Jen at Battle of the Boutiques

Photography by Ace Ujimori

Jen at Battle of the Boutiques

Photography by Ace Ujimori

Last Friday night, six local boutiques took to the runway for the second annual Battle of the Boutiques hosted by Chicago’s own PoorLittleRichGirls.com. The lifestyle website attracted some 300 guests for an evening of fashion, fun and friendly competition. Amidst the flow of hors d’oeuvres, sushi rolls and lots of cocktails (all for a minute $25 cover), the stylish spectators filled the seats at Lumen and watched on as 2 Sisters Boutique, Wolfbait & B-Girls, Dress Up, Hubba Hubba, RE.STOCK Shop, and le Dress presented five looks that were both fashion-forward and affordable. At the end of the show, a panel of judges, including Chicago Sun-Times Fashion Editor Jessica Sedgwick, ABC 7 News anchor Karen Jordan, and “Project Runway” contestant Steven Rosengard declared the fashion champion.

As a whole, the evening reflected Chicago’s practical, accessible style mentality, as each outfit remained under the $200 mark and was totally wearable—not overly styled or overly serious. This made for a light-hearted show that was just plain fun for the attendees and the participating boutiques. “We had a great time,” says Julie LaBarge, owner of RE.STOCK. “Everybody did a great job on their outfits, and I really loved the outfits by 2 Sisters Boutique.”

From left to right: Looks by 2 Sisters Boutique, Hubba Hubba, and Wolfbait & B-Girls. Top Image from left to right: Looks by le Dress, Dress Up, and RE.STOCK Shop.

In fact, 2 Sisters Boutique won the runway competition after showing such looks as a ethereal teal frock and layered organza dress. RE.STOCK, which is Chicago’s only traveling designer boutique, pulled from its ever-changing inventory and showed pieces like a hooded sweater by local designer JLee Silver. Wolfbait & B-Girls displayed a range of hippy-chic-meets-urban-cool threads, and Hubba Hubba wavered between rocker glam and classic shapes that work for a variety of personal styles. Last year’s winner, le Dress, showed us five flirty dresses that had attendees longing for the warmer days to come. “It was fun to [compete] again,” says Eva Anderson, co-owner of le Dress. “Last year, we didn’t know what to expect, so this year we went in it to have a good time and show great clothes.”

Indeed, we did see some great clothes, but there was a more important message to be had: Chicago’s boutiques offer relevant and interesting garments that don’t have to cost a month’s rent. In fact, shopping at local boutiques is more critical now than ever, as our fashion community has drastically downsized in the past year. “This was a great event to have,” says Eva. “Especially nowadays when so many local boutiques have closed. People could come see what boutiques have to offer.” And Battle of the Boutiques showed us exactly that.

By Meghan Turner
Photography by Ace Ujimori
Special thanks to Kaitlyn Groth

Melissa at Battle of the Boutiques

Photography by Ace Ujimori

Michael at Battle of the Boutiques

Photography by Ace Ujimori

EVENTS

Battle of the Boutiques at Lumen (839 W Fulton Market)
Tonight at 7:30pm, PoorLittleRichGirls.com is hosting the 2nd Annual Battle of the Boutiques at Lumen.

The Vintage Bazaar at Dank Haus (4740 N Western Avenue)
On Saturday from 12pm to 5pm, more than 40 vendors will be at The Vintage Bazaar selling their vintage clothing and accessories at Dank Haus in Lincoln Square. Admission is free.

SALES

Mulberry & Me End-of-Season Sale (2019 W Division Street)
Thru the end of February, stop by Mulberry & Me for 50-70% off fall/winter clothing and accessories.

Eclectica’s Sale (1006 W Armitage Avenue)
Thru March 7, Eclecticais pricing their new samples and bestsellers from $79 to $99.

RE.STOCK Redux (1022 W Armitage Avenue)
RE.STOCK is extending their stay in Lincoln Park for a special 2-day sale this Saturday and Sunday. Designer clothing for men and women will be up to 80% off retail.

Image courtesy of Eclectica