Posts Tagged ‘Chicago Sun-Times’

Jake Boutique Shutters

Sunday, March 28th, 2010

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Jake’s owners Jim Wetzel (left) Lance Lawson (right)

Another day, another Chicago boutique closes its doors. It’s an unfortunate reality for the city’s retail industry, as the economy is leaving our boutiques crumbling in its wake. The latest victim on the list: Jake on Oak Street. Frankly, though, we can’t say this shutter surprised us. Back in July when the New York Times exposed the boutique’s inability to pay back its vendors, a closing seemed inevitable. That closing will come at the end of the month, and that doesn’t necessarily mean good things for the designers whom Jake owes money. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, “Designers owed more than $500,000 are unlikely to receive anything, said Dan Zazove, an attorney representing about 25 designers.”

Many of those designers had a profitable relationship with Jake in the past. Once a trio of flourishing boutiques (the Lakeview and Winnetka stores closed in 2008 and 2009, respectively), Jake’s owners Lance Lawson and Jim Wetzel built their reputation on bringing emerging designers to fashion hungry Midwesterners. But, like so many large and small retailers are experiencing as of late, shoppers aren’t spending their money on luxury goods.

This isn’t stopping the two burly men from continuing their retail adventures. Also according to the Sun-Times, they “plan to pursue other ventures, including opening a concept store in the 900 North Michigan Avenue building soon” and “a home goods store in the fall.” Jim told the newspaper, “We’re looking to focus more on home goods, men’s and women’s accessories, apothecary, small luxury items, like the latest electronics.” Clothing won’t be included in the wide mix of goods.

We wish them luck this time around.

By Meghan Turner

Image courtesy of the Chicago Sun-Times

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Battle of the Boutiques

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

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Looking for something new to do next Friday night? Chicago lifestyle website PoorLittleRichGirls.com is hosting its second annual Battle of the Boutiques at Lumen, where local stores will compete for the title of “most stylish” boutique. This year’s contenders include Wolfbait & B-Girls, 2Sisters, Hubba Hubba, Dress Up Boutique, and RE.STOCK, who will compete against the 2009 defending champ, le Dress. Each boutique will present five looks that will be judged by former “Project Runway” contestant Steven Rosengard, Chicago Sun-Times Fashion Editor Jessica Sedgwick, ABC 7 News anchor Karen Jordan, and the audience. B-96’s Showbiz Shelly will be the evening’s emcee.

Doors open at 7:30pm, and the show ends around 10:30pm. General admission tickets are $25 and include two hours of complimentary cocktails courtesy of Ultimat Vodka & PAMA Liqueur, appetizers by Hub51, swag bags, and giveaways. VIP tickets are $35 and provide access to the VIP lounges (a guaranteed seat for the show), deluxe swag bags, and champagne. Attendees will also have the opportunity to shop Studio-808, which will feature accessories by local designers.

For tickets, click HERE.

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Maria Pinto Closes Her Doors

Monday, February 15th, 2010

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Maria Pinto’s Spring 2010 collection

This economy has claimed the careers of too many Chicago fashion designers and boutiques, and now Maria Pinto has announced she is among them. Since 2008, the designer seemed to be rising to the top on the hem of her custom creations for Michelle Obama, but the crippling slip in the luxury market proved too difficult to overcome. Having also designed garments for Oprah and the uniforms for the 2016 Chicago Olympic bid, Maria made quite a name for herself in Chicago and elsewhere, but on Saturday, she told the Sun-Times she has terminated the Maria Pinto label and is closing her West Loop boutique.

In a statement to the Sun-Times, Maria said: ‘‘After 20 years of pursuing my greatest passion and striving to build a successful high-end fashion business, the time has come for a new chapter in my life. I am confident that the ‘Maria Pinto’ name will not go away, but will merely take a break, before emerging in a new form. I plan on using the next several months to explore different avenues and opportunities for business, as economic conditions improve.”

We look forward to seeing what that new form will be, and we hope we see it soon.

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of Maria Pinto

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