006 W. Armitage, (773)477-7505, armadioboutique.com 
(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
Sep 23
2959 N. Lincoln, (773)248-1996, yellowjacketvintageclothing.com (No Ratings Yet)
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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
Sep 23
1821 W. North, (773)486-4434,viafirenzi.com (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
Sep 23
2027 N. Damen, (773)292-1120, hunnyjewelry.com (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
Sep 23
1744 W. Division, (773)227-2728 (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
Sep 23
1741 W. Division, (773)697-9899, ledresschicago.com (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
Sep 23
2211 W. Roscoe, (773)248-1110, itsacoolerplanet.com (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Organic clothing made from chemical-free fabrics, shoes made from recycled car tires, eco-friendly housewares; messenger bags made from recycled bicycle inner tubes. Designers: River Blue Canoe, Under the Canopy, Simple Shoes, Oscar + Belle, Pixel Organics, Maggie’s Organics, Ag bags. Owners: Heidi Bailey and Krista White opened A Cooler Planet after they realized that many eco-friendly products were hard to find, and they wanted to help uncover beautiful, sustainable items. Vibe: Bailey says she hopes to create “a positive place for positive change.” That energy radiates through, as after one visit, you’ll embark on at least two “Save Mother Earth” missions. Price Range: From $2.50 for an organic chocolate candy bar to $1,500 for an organic mattress. The Look: Comfy-looking and eco-conscious blankets, soft organic towels, eco-friendly cleaning products and more make going green seem logical and fun—and a cooler planet indeed. Shopper’s Perks: With so many daily items featured here, eco-consciousness is inextricably linked to day-to-day activities.
A Cooler Planet
UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2008
Sep 23
1252 S. Halsted, (312)997-2411, gourmetclothing.com 
(2 votes, average: 3.5 out of 5)
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Goods: Men’s and women’s clothing. Designers: Salvage, Little Big, Heatherette, Meets the Wizard, Proper Tea, People’s Liberation, Monarchy, BB Dakota and Breathe. Owner: Jabari Jackson reinvented his former high-end women’s boutique, Breathe Clothing Lounge, into a more approachable shop that UIC students could afford—without losing a bit of style. Vibe: Staying true to its name, the store is actually decorated like a bistro, with cloth tables displaying tees and jeans. Furbished with stainless steel, the back room is “the kitchen,” where all high-end items are housed. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: In the heart of University Village, the store caters to the college crowd with a super trendy appeal. Embellished tees, premium denim and bold hoodies stock the shelves. Shopper’s Perks: Keep your eyes peeled for their “Gourmet Sampler” events, featuring live DJs, wine, cheese and sweet discounts.
The Gourmet Clothing Company
UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2008
Sep 23
1142 W. Taylor, (312)265-6647, capridolce.com (2 votes, average: 1.5 out of 5)
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Goods: Men’s and women’s clothing and accessories. Designers: More than 200 European-inspired designers are featured, including Ed Hardy, Grass, 575 Denim, Meltin’ Pot, Affliction and Sinful, as well as the store’s own Capri Dolce (Chicago Roma) red label. Owner: Marian Cotor brought his European style to University Village a little over three years ago. Vibe: Hip and trendy. In the heart of Little Italy, the influence can be seen in Italian flag murals and ‘Mafioso’ graffiti. Price Range: Moderate. The Look: Rocker chic. Details like shredded sleeves, lace, jewels and gems give the clothes a serious edge. Shopper’s Perks: With their own tailor, Capri Dolce offers free alterations on jeans, saving you the hassle.
Capri Dolce
UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2008
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.