Posts Tagged ‘Alexis Cozzini’

Boutique Spotlight: Sarca

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010

Unlike most chain stores, boutiques offer an experience. The limited, handpicked selection and intimate, singularly decorated setting go beyond the mere exchange of money for goods. At a boutique, the anticipation of not knowing what you’ll find and how those items will be presented makes the excursion less predictable and far less drab. When I found Sarca, predictable and drab flew right out the storefront window.

Sarca found a niche that separates it from other local boutiques. The shop’s highly edited selection is loaded with Chicago-exclusive labels that fill a breathtaking, rustic-glam space—complete with an antler chandelier and cowhide rug. Located in the Gold Coast, Sarca only opened in November of 2009 and has already found its client: a woman who wants impeccable clothing, shoes and accessories without worrying that she’ll see it on countless other women. “She’s someone who appreciates fashion and wants to stand out,” says Alexis Cozzini, the store’s owner. “She wants something different and wants to be styled.”

Alexis, 27, often styles shoppers herself: another perk that comes with visiting this boutique. She can usually be found in the store helping her customers find that perfect ensemble regardless of the occasion. From cocktail dresses to deconstructed jeans, Sarca has labels you know and many you probably don’t. Like a fashion awakening, the store serves as an introduction to international and up-and-coming designers—like Bourne, Jane Carr, Liza + Tara, and Generation Love—that can’t be found elsewhere in the city. Since Alexis only orders a small sampling of each piece, that designer selection also ensures exclusivity, thus a lack of disgruntling street repeats.

Clockwise from upper left: Pink cage shoe by Leopoldo Giordano ($445); garments available at Sarca; lavender“ dress by Contrarian ($400); Alexis Cozzini, Sarca’s owner; “Deco” cuff by CC Skye ($245); and the “Odyssey” open-toe pump by Ruthie Davis ($1,095)

The pieces Alexis sells are statement makers. This isn’t the place to find your everyday basics. The selection fuses girly, sexy and edgy aesthetics without being overly trendy. The designs build on classic sensibilities to create fresh and interesting interpretations through dramatic cuts, luxe embellishments, and bold patterns. You can find a lavender cocktail dress by Contrarian (above) that’s perfectly sweet in the front, but a backless cut makes it a little naughty too. Or there’s a relaxed Jonathan Saunders tank that’s a little psychedelic and a lot rock ‘n roll. And the shoes? Oh, the shoes… The selection is incredibly vast for an independent clothing boutique, and the designs are beyond lust worthy. Sarca’s impressive shoe collection includes designs by Tania Spinelli, Leopoldo Giordano (both Chicago exclusives), and Ruthie Davis.

The label selection goes on and on with names like Camilla & Marc, Jen Kao, Markus Lupfer, Sass & Bide, CC Skye, and Damen+Division.  Whether seeking wardrobe additions that are understatedly cool or full-out glamour, Sarca will expand your label awareness and provide a unique fashion experience from the moment you walk through the door.

Sarca, 710 N Wabash Avenue, shopsarca.com

Written and produced by Meghan Turner
Photography by Ace Ujimori and Kaitlyn Groth

Tags: Alexis Cozzini, Bourne, Camilla & Marc, CC Skye, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Shopping, Contrarian, Damen+Division, Generation Love, Jane Carr, Jen Kao, Jonathan Saunders, Leopoldo Giordano, Liza + Tara, Markus Lupfer, Ruthie Davis, Sarca, Sass & Bide, Tania Spinelli
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Slam Dunk

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

Layup? Point guard? Bank shot? I don’t speak basketball, so March Madness is one of the last things on my radar. This month, though, March Madness is taking on a new meaning. The very posh Tocco (1266 N Milwaukee Avenue) is hosting March Madness for the Fashionista, a month-long series that features four Chicago boutiques: Koros, Sarca, Veruca Salt, and Havilah. Tocco emptied its in-house window display so each boutique can present a weeklong fashion installation of their favorite spring items. Presented in the aforementioned order, each boutique’s designated week will feature a special event in its honor. In addition, when shopping at these stores this month, you will receive a 10% discount to Tocco. If you’ve never been to the chic Italian eatery, you’ll immediately see why the venue is a complementary setting for such an event, and these boutiques—some of my favorite in Chicago—are sure to present some impressive garments. Eating while you window shop. That’s a winning concept in my book.

Here’s a look at each boutique’s event being held at Tocco this month:

KOROS

Koros (1039 W Lake Street) is currently on display at Tocco and features its sensational spring collection (shown above). The reception will be on Thursday, March 11 from 7 to 9:30 pm. Koros radiates the joy of style and offers must-have basics and to-die-for collections, all hand picked by owner Kristen Skordilis. With an innate sense of style, Kristen’s selection includes designers from across the world and close to home.

SARCA

Sarca (710 N Wabash Avenue) will make its Tocco debut the week of March 15, 2010. The reception will be on Thursday, March 18 from 7 to 9:30 pm and will feature internationally acclaimed fashion label Sass and Bide. This new Gold Coast boutique founded by Alexis Cozzini is packed with exclusive lines from all over the world,  catering to women who appreciate exquisite and unrivaled clothing and accessories.

VERUCA SALT

Veruca Salt (1921 N Damen Avenue, 520 N Kingsbury Street) will show off its latest fashions at Tocco the week of March 22, 2010. The reception will be on Thursday, March 25 from 6 to 9 pm, with a trunk show featuring owner Amber Warren’s signature English Muffin line that combines high fashion and everyday wear. Veruca Salt thrives on carrying items customers truly love to wear, including emerging and established designers.

HAVILAH

Havilah (869 N Larrabee Streeet) will be showcasing its finest spring fashions at Tocco the week of March 29, 2010. The reception will be on Thursday, April 1 from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Havilah’s selection is as unique and fresh as the boutique’s name, which is a biblical reference meaning abundance of blessings and precious jewels. Shoppers find comfort in Havilah’s selection and welcoming atmosphere.

By Meghan Turner

Tags: Alexis Cozzini, Amber Warren, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Events, Havilah, Koros, Kristen Skordilis, March Madness for the Fashionista, Sarca, Sass and Bide, Veruca Salt
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