Boutique C'est Chic: IKRAM Chicago

Ever wondered whose responsible for the artistic direction of these fabulous windows that sometimes stops us in our tracks as we're in passing? Well, COCA just happened to be in the 'right place at the right time' to meet the man behind those elegant headless mannequins at IKRAM Chicago.

Meet Shane aka 'OMG these displays in the window are fabulous' and today's Boutique C'est Chic inspiration. My experience at IKRAM outside staring at the windows were just as exciting inside - the staff, very welcoming and knowledgeable about everything in the store, especially the Tom Binns jewelry [CFDA Fashion Award Winner 2006 Accessory Designer of the Year] bejeweled around the necks of the mannequins, take a look below.

Thanks to IKRAM Chicago and Shane, COCA really appreciates your time and effort during out visit - We'll keep in touch!

ATTENTION SHOPPERS: July 1st, IKRAM Chicago will begin it's 40% off SALE including clothing, shoes and accessories ... Mark your calendars ladies, it's time to go shopping!

New Arrivals @ SHE Boutique ...

Black Halo - Keyhole ruffle sleeve dress, $345

Grey Ant - Plain front overalls, $292

Soni & Cindy - Stephanie Blouse, $225; Grey Ant - Low trouser shorts, $135

If you're in Chicago stop by and visit SHE Boutique or log on to www.shopsheboutique.com

limitless in life + style ...

If you're ever in Vegas check out the FRUITION Squad or hit them up online, here.

FRUITON LV
4139 South Maryland Pkwy
LV, NV 89119
702 7964139
info@fruitionlv.com

Boutique C'est Chic: JAKE

ABOUT JAKE
Recently named as one of DNRnews.com's Top 50 Retail Stores, Jake's product assortment features collections from both emerging and established designers. the environment is clean and modern with a heavy focus on exceptional customer service delivered from sales professionals who have roots in luxury retail. jake is also about the perfect pair of jeans — offering a carefully edited selection of the worlds best premium denim lines. we are committed to showcasing unique and wearable items for men and women and select our collections with attention to fashion, fit and timeless style. I guess when it comes to being named one of 50 Top Retail Stores, chances are you'll pay 'Top Dollar' as well ... But, it's that adrenaline rush of exclusivity that keeps consumers coming back.

Jake operates three retail locations in chicago and sells goods online at shopjake.com.

Loeffler Randall - Charcoal Round Toe Covered Platform, $575

Valentino Roma - Grey flutter sleeve turtleneck, $475.00

Brian Reyes - twill/herringbone cape trench, $800.00

Boutique C'est Chic: Shi by Journey's

Not to be a StyleSnob, but malls aren't my cup of tea and if I should ever visit one it's only to acknowledge the saying ... When in Rome, do as the Romans.

So, last week I visited a few of my Jones family members in the stix of Indiana (yeah, yeah - whatever, I received plenty of rest, laughter and experienced some good cooking). Apparently, besides sports, the racing tracks, burning leaves and dining, the next best thing to do was the mall. Thank God for The University Park Mall in Mishawaka, Indiana - I don't know about you, but to visit another city besides your own calls for shopping in my family and that's what we did.

Of all the stores throughout the mall, I'd say only 3 caught my attention - COACH, Swarovski and Shi by Journey's boutique. The store's atomosphere was wired and the sales associates were chic and extremely attentive. Not to mention, the prices were very affordable and the buyer's choices weren't bad either. And I'm a sucker for a great clutch, especially if its texture is exotic, colorful and odd shapes ... I'm sold!

Check out a few of my fav choices from Shi by Journey's, or visit the site here.

Multi-color Snake Clutch, $30

Mod Clutch, $25

Stripe Bag, $25

Ethnic Clutch-yellow, $20

Boutique C'est Chic: Funkshion

Lifestyle boutique Funkshion combines fashion, music and nightlife for the perfect shopping adventure

There's no secret that the Wicker Park and Bucktown areas offer a plethora of boutiques for all your fashion fetish needs. The emergence of these areas as definite go-tos for shopping caused for an onslaught of media attention. Because of this deserving over-exposure of Wicker Park and Bucktown, I originally steered away from covering any boutique in the city's most talked-about fashion neighborhoods. However, that was until I learned of Funkshion (2121 W. Division, 773-697-4120).

The boutique truly specializes in an original lifestyle of attire. Ninety percent of the brands carried in the store cannot be found in any other boutique, department store, or underground clothing shop in the city. Brought in from places ranging from Israel and London to Turkey and Asia, owner Omar Hussain ensures that his boutique carries a style of dress that fulfills only you. In fact, T-shirts are only available in one size each to further establish that only you have it. Some popular brands carried are Jason Wu’s crazy doll modeling Fashion Royalty, Elliot Hans and Kaya B’s worldly inspired line, Literature Noir, and celebrity favorite, Rare. Expect to pay anywhere from $120 to $300 for a pair of jeans, dresses go for between $60 to $400 and T-shirts range from $30 to $200. Take advantage of the store’s personal shopping as well. Definitely hit up Funkshion on Saturdays, when a DJ is brought in to spin some house or Brazilian samba while complimentary drinks are served to customers. DJs Victor R, Billy the Kid and Infinity are just some of the DJs who have played at Funkshion.

Funkshion has the luxury of having the feel of the lobby of an upscale European hotel with the function and practicality of a clothing store. The perfectly spaced racks of clothes are a mere accent for the store’s very open and sexy interior design. Adding to the whole European theme, the accessories are featured on a wall that is decked out with vintage French and British Vogue covers and magazine spreads. Just past the accessories wall are the fitting rooms — or fitting spas, as I like to call them. Pony hair walls and a sliding door with the body outline of a very sexy woman could quite possibly make a customer think a shower is in store instead of some fittings. Owner Omar Hussain has started an approaching trend of a lifestyle boutique that blends fashion, music and nightlife into one element that dazzles and styles his customers into a three-dimensional social being. – Terrence Chappell

For more Chicago fashion coverage by Terrence of UR Chicago Magazine click here.

BOUTIQUE C'EST CHIC: SHE Boutique

I ab-so-f&cking-lutely heart boutiques and thirft stores and I plan to share some of my favs with my C.O.C.A STYLE familia periodically. The second boutique feature is SHE Boutique located in the stylish community of Lincoln Park ... pure hauteness!

I must admit, my first experience with SHE about a year ago has made me a lifelong fan. Yeah, the prices are a bit steep, but the buyer's selections are very precise and consumer savvy ... you won't be unsatisfied.

As long as your shop guarantees the consumer non-trendiness, the non-Amber Alert Syndrome (chick from Clueless who double-backed Cher's ensemble) and continuous PH-Certified (pure hauteness) merch - I'm elated and you'll make our list ... take notes and check out some of these pieces I've selected.


Grey Ant Jacket, $550


Kova & T, $155


Nanushka Jacket, $425


Crispin & Basilio Pouf Mini Soft Gingham Skirt, $305


Nuj Novakhett Scott Print Skirt, $225

Raf Simons Plastic Aviator (Dark Blue), $275


YaYa fling scarf, $220

PURCHASE POWER
Lincoln Park Location:
SHE BOUTIQUE
1024 W. Armitage
Chicago, IL 60614
Phone #: (773) 880-8061

Highland Park Location:
SHE BOUTIQUE
483 Central
Highland Park, IL 60035
Phone#: (847) 926-0150