I should've posted this a long time ago, but Inland Fashion is no more. We've become Style Expose. Same idea with the weekly stories, but much better ones, PLUS daily updates on anything and everything a fashion entrepreneur (or interesed fashion consumer) would want to know. 
Tonight (October 11, 2007) the Stitches Fashion Program is holding an event at the Underground. Get there between 9 - 10 pm for your chance to win gift certificates from the participating boutiques; Veruca Salt, Clandestine Industries, and SHE Boutique. Plus complimentary cocktails (each inspired by a boutique) are available from 9 - 10. Come and take a peek at some of Chicago's best boutiques.
Rooted in Japanese aesthetics, literally meaning a subtle beauty with a hint of complexity, Shibuy Hada puts a unique spin on ordinary clothing. Focusing on knits, owner and designer Kate Jacobsen hand makes her apparel from her Chicago studio. Based off Andy Warhol’s love of imagery, Kate sometimes puts her own drawings and photos into the cloth she makes. She’ll even do the same for you and custom-create your look with your own design or photo. Shibuy Hada’s pieces are elegant, creative, and might make you feel a little mysterious like the name suggests.
Kate comes from a family of craftsmanship, with her mom as a seamstress, and her aunt who dyed, spun, and wove wool. With a true passion for art, Kate grew up continuously creating beautiful pieces. She’s seen her fair share of the world, and was once a costume designer. All of this combines to create the look that is Shibuy Hada today. As a member of the Apparel Industry Board of Chicago and also of the Fashion Group International, Kate likes to stay involved in Chicago’s fashion scene.
Shibuy Hada Boutique and Studio
56 W. Maple
Chicago, IL 60610
312-274-9620
www.shibuyhada.com
Come view Kate’s newest collection at the Stitches Fashion Program/Chicago Professionals for Youth runway show on August 9th at The Underground in Chicago. Open at 8:30 pm, the runway show begins at 10, so make sure you get there in advance. RSVP to events@theundergroundchicago.com.
Catching the eye of every Chicago tourist this summer, Jake boutique really knows how to portray Chicago in the right light. Carrying known labels such as Alexander McQueen, Helmut Lang, and Missoni, Jim and Lance also highlight emerging designers such as NYC’s 3.1 Phillip Lim and Rag & Bone, and Chicago designer (and CEC client) Jill Alberts. Carrying both menswear and womenswear, the boutique sells casual clothing with an upscale twist. Young professionals flock to Jake boutiques to find those original pieces that show they know fashion.
Equip with the right know-how, Jim and Lance together make the business the success it is. Jim’s background is in retailing and merchandising, and Lance is an attorney. Lance handles the business side, while Jim handles the retailing aspects. The two participate in many fashion-related events in Chicago, closely involved with the Mayor’s Fashion Council and often representing the Chicago boutique perspective.
Jake sells its products online at www.shopjake.com as well as in its three retail locations. They are the Gold Coast, Lakeview on Southport Ave, and on the north shore in Winnetka.
Jake in the Gold Coast:
939 Rush Street
Chicago, Il 60611
312-664-5553
www.shopjake.com
When the big day finally arrives (wedding day that is), the ladies of Dame Couture can hand-make any woman’s dream dress. If the already-made Dame designs don’t exactly fit, don’t fret, Holly and Julie custom-create gowns for each individual bride. Each creation is classically and artistically crafted, and still manages to exude a modern touch. Leaving the bride comfortable and completely satisfied with her perfect dress, these high-quality gowns are truly one-of-a-kind.
With a love of sewing and of vintage clothes, Holly and Julie combined their talents to create Dame Couture. As a team with over 40 years of sewing experience, they really know how to tailor a piece to fit perfectly. Besides couture creators, Holly and Julie are both instructors at Columbia College. These women have had their hands in Chicago’s fashion community for a while. They are good friends of the Stitches Fashion Program and were featured on Metromix as part of it.
By appointment only:
Dame Couture LLC
4316 N. Elston
Chicago, IL 60614
773-463-2162
www.damecouture.com
Custom-made, high-end clothes are on every woman’s wish list. When she finally gets the means to acquire some of her own, she’ll know where to find them. For a customized, classic look with a European flair, Basia Frossard is the woman to turn to. Basia knows what it takes to create a sophisticated look sensitive to individual style. Whether headed to Europe, an evening gala, or just a day out, Basia’s clients are wrapped in luxury. Her pieces are modern, but still retain the classiness that creates a timeless look. Basia uses only the best materials and fabrics from all over the world including Italy, Egypt, and Spain.
