4635 N. Lincoln, (773)728-0088, thedressingroomchicago.com 
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
Goods: Clothing, accessories and shoes for women. Designers: Forest-pixie-esque clothing by Gentle Fawn, denim by Red Engine and Joe’s Jeans, dresses and skirts by Skunkfunk. Owners: Barbara Ruiz and Sarah Sanchez opened this North Center boutique with the hopes of making shopping easy and fun again—especially for moms with tots in tow. Vibe: With easy-on-the-ears John Mayer playing in the background, funky wallpaper lining the walls and exposed pipes dangling above, The Dressing Room is something right out of Dwell magazine. Price Range: Moderate. The Look: On-top-of-it young mom who effortlessly taps into timely style (think Kate Hudson). If kids aren’t in your picture, think more daring Southport dweller. Shopper’s Perks: An increasingly diminishing kids’ play area (sorry kiddies, the shoes had to go somewhere) and plenty of goods from local designers including Deana Rose and Eli Diaz. The Thing for Spring: New lines include Renee C. and Sweater House.
1206 W. Webster, (773)935-7467 (No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
Goods: Women’s clothing and accessories. Designers: Trina Turk, Bailey 44, denim by Joe’s Jeans and J Brand, select pieces by owner Kate Krause Prange, jewelry by Ulia Carella. Owner: Well before boutiques were a Chicago sidewalk staple, Kate Krause Prange founded ShopGirl to bring designer clothes and good customer service to the North Side. Vibe: Chic brown and pink walls, and fashion-forward sales associates make ShopGirl the place to bring out your inner pretty woman. Heck, Julia Roberts herself has shopped here. Price Range: Expensive. The Look: Bohemian fabulous. A stateside Sienna Miller. Shopper’s Perks: Personal shoppers, in-store bachelorette parties and charity events, and—listen up, hubby—beer for the patiently waiting men.
3657 N. Southport, (773)525-6870 (No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
Goods: Clothing and accessories for men and women. Designers: Big Star, Joe’s Jeans, Rebecca Beeson, Michael Stars and 525 American. Owner: Jennifer Dulhanty took over the old Shane space after a twenty-two-year fashion-filled career. Past gigs include a sales-directing stint for the Stylemax show at the Merchandise Mart. Vibe: Taking a cue from its name, the vibrant cerulean walls give shoppers an instant uplift. Price Range: Moderate. The Look: Comfy and airy, yet still uber-stylish. With a focus on premium denim, Cerulean 1 is a great spot to pick up a new pair of soon-to-be-favorite jeans. Shopper’s Perks: This shop has partnerships with neighboring businesses, meaning a purchase at Cerulean 1 can lead to a discounted mani/pedi or a coupon for a fellow boutique. The Thing for Spring: Novelty tees from Rebecca Beeson and lightweight knits and summer sweaters from 525 American.
1659 N. Damen, (773)489-0101 (No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
Goods: Clothing and accessories for women and men. Designers: Jet Lag, Industry, Michael Stars, Flux, Ichabod, jeans by Hudson. Owner: Stephanie Riley, who’s been in retail since she was 13 years old, and named her boutique after her journalist father. Vibe: Calm, neutral hues and hardwood floors let an uncluttered vibe prevail despite a wall covered in newspapers and scripts from Stephanie’s father. Price Range: Moderate. The Look: Modern classics and easy separates are perfect for warm Friday night happy hours on the bar patio. Shopper’s Perks: New merchandise arrives every week, so shopping’s always a surprise. The back wall showcases one of every t-shirt Riley stocks, making it easy to find and try on the perfect shirt. The Thing for Spring: Men’s denim from Joe’s Jeans and brightly colored clothing for the ladies.
Cerulean 1 on North Southport Avenue may have only been open two weeks, but owner Jennifer Dulhanty has been in the fashion industry for twenty-two years.
“I used to work wholesale,” she says. Later serving as the sales director of Chicago’s Stylemax show at the Merchandise Mart, Dulhanty readily accepted the offer to take over the spot formerly known as Shane. “When he made the decision to sell, he called me, and I bit,” Dulhanty recalls. A wise choice, considering the speed at which items are flying off the shelves.
“All my pieces are all gone!” she exclaims, perusing her own racks. With a built-in clientele of former Shane shoppers, Dulhanty didn’t need to work too hard to gain an instant following. “All [the clients were] familiar with Shane,” she says. And while Dulhanty started with all-new stock, she made the decision to keep some of the same brands. “Why mess with a good thing, as they say?” she asks.
Named for the color, however, Cerulean I’s main attraction is denim—premium denim. “I think that’s important,” Dulhanty says. “Everybody’s wearing denim out for everything.” So which brand is best? “Big Star,” she answers without hesitation. “Their fit is amazing for both men and women.” Dulhanty is also a fan of Joe’s Jeans. “Aren’t they cute?” she asks, holding up a pair of wide-leg drawstring pants.
Also featuring items like 525 America hoodies and Rebecca Beeson tanks, Dulhanty says she considers her store the “most casual on the street,” although she expects to get into more high-end tops for women. “We already have them in men’s,” she adds. For now, Michael Stars is the number-one brand in the store. “Michael Stars’ dresses are fabulous,” Dulhanty says. “[We have them] coming in for fall with metallic threads in them.”
Clearly, the shop swap hasn’t hurt Southport’s style scene one bit. But for those still mourning the loss of Shane, take comfort. Dulhanty says she isn’t really planning on changing much. “Everyone on the street has a niche,” she says. “Mine is the more casual. I see us continuing to be successful.” (Nicole Briese)
Cerulean I, 3657 North Southport, (773)525-6870
