TK Men – Lindsay McKay

As one of the only true “men’s” boutiques in Chicago, TK Men is more than just a place to buy clothing. Shoppers are encouraged to play xBox, watch TV, and down a PBR while shopping. The store is a collection of labels that cater toward the modern man. With pictures of Playboy magazine adorning the walls, this men’s boutique gives its customers what they really want.

Growing up close to her brother, Lindsay McKay is no stranger to the “boys’ world.” Interested in fashion, she studied fashion marketing in Milan. After learning from different parts of the world, she landed jobs as a stylist for TV shows in New York City and Los Angeles. Eventually she set her sights on opening TK Men in Chicago. The boutique has recently been featured in such publications as Time Out Chicago, Chicago Magazine, and the Chicago Sun Times.

The boutique targets men who like to play, but look nice while doing it. Items include specialty ties, blazers, and boots. There’s also a collection of casual t-shirts, jackets, and belt-buckles.

1909 W. North Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
773-342-9800

www.tkmen.com

K. Amato Designs – Kristen Amato

With a tagline “every girl should have one,” K. Amato Designs capture the femininity and modernity of jewelry today. Made with gold or silver, her up-to-date designs are detailed but light, adding elegance to those who wear them. Kristen’s earrings and necklaces are also reasonably priced, adding to their attractiveness. She does, however, offer a tailor-made wedding design service where she creates one-of-a-kind pieces for a bride’s special day. Also, this summer, she is releasing a couture line. Truly jewelry that every girl can appreciate, K. Amato Designs are expertly-created, beautiful pieces.

Kristen went to college planning on becoming a chemist. Eventually, she worked in human resources, but began designing jewelry in 2002. Her inspiration was creating affordable, trendy jewelry, which is exactly what she has done. Her designs are now in over 50 boutiques, 32 of them in Chicago. K. Amato Designs have been featured in national publications such as Women’s Wear Daily, US Magazine, and Lucky. Most importantly, she is a Chicago jewelry-design success story, finding her market and knowing how to sell her pieces to them.

K.Amato Designs
1229 W. Diversey
Chicago, IL 60614
312-882-1366

www.k-amato.com

Lee Allison Company - Lee Allison

Offering whimsical and high-quality designs, Lee Allison Company contains an array of cosmopolitan neckties, bowties, cummerbunds, formal vests, and more. All of the fabrics are designed by Lee Allison himself, giving his products a distinguished look. His signature neckties, made of 100% European silk, can be found in various Chicago boutiques. Produced in its own Bucktown studio, Lee Allison Company’s merchandise are a perfect example of Chicago-made products.

Formally an investment banking analyst and a Harvard Business School graduate, Lee Allison started his company in 1995. With virtually no prior fashion experience, he is living the American dream, designing and selling his own creations.

A list of national Lee Allison product carriers is available online. Chicago boutiques featuring Lee’s designs include Apartment Number 9, Hinsdale Clothiers, and the W Hotel Gift Shops.

Lee Allison Company
1820 West Webster Avenue, #401
Chicago, IL 60614-2927
773-276-7172

www.leeallison.com

Orlando Espinoza

Truly one of Chicago’s top designers, Orlando Espinoza creates pieces that make his female clients shine with modern, sophisticated beauty. Collections composed of silk and jersey dresses, tops, and skirts take women from day to night. Expertly tailored cuts and ruched detailing give each Orlando Espinoza design a distinct look. Orlando’s clients are strong yet subtle, something every Chicago women should be.

Originating from Los Angeles, Orlando worked in the fashion industry for over ten years. In the late nineties, he started his own label, moving to Chicago about five years ago after becoming captivated by its visual beauty. Since then he has been gaining national recognition as a Chicago-based designer. He was featured as one of the Macy’s 47 in fall 2006. Through this, his designs were sold at Macy’s in a department of the store dedicated to local talent. Orlando also serves as Co-Chair on the Mayor’s Fashion Advisory Council that was formed in 2004. His efforts to improve the community as a whole make him a prominent name in Chicago fashion.

Orlando’s designs can be found in over nine Chicago boutiques and also online at http://www.secondcitystore.com/store/home.php.

Fountainhead Building
1932 South Halsted Street, Suite 200
Chicago, IL 60608
312-829-4009 (appointment only)

www.orlandoespinoza.com

Jill Alberts Jewelry – Jill Alberts

Molding together the old and the new, Jill Alberts creates one-of-a-kind luxury jewelry. From gold, lacey necklaces to pearl, pendant rings, each piece has a vintage quality about it that appeals to many of today’s fashionable clientele. The collections’ historical presence reminds present-day wearers of past luxuries that Jill continues to create today. These elegant pieces can be worn with anything from casual-wear to evening gowns.

Formally an American politics professor, Jill had a calling for jewelry design that she could not ignore. With a strong passion for antique and vintage pieces picked up at estate and flea markets, Jill expertly crafts old pieces into new designs. What started as a hobby turned into a career when boutique owners and buyers came to her asking for her pieces. In a little more than four years, Jill Alberts’ designs have been featured on celebrities such as Julia Roberts, Kirsten Dunst and Halle Berry. They have also become a personal favorite of actress Debra Messing.

Jill Alberts Jewelry can be found at fine retailers across the U.S. including Bergdorf Goodman in New York, Helen Yi in Chicago and Material Possessions in Chicago and Winnetka. A list of where to buy is located on the website.

Jill Alberts Jewelry
847-681-1630

www.jillalberts.com

Michelle Tan Designs - Michelle Tan

Michelle Tan Designs are refined yet adventurous. Crafted in basic colors, brown, blacks, and tans, Michelle takes risks in texture and fabric. Often leaving seams unfinished, her overall look is edgy and upscale. Looks are meant to be worn more than one way, transferring from one purpose to the next. This unusual combination has given her success in the Chicago market. Michelle opened her own boutique in Bucktown featuring her designs as well as a few hand-picked others.

Michelle started designing at the early age of eight. Her first design was made out of newspaper, since then she has moved onto silk, wool, and cashmere. A graduate of Chicago's International Academy of Merchandising and Design, Michelle has been successful right from the start. It wasn’t easy, but she eventually started to see a return on her designs. She plans to give back to Chicago fashion and help other emerging designers by providing space in her boutique for brand-new designers.

Michelle Tan
1872 N. Damen
Chicago, IL 60622
773-252-1888

Evlove Intimates - Jenny Dombroski

Evolve Intimates match lingerie's allure with the comfort every woman deserves. These pieces can be bought online or designed directly by the consumer, allowing her to create a completely unique look. Made with high-quality fabrics and trimmings, Evlove Intimates combine luxury with comfort and style. Women can go online to the design studio or have a home party to create their signature piece of lingerie.

From corporate consultant to lingerie designer, Jenny Dombroski calls herself a “lingerie enthusiast.” After teaching herself what she could about the industry, Jenny began Evolve Intimates in 2004. She felt that women had the right to create lingerie that was truly intimate, something no one else had. Her passion for the industry and belief in her products has put Jenny on the path to success. Recently, Jenny revealed the world’s largest thong (20-feet wide) at her company debut fashion show.

Evolve Intimates are available online. Home parties are also available. Please see the website for details.

www.evloveintimates.com