New style in Old Town

Affordable sundresses, an array of colorful handbags and restyling old items into something new and chic: Yep, the shopping is good on Wells Street

By Jessica Kelmon

On a warm summer day, after coffee, brunch and sunshine, boutiquing is the perfect way to round out an afternoon. Because I have the inventories of my Armitage favorites — BCBG, Fox’s and Lori’s — ingrained in my memory, I pushed myself for a new experience in Old Town.

On Wells Street, just two blocks from the entrance to the Old Town Art Fair, are three stores that complement rather than compete with one another. In the first, you will find something you love; in the second, you can revamp something you no longer love; and in the third, you can find that holy grail of bags and accessories — something truly different.

Starting at Handle with Care at 1706 N. Wells, I defy anyone to not be able to find something they like in this eclectic shop. The store seems like three different properties connected by arched doorways. As you enter, the first section is fun, colorful and casual. Like a moth to a flame, I was compelled to pick up knickknacks and books immediately upon entry. “Bust Out” by Shirley Archer is like the grown-up version of “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” I found affordable sundresses, a healthy sales rack and cute, inexpensive baby gifts for that I-almost-forgot upcoming baby shower.

The second section is just a bit fancier … and just a bit pricier. If the first section embraced bright colors and casual chic, the second section is enamored with classics in black, navy and white. I contemplated two beautiful but less affordable sundresses and eventually moved on. The third section is decidedly upscale and, in my opinion, skews older, prompting me to take my purchases to the register and shop on.

The next stop was Eliana Lily at 1628 N. Wells. A Chicago exclusive, the owner of this boutique named it for her daughter. At first glance, it is a cute place to buy trendy jeans. But this shop is also the perfect place to stop and chat about fashion. The unique service offered by employee/designer Xochil Herrera is restyling old dresses, furs and other items into something chic, hip and new. Herrera first told me about a Persian lamb’s wool coat restyled into three handbags for a mother and her daughters. “So they could all share in it,” Herrera says.

Intrigued, I asked to see an example of a work in progress. From a vintage Armani man-style women’s suit jacket, Herrera tailored a cute new belted jacket. Cut to hit at the hip, the restyled jacket has short, slightly puffed sleeves and an open back. Giorgio would be proud.

Herrera recommends restyling for bridesmaid dresses, which can become a top, wrap or pillowcase as well as furs, jackets and other heirloom items no longer in use. Consultations are free, and restyling begins at $50 and can go up to $200 for some items, while work with furs starts at $150.

When it’s time to turn to bags and accessories, there’s Fabrice at 1714 N. Wells. Named for a French jewelry line they carry, this store has two sister locations in Paris. As you enter the store, a Friends-esque picture frame greets you with the store hours. Most items originate in France, with some exceptions. The shop hosts a series of unique, colorful handbags. One series of bags they carry features removable straps. The idea is to buy leather straps in your favorite color and, separately, buy different bags to match as the seasons change. Fabrice also has a collection of gift items such as ornate sachets, passport covers and colorful luggage tags that I personally like better than the Tiffany’s version (though notably they are priced the same).

On your short jaunt down Wells, you will pass Catering, Chocolate. The ultimate shopping experience should include a cookie or piece of chocolate to nibble while shopping. However, I think I spent too much time browsing the other stores, and by the time I arrived, they were sold out. I wish you better luck.

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