Basia has been designing for over twenty years. She grew up in a small textile town in Poland and has studied fine tailoring in Poland and Vienna. Having spent her childhood in a communist town, Basia craved individualism. The art of tailoring sent her from Europe to America, and Basia eventually planted roots in Chicago. Basia is also involved in home interiors, and uses her talents and skills in both areas of design. Basia has been involved in Chicago’s design community for some time now and was part of the World Fashion Chicago runway show during Fashion Focus 2006.
Basia’s designs can be found at West Loop Boutique Koros, and she will be opening her own showroom in the West Loop shortly.
Basia Frossard Design
1715 W. Ohio St. Suite 1S
Chicago, IL 60622
312-226-5321
www.basiafrossard.com
As we at the Stitches Fashion Program always say, get online and get selling. Kate Boggiano is one designer/business owner who uses that advice as best as she can. Kate designs, manufacturers, and sells her products through her website, www.kateboggiano.com. The collections she creates follow the motto “a great fit creates a great look.” Pairing high quality materials with local manufacturing, Kate’s blouses and tops for women will outlast the average clothing line. Kate Boggiano also offers a custom-creation center, where customers can pick and choose to create a one-of-a-kind dress shirt. Fast delivery and quality customer care make this feature a winner. Look for it online in August 2007.
Kate is the sole owner of Kate Boggiano, LLC, which was officially founded November 2006. Originally from Chicago, Kate went to school at Indiana University and moved to NYC upon graduation. After catching on that Chicago’s fashion scene was about to boom, Kate returned to Chicago to start her own fashion company. Currently a member of many local Chicago design organizations including Gen Art, Chicago Fashion Foundation, Apparel Industry Board, and Fashion Group International, Kate does her best to immerse herself and her company into Chicago’s fashion community.
Kate Boggiano currently can be found at The Denim Loft in Geneva, Il. We suggest checking the online store, where you can buy directly from the site.
www.kateboggiano.com
BONUS!!
For all you blog readers, Kate Boggiano is offering Free Shipping using the coupon code: SUMMERFUN. The offer is valid July 1st – 31st, and is not valid with any other offer.
It seems like everyone now-a-days is becoming interested in culinary culture. With Ellie’s Party, your baby can too. The curiously cute phrases like “Sippee Cup Sommelier” and “Food Critic in Training” printed on bibs and onesies will make your friends and family unable to resist pinching your child’s cheeks saying “Aren’t you just the cutest thing ever?” For those of us who appreciate the finer things in life, and have an adorable little one running around, Ellie’s Party gear is just for you.
Jenny Davis has spent more than a decade in print journalism, both as a magazine editor and a freelance food and wine writer for publications like USA Weekend, Travel + Leisure, and the Chicago Tribune. After having her first child, Jenny combined her areas of interest and created Ellie’s Party. The company has been featured in The New York Times, Food Arts, the Chicago Tribune, Budget Living, and more. Jenny has offered a helpful hand in Chicago’s fashion community and the Stitches Program specifically. We believe this is a good reason to pop open a bottle of bubbly (for her, not the baby).
You can purchase these delicious items (made of 100% cotton) at www.cafepress.com/elliesparty. They can also be found at these boutiques: All She Wrote on Armitage, The Kid's Table in Bucktown, and Kid Biz. Shortly, they'll be available at The Copia Center for Wine, Food & the Arts in Napa, CA.
www.elliesparty.com
Ever wonder how women in New York City always seem to be wearing expensive designer labels? The truth is they didn’t pay full price. The secret lies in sample sales. With discounts as high as 90%, designer-lovers can fill their closets with high-end goodies, and still go home with leftovers in their wallet.
Chicago has now entered the sample sale arena, and Beta Boutique is leading the way. As Chicago’s first permanent sample sale, the Bucktown boutique provides Chicagoans will access to fashion-forward contemporary women’s samples and overstock from local, domestic, and international labels. You can find items from such designers as Cynthia Rowley, Alice & Trixie, and BCBG.
