Posts Tagged ‘Sass & Bide’

Boutique Profile: GAVIN

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

Given the impressive selection of boutiques and stores scattered throughout Chicago, it’s hard to fathom shopping outside the city limits. Unless we need glassware or end tables from Ikea, why visit the ‘burbs, right? Well, here’s why: GAVIN boutique (1939 Central Street). Though slightly off an urbanite’s beaten path, this Evanston shop competes with some of the city’s best boutiques, making the 30-minute commute more like a fleeting joy ride.

LEFT: LNA ripped leggings ($110); Elizabeth and James “James” jacket ($395); LNA strapless bralette ($50); House of Harlow pearl shoe ($225); Janis Savitt emerald cut earring ($127); Annie Costello beaded fringe necklace ($305); and a silver disc ring from Morocco ($142). RIGHT: Rory Beca shorts ($165); Heartfelt top ($184); Allison Schiller bracelets ($120- $125); Trina Turk jewel crusted ring ($88); and Allison Schiller necklace ($295). Top Image: LEFT: Lauren Cavallo Runzel, GAVIN’s owner, in a Gryphon silver sequin top ($310). RIGHT: Elizabeth and James “Jett” jacket ($595); Wilt cropped top ($126); and Elizabeth Cole lion head earring ($105)

Lauren Cavallo Runzel, GAVIN’s founder and an ex-runway model, opened the shop earlier this year. Since then, she’s played host to shoppers from all over Chicagoland. They come for the goods, atmosphere and welcoming staff. This trifecta tugs fashion-lovers heartstrings—a very debilitating weakness—who seek more than just an amazing selection. Upon encountering the charming storefront, a thoughtfully curated window display beacons shoppers’ entry. It opens to a sleek, cozy space that not only promises the thrill of shopping but also the calm respite of relaxation. The oversized couch, cushy throw pillows, black lacquered floors, sparkly chandelier, and antler wall fixtures create an atmosphere that’s traditional, rustic and comfortable, balanced with splashes of modern glamour.

LEFT: SASS & BIDE bones top ($100); Elizabeth and James blazer ($395); Vintage1 jeans ($207); Marc Bernstein Egyptian trip wrap bracelet ($92); and Erickson Beamon earrings ($298). RIGHT: Allison Schiller gold earrings ($135); Meg McGuinness leather fanny pack ($298); Elizabeth and James sleeveless boyfriend shirt ($245); Genetic Denim “Shane” cigarette jean ($180); Elizabeth Cole gold chain bracelet ($68); JADEtribe shell bracelet ($44); Celine set of four bangles ($188); and Elizabeth Cole Virgo necklace ($78)

Part of that glamour hails from the extensive selection of contemporary labels, both well-known and up-and-coming. For such items to make their way into boutique, they must fulfill three criteria: “chic, cool, and a bit badass,” as Lauren describes GAVIN’s aesthetic. “I try to buy some old favorites, like J Brand and Alice + Olivia, plus some new designers we discover, like Agent 001. Regardless, I avoid what other stores like Barneys and Neimans sell.” This rationale gives birth to a shop that has something for everyone. With designers like Elizabeth and James, Gryphon, House of Harlow, James Perse, and SASS & BIDE on the hangers, the selection is rooted in different design sensibilities. Some are rock ‘n roll, some are girly, some are ethnic, some are glamorous. It creates an interesting mix that makes roaming the racks an addicting adventure for women of different ages and styles. “I love the refreshing atmosphere of the young and old shopping here together,” she says.

 
LEFT: Torn by Ronny Kobo Paris tee ($75); Gryphon gray cardigan ($310); Mima earrings ($148); mother of pearl ring from Morocco ($172); Allison Schiller pyrite memory bracelets ($125); and Goldsign white cutoff shorts ($150). RIGHT: Elizabeth and James sequin Tokyo top ($365); Lauren’s belt from Morocco; Goldsign “Bon Bon” pleated shorts ($180); Kain Label pocket tank ($78); silver stone ring from Morocco ($292); Allison Schiller pyrite memory bracelets ($125); JADEtribe small prayer bead bracelet ($32); and Elizabeth and James cross earrings ($105)

This atmosphere may have something to do with Lauren’s shopping excursions with her six children (the store’s actually named after her second-born daughter). She understands the importance of addressing different styles, without letting the selection or experience suffer. By using her role as a mother and background as a fashion model, she tantalizes customers with must-have fashion, an inviting space, and staff that’s more like girlfriends than sales people. It’s quite the dynamic trio even if it is outside the city. As Lauren says, “Everyone finds something they love at GAVIN.”

Written and produced by Meghan Turner
Photography by Ace Ujimori
Model: Lauren Conrades
Special thanks to Maia McGinley

Tags: Alice + Olivia, Allison Schiller, Annie Costello, Barneys, Céline, Chicago Boutiqes, Chicago Shopping, Elizabeth and James, Elizabeth Cole, Erickson Beamon, Evanston, GAVIN boutique, Goldsign jeans, Gryphon, Heartfelt, House of Harlow, J Brand, JADEtribe, James Perse, Janis Savitt, Kain Label, Lauren Cavallo Runzel, LNA, Marc Bernstein, Meg McGuinness, Mima, Rory Beca, Sass & Bide, Torn by Ronny Kobo, Trina Turk, Wilt
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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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