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Chicago Dress – Chicago’s resource to Dress Boutiques
Chicago is rich in Fashion history, beginning with its being the home of the country’s first mail order catalog from Montgomery Ward in 1872 to the completion of Marshall Field’s newest “world’s largest department store” in 1907 at the corner of State and Washington Streets.
Marshall Field’s was where everyone, not just Chicagoans, would flock to buy the latest dresses from Paris. In the late ninetieth and early twentieth century Marshall Field’s was an international powerhouse in wholesale and retail dress, as well as clothing manufacturing.
Even more interesting is how Marshall Field’s, Sears, Roebuck & Co, and Montgomery Ward set the stage for how we shop today: going out with our girlfriends, looking for a pretty frock, and having lunch afterwards accompanied by a glass of wine or two. Or why not just split a bottle between us? It is only 2 and half glasses a piece! Chicago offers some of the best retail therapy on the planet, and my suggestion is that you invest in your well-being and go buy that yummy mini-beaded crème brulee sheath. For goodness sakes, you deserve it! Visitors flock to the “Magnificent Mile,” and yes, there are some serious Grand Dames here, but may I suggest that you sneak away from admiring the gorgeous architecture and the incredible sculptures long enough to skip out to lesser-known neighborhoods to shop for that perfect little black dress.
Venturing out of the “Loop,” named for the looping route of the streetcars that were the transportation source to early downtown Chicago, you will be in awe of the grandness of this neighborhood. But pull yourself away, because you are in search of the wonderful local dress designers that are nurtured and supported by this fabulous city.
Just north of the Loop lies Wicker Park/East Village, home to several Indie Fashion Designers who offer unique styling that can be edgy and is always eclectic. The dress Boutiques in Wicker Park and East Village are must destinations to find that over-the-top majolica blue, empire waist maxi for the Galapalooza party. This is where Rock ‘N Roll meets Indie, and you want to let your inner Bohemian dance out in a frock that screams “Girl with an Edge.” There are some fun, fabulous boutiques carrying local artists and designers that are well worth a visit. This is where the next Gary Graham or Christian Siriano is launching their latest designs, which may include a leather sheath: so simple, but oh so hot. And no, you aren’t too old! Well, you aren’t if you are keeping up with your arm curls! Remember: 40 is the new 30, and you should be having fun. So go for it! And while you are bathed in leather, don’t forget those four inch Frye pumps in leather and suede, you rock baby!!
Maybe you are really drawn to the artsy side of Chicago; then travel a bit north from Wicker Park and you will find yourself in Bucktown, home to Gallery Point, the largest Artist Community in the Midwest. There is little differentiation between Bucktown and Wicker Park; they are both home to some fabulous independent dress boutiques that offer a cornucopia of style and design. Whether you are shopping for a statement piece to build your wardrobe around, or you just want a fun, flirty red dress with a bubble hem, when you see that killer frock on the rack you will know you have walked into the right boutique. By the way, the fashionistas who work in these local boutiques know their stuff because they live and breath art and fashion. Don’t be afraid to buy one edgy piece to work into your wardrobe, especially since you are also supporting local businesses, local designers, and local manufacturers. That’s what I am talking about! Many of these designers are incorporating organic cotton and bamboo into their dress production, along with vegan handbags and shoes. Look! You just landed an invite to the Arlington Million, one of the world’s most prestigious horse races! “Oh my god, I have nothing to wear,” you say to yourself. No worries, just skip over to Lake Shore Drive where the fashion insiders on the Gold Coast know how to put together the perfect ensemble for such a tony event. You are, after all, rubbing elbows with quite an eclectic crowd, and girl, you want to wear a bitching frock.
Are you wondering what is appropriate style for you figure? Pear-shaped means you are smaller at the top and your hips are a bit wide, so you want to choose a dress with a bateau, sweetheart, or even strapless neckline. If you are in need of a ball gown, look for one with layers that drape or is loose-fitting, and you will look gorgeous at that gala event in Beverly Hills. Those of you with an apple shape will want to dress in a baby doll or empire dress that helps lift the natural waistline; A-lines can work, but you’ll want to add some pattern to help hide your middle. Hourglass figures have many options: you’ll want to draw attention to your waist, so wrap or knit dresses work very well. Fullfigured ladies can look fabulous, and your local Boutiques in the South Shore Neighborhood can guide you in choosing a dress that accentuates the neckline. How about spaghetti straps with a scoop neckline paired with an A-line skirt, made of flowing fabric? Or a pretty V-neck with wide shoulder straps and a pretty belt to finish off the frock? No matter what you figure is, the fashion professionals who work in these incredible boutiques proudly put their reputations on the line when you leave with your new party dress. Because they truly care, when you walk into your next dinner party in Logan Circle, you will look and feel marvelous.
ACCESSORIES: SHOES, HANDBAGS, JEWELRY and more……..
Most people don’t get it, but we DO at Chicago Dress. And SHOES, glorious shoes are to die for. We know who your are, so we know you can’t pass up an ultra-cool pair of Maison Martin Margiela suede boots. Or how about those Diana Broussard low-heel satin pumps? Oh my god, check out the Chie Mihara black shoe-booties! If you have small ankles and equally small calves, go for Christian Louboutin screaming red stilettos when choosing a pair of shoes. If you inherited your mothers “cankles”-- thick ankles and wide calves -- choose neutral colors and wide heels and you’ll still be styling. Or how about a black patent Chlo’e or Tory Burch flat? When choosing your accessories, carefully consider the statement you want to make. Chic and sophisticated or fun and funky: whatever your style is, look for a common color or theme to bring the whole look together. For instance, if you want to wear a pair of lime green peep-toe platforms with your skinny jeans, try pairing them with a cute blouse that has the same lime green in the print. That keeps the focus flowing up and this will make you seem taller and thinner. Or how about zippers on your shoes combined with zippers on your handbag for a funky look? When it comes to jewelry and scarves, consider whether you are dressing for the office or a cocktail party. Ask your fashion friendly professional at any one of Chicago’s chic Boutiques to help you with updating last year’s ensemble; they are the best at what they do. As always, you want to draw attention to your best assets without looking inappropriate; that is especially true for our girlfriends who have a full bustline.
Jewelry is wide open these days, from fabulous costume pieces made with leather and pearls to long chain necklaces in silver or gold. Try mixing pearls with semi precious stones, or combining woven yarn and beads. I am sure you will find scrumptious pieces in Boutiques from the Loop to Lincoln Park, as well as anywhere along the East West corridor on Devon Avenue. The world is your oyster when you are shopping in Chicago!
Chicago Dress showcases some of Chicago’s best local Boutiques, and they can address your business, party, and wedding needs. Whether you are shopping for Couture, Indie, or Chic and Sophisticated, you are in the right city for fashion. Watch out New York: you may be the Big Apple, but Chicago may very well have steamed ahead when it comes to providing the perfect dress for those on Fashion’s cutting edge!