Former business strategist for Ann Taylor Stores Corp., Janice Moskoff took a risk when she quit her job and decided to travel the world instead. After realizing that she wanted to be an entrepreneur, Janice returned to Chicago in 2004 and opened Beta Boutique. Having grown up with an eye for a bargain, Janice was the perfect candidate to bring the sample sale to Chicago. Applause to Janice for taking a risk and bringing something fresh to Chicago.
Designers interested in selling at Beta Boutique can find contact information online at www.betaboutique.com.
Beta Boutique
2016 W. Concord Place
Chicago, IL 60647
www.betaboutique.com
Who doesn’t want their handbag to come attached with words such as ‘exclusive’ or ‘unique?’ Instantly giving its owner a touch of chic, Joelle Nadine Designs are beautifully crafted. Using only Italian leather and hardware, top-quality is a must. Working with only the highest-skilled craftspeople (an Italian standard no?), each creation is of master design and construction. Joelle, however, does not forget comfort, and she makes sure each piece is functional as well as stylish.
Maybe it’s the Italian edge that makes Joelle’s pieces so intriguing. She spent six years in the romantic country, designing for labels such as Versace Jeans Couture, Versus, Gianfranco Ferre Jeans, and Just Cavalli. Names like these prove she must be a hard-working girl. To add to that, before Italy she graduated from FIT in NYC and apprenticed for Marc Bower. Now back in her hometown, Joelle uses the skills she learned overseas to provide her customers with Italian-inspired, fine leather accessories.
Joelle Nadine Designs can be found at Chicago boutiques such as Elements and Florodora (in the South Loop). They can also be found in the suburban locations of Perlie (in Winnetka) and Excentrique (in Hinsdale).
Joelle Nadine Designs at Elements Boutique
102 East Oak Street
Chicago, IL 60611
312-642-6574
www.joellenadine.com
Calling itself “the place for the urban active lifestyle enthusiast,” Active Endeavors captures the energy of Chicago in its merchandise. Combining sportswear with modern, fashion trends, the clothes never fail to provide the perfect look for casual wear. Active has a cutting-edge ‘je ne sais quoi’ that so many companies strive for. Selling hard-to-find designer collections, Chicagoans come to Active for a look they confidently know is their own. Active Endeavors reminds you that being a trendsetter doesn’t mean you have to be uncomfortable.
Founded in 1985, Active Endeavors found its current Chief Executive Officer in 1995. Andrew became the CEO in 2000 when he streamlined the business under his management and continually pushed the importance of the company’s online presence. Being a devoted sports enthusiast himself, Andrew knows how to be comfortable and still look good. Besides Andrew, the whole Active Endeavors management team specializes in combining fashion and business smarts to create retail success.
Active has three store locations in Illinois: Lincoln Park, Evanston, and Glencoe. Active’s merchandise is also sold online at www.activeendeavors.com.
PS to designers: there’s a page on the website where you can submit your line to possibly become part of Active’s online catalog. It’s just another way that this company ‘actively’ (sorry couldn’t resist) supports Chicago’s fashion community.
Active Endeavors in Lincoln Park
835 W. Armitage Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
773–281–8100
www.activeendeavors.com
Kiwi’s Boutique provides Chicagoans with access to the some of the city’s most eclectic designers as well as those from Los Angeles, New York, and Atlanta. Shopping at Kiwi’s can be described as searching through your dream closet, full of imaginative clothes and funky accessories. Kiwi’s Boutique targets women ages 19-35 with a savvy taste whether for a night out on the town or to add a pop of style to Monday morning.
Chiquita White is the owner and self-claimed fashionista behind the business. She takes pride in her dedication to her customers, which keeps her boutique running successfully. She has an eye for the outstanding, and uses that in making Kiwi’s Boutique one of a kind.
Every last Friday of the month, Chiquita puts on a Girls’ Nite Out event. Held at the boutique, customers and friends are presented with complimentary “kiwi-tinis,” manicures, facials, make-up tips, fashion shows, style tips, giveaways, and more. Congratulations Chiquita on making shopping even more fun.
Kiwi’s Boutique is located near UIC, and can also be ordered online and shipped directly to customers.
