Posts Tagged ‘Contrarian’

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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Eternal Trend: The Trench Coat

Monday, March 8th, 2010

Fashion is fleeting and ever evolving, but there are some staples that remain in vogue season after season. The trench coat is one of those. A classic go-to for spring and fall, this jacket was invented during WWI to keep soldiers warm and dry, and now we wear it for the same reasons—but mostly for its undeniable style, of course. Even in its timelessness, the trench has been reconstructed in a variety of ways this season. From ruching to ruffles, the designs may not be totally traditional in form, but they’re no less fabulous. Whether you’re looking for your first trench, an upgrade, or a new style for your collection, spring 2010 is bringing us loads of options that pack wearability and flair, with all the chic connotations the trench implies.

Clockwise from upper left:

1. Classic trench in khaki from Banana Republic ($198)

2. Gray linen-blend trench coat from Old Navy ($50)

3. Mike & Chris “Marlton” trench with detachable hood ($341; Fix; 1101 W Fulton Street)

4. White trench with full skirt by Contrarian ($538; SHE Boutique)

5. Purple “Duchesse Silk Knotted Epaulette” trench coat by Burberry ($2,795)

6. “Ink Trench Coat” by ASOS ($111)

7. J.Crew‘s “Icon Trench” in light khaki ($298)

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of Banana Republic, Old Navy, Fix Boutique, SHE Boutique, Burberry, ASOS, and J.Crew

Tags: ASOS, Banana Republic, Burberry, Contrarian, Fix Boutique, J.Crew, Mike & Chris, Old Navy, She Boutique, trench coat, Trends
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