Posts Tagged ‘Lance Lawson’

Trading Spaces

Wednesday, August 4th, 2010

Last night I made a long-overdue trip to a new boutique I’ve been dying to check out for months. space 519 in The 900 Shops is the latest brainchild of Lance Lawson and Jim Wetzel, the former owners of the infamous Jake boutique in the Gold Coast. After Jake’s highly publicized and messy closing, the two opted for a slight change in retail concept. space 519, named after its spot in the mall, took the art, design and fashion worlds and bundled them under one roof.

I shopped the mixture of well-curated books, apothecary, clothing, nail polish, furniture, house wares, jewelry and more, while chatting with Jim as he showed me some of his favorite goods. As we walked around sniffing luxurious candles, fondling cashmere dresses and ooh-ah-ing over a supple leather clutch (that will be mine when it arrives in black!). He described the boutique as “our version of a general store.” It’s definitely a general store for the style-conscious only—those seeking wardrobe and home additions that add a little oomph to their life or someone else’s (the gift ideas are amazing). From the retro-inspired furniture and décor to the J Park drawstring dress, the selection makes this shop anything but ordinary.

By Meghan Turner

Image courtesy of space 519

Tags: Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Shopping, J Park, Jake Boutique, Jim Wetzel, Lance Lawson, space 519, The 900 Shops
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Jake Boutique Shutters

Sunday, March 28th, 2010

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

Tags: Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Sun-Times, Jake, Jim Wetzel, Lance Lawson, Oak Street Shopping
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