grit.

lincolnparkafterdark | homage to o.p.i.

so fourth of july was 1 part pool party, 2 parts bbq, and 3 parts frolicking around lincoln park. summer is all about relaxation and carefree living, hence the whimsical vibe of my holiday ensemble.

sir + madame

 Friday, Isaiah (dynasteeshop.com) and I got the opportunity to attend the Sir and Madame release party on 938 N. Damen Ave. If you've ever shopped at Soulmates Chicago, you'll quickly realize that this is the sister store to that establishment. Sir and Madame offers funky ecclectic fashions and accessories with moderate pricepoints. The set-up is small, temper your quickness to assume that the selection is vast. Varied maybe, but not vast. I got a chance to chat with one of the buyers for womenswear, Autumn. She was wearing the store logo tank with a fierce bowtie ring that's to die for.

 

I also found these cute textiled Osborn oxford shoes, priced at $140.

eskell

Eskell | 1509 North Milwaukee Avenue

The cutest shop on Milwaukee Ave. I absolutely loved the design aesthetic of Elizabeth Del Castillo's clothing line, Eskell. The concept is fresh, contemporary, whimsical fashions for that Chicago girl in a New York State of Mind.

Store-owner and designer Elizabeth also features a small selection of vintage frocks and accessories.  A little on the pricier side, Eskell still champions structure, premium fabrics, and generally well-made garments.

US #1 Vintage x 2

US #1 Vintage |  1460 N Milwaukee Ave

If you've ever stumbled upon a vintage shop in Wicker Park with an extensive array of shoes, purses, and clothing straight out of decades past, you've probably visited US #1 Vintage on Milwaukee Avenue. Better known as, "the store with the guy with the dog," I generally implement a browse til you find strategy whenever I'm back in Chicago. One of my favorite finds here was a luxurious mink coat. Skip the so-called designer bags, which are quite questionable in authenticity. However if you need a great looking pair of Frye boots or a killer leather jacket, look no further. What's great is that they opened up a newer component to the store right across the street.

Marcus from @ dynastee browsing through the leather bombers jackets

lenny + me

Lenny + Me Home | 1459 North Milwaukee Avenue

an interior design buff's heaven. doctor's sacs. suitcases, typewriters, stylized light fixtures, aprons, chairs, etc. orgasmic overstimulation for the eyes.

saint alfred

Saint Alfred | 1531 Milwaukee Avenue

For the fashionable fellas, if you're looking for fresh kicks, graphic t's, and just a cool place to hang out on a Saturday in WP, check out Saint Alfred. Since 2005 they've been equipping Chicago's cool kids with the accoutrements of chic streetwear.

got my vans on...

it all started in heaven

1550 Milwaukee Avenue | Heaven Gallery

artist space. music performance. occasional vintage sales. heaven on earth. if you are in chicago july 3rd, as much as it pains me to inform you of my new haven for fashion, you must visit their blowout sale. they've invited tons of vendors, slashed prices, etc. it will be amazing. below are some of my favorite snapshots from my visit with Alma, a chicago-based fashion designer and curator of style.

The space normally functions as a gallery. It was such a delight to see a multi-disciplinary approach to the curation of art and culture.

Jewelry, hats, accessories galore!

A Chanel-inspired floor-length chiffon gown. to die for. It's a vintage reconstruction from the fashion director's fall line. love it.

$22 handcrafted earrings. I will be going back Saturday to pick these babies up.

 Shiaparelli-inspired frock with mink overlay.

Shoes. shoes. and more shoes.

 My favorite purchase. A fox collar for my winter escapades. D.I.E.

Heaven it truly was.

the v spot

Traveling and exploring is growing into one of my favorite pastimes. The caveat to this passion of mine, is that I often encounter great places to just vibe and shop. Chicago, my second home, is no different. To chronicle my return to the windy city, I'll be posting a series of features on vintage shopping in one of my favorite areas of the city, Wicker Park. And it all started with this one special place in mind. Updates soon!