Kiwi’s Boutique
1015 S. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60612
312-421-3322
www.kiwisboutiqueinc.com
We all love something that is limited in number. You get that special feeling that you have something that is rare and unique. Brynn creates limited edition handbags and accessories that give you that feeling anywhere you take it. Her fabric creations are bright and lovely, adding a flair of fun to any look. Her cotton, silk, and leather pieces are made with extreme care. Also, Brynn hosts handbag parties. If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, just ask. Brynn is dedicated to giving her customers their own look.
Brynn’s southern California roots are easily seen in her designs. Having always had a crafty knack for design, Brynn started creating handbags for her friends and family a few years ago. After realizing that her pieces had real potential, Brynn became a full-fledged business. She moved to Chicago, hand-sewing her handbags and accessories to sell. She then moved onto the next step and now produces her designs in the US in small quantities.
Brynn’s designs can be purchased online at www.brynnhandbags.com or found at Hazel, Steelo, and Wolfbait & B-girls boutiques in Chicago.
Brynn Capella
2318 W. Thomas St. #1R
Chicago, IL 60622
773.772.2778
www.brynnhandbags.com
Perfectly fit for a girl with an edge, Evil Kitty’s designs are bold and brassy with a flirtatious touch. Many pieces stamped with the Evil Kitty herself, the collections include lace-trimmed mini-skirts, striped arm warmers and hot shorts. Decorated with ribbons, leopard print and safety pins, the adventurous collections are complemented with an upscale couture line featuring elegant fitted dresses and jackets. Nevertheless, Evil Kitty always keeps her frisky attitude.
Lidia Wachowska began her career in Chicago at the age of 19 when she moved here from Poland. She attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and began Evil Kitty after she and her boyfriend designed the character. She has since then expanded from t-shirts to couture, leading Evil Kitty down a successful path. She has received generous amounts of press coverage for her unique designs including features in Chicago Fashion Week 2005, AIBI’s “Chicago is…Red Hot” runway show during Fashion Focus 2006 and ABC Chicago Channel 7 News.
Evil Kitty’s products can be bought directly online through their website www.evilkitty.net as well as at KOI 8 boutique in Chicago and 2 Sisters Boutique in Park Ridge.
Evil Kitty
6166 N. Sheridan #6B
Chicago, IL 60660
www.evilkitty.net
Including jewelry and clothing from Chicago designers such as Doris Ruth and Kristen Amato, Red Head Boutique offers a wide range of items for the woman who craves comfort but enjoys unique style. Shoppers enjoy a relaxing atmosphere and their choice of what has been deemed “very cute” pieces of clothes and accessories. The boutique also has a large collection of jeans where all body types will find the perfect fit. Concentrating on collecting different colors and textures in what she puts in her store, Kerry is constantly adding to and changing what is sold in her boutique. All the better for customers to find unique and individualistic pieces while enjoying a fun shopping experience.
You guessed it. Kerry’s inspiration for the store name was her hair. Kerry Judy handpicks everything in her boutique, generally stocking only one item per size. The boutique has been hailed by Lucky and Chicago Magazine as a one of their favorite stores, highlighting the girlish-glam appeal of the boutique.
Red Head Boutique is a great place for women with a flair for a fun yet sophisticated style.
Red Head Boutique
3450 N. Southport
Chicago, IL 60614
773-325-9898
www.redheadboutique.com
This all-men’s retail boutique in Bucktown offers mid to high-end apparel and accessories. Giving Chicago men a sense of style, the boutique carries labels such as John Varvatos, Marc Jacobs, and Michael Kors. Casual looks are key, but each piece manages to create a polished look. With a variety of products and labels from grooming products to footwear, any man can find something he enjoys.
Sisters, Amy and Sarah Blessing named their store after a Tammy Wynette song. The pair has another Apartment #9 boutique in Los Angeles. The Chicago boutique opened in November 2001. Through Apartment # 9, Amy and Sarah give men a unique sense of style that is hard to come by in the Midwest.
The boutique is located in Bucktown on Damen Avenue. Customers can find pieces that are stylish and polished, yet are still able to retain a masculine look.
Apartment #9
1804 North Damen Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60622
773/395-2999
One of Chicago’s top luxury, fashion boutiques, Ikram supplies the city’s well-heeled clientele with today’s top styles. Ikram offers women creations from established designers such as Zac Posen, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Proenza Schouler. Located in Chicago’s Gold Coast, the store itself provides a soothing experience as owner Ikram Goldman adds a personal touch to every aspect of the store. Customers are drawn to Ikram when searching for that perfect evening gown, sophisticated work-wear, or glamorous cocktail dress.
Ikram is named after its owner, who’s work has put her in the forefront of luxury in Chicago. It’s been said that she has a second sense for selecting the best pieces to be sold in her store. Ikram also collects fine, vintage pieces to sell at her boutique. Her selected pieces are normally hard to come by, giving her a unique niche in the Chicago luxury market. Success has followed Ikram with coverage in publications such as Vogue, the New York Times, and Chicago Business Magazine.
Ikram sells luxury women’s apparel, jewelry, accessories, and shoes. The store is open Monday through Saturday until 6:00 pm or by appointment.
Ikram
873 North Rush Street
Chicago, Illinois 60611
(312) 587-1000
www.ikramonline.com
p45 offers trendy apparel and accessories for women. Styles run across the board, from sophisticated to sexy. Each piece, however, has a unique common quality – it is created by an emerging designer. p45’s mission is to provide an outlet for young designers to begin selling their collections. No designer included in the store is mainstream. This goes beyond just the clothes, featuring designer’s biographies on the website and occasionally hosting events to support the fashion industry.
Tricia brought her dream into reality when she partnered with Jessica Darrow and opened p45 in October 1997. Both Jessica and Tricia worked at the Body Shop Skin and Hair Care Company, admiring founder Anita Roddick’s sense of business ethics. Although Jessica has left to pursue non-profit work, p45 continues to be an innovative source for Chicago fashion. Featuring local, emerging designers, Tricia goes out of her way to support the Chicago fashion community.
The boutique is located in Wicker Park on Damen Avenue. Pieces are also for sale online at www.p45.com.
p.45
1643 North Damen Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647
773-862-4523
www.p45.com
Handmade doesn’t even go far enough to describe the work and craftsmanship that’s put into each and every bead in Sandy’s jewelry designs. Made up of hand rolled clay beads, her pieces are high in quality and exotic in style. Each colorful bracelet, necklace, earring, etc is part of either her couture, one-of-a-kind, or seasonal collections. As a philanthropic effort, Sandy creates specialized lines for her Charity Bead Collection.
Sandy’s inspiration for her designs spawned from her love of gardening. Many of her designs correlate with the colors and palettes of the seasons. After being certified in Radiology, a stay-at-home mother of two, and working as an x-ray technician for the Chicago Bulls, Sandy put her creative efforts towards She Beads beginning in 1993. Since then, Sandy has gone from basement production to 30 plus employees and a 4,000 square foot production studio. She Beads represents more than just jewelry. It’s an artisan craft that represents hard work and creativity.
She Beads can be bought online at www.sbstore.com or at stores across the US, which are listed on the website. Sandy also holds home parties and has a storefront location.
She Beads Boutique
729 Ridge Road
Wilmette, IL 60091
www.sbstore.com
2002 marked the opening of the first Akira store, a women’s boutique, on North Avenue in Bucktown. Just five years later the company has expanded into six locations and includes full-lines of womenswear, menswear, footwear, and accessories. The pieces are fashion forward and trendy, bringing fresh clothing and accessories to Chicago. Customers can find something for every occasion from casual daywear to elegant eveningwear, plus find some shoes and accessories to go with it. Even better, everything is budget-friendly, perfect for its core audience of 20-35 urbanites.
The three owners have meant to keep Akira a local institution, showcasing local designers and highlighting Chicago as a fashion capital. The owners love meeting new people and take pride in their customers’ support. The stores’ growth has proven Akira to be a success. The company also sponsors local events and fundraisers, and puts on fashion shows featuring their pieces.
Menswear, Footwear, and Accessories boutiques can be found near the womenwear location along North Avenue in Bucktown. There is a shoe store on State Street downtown and women’s store in Lincoln Park.
1814 W. North Ave. (women’s)
Chicago, IL 60622
773-489-0818
www.akirachicago.com
