Boutique of the Week: AliKat

AliKat

499 Pennsylvania Ave.

Glen Ellyn, IL

(630) 469-5760

Do you remember the 21st night of September (2006)?  Because that's the day the urban-meets-suburban, super-chic boutique, AliKat, opened its doors for the first time.  The date was just a coincidence, but they all get a kick out of it it looking back.  Owner Sandy Moore had a career in financial services for twenty years.  After taking off a few years to be a mom, she wanted a career that she could invest in while still being available for her family.  Always an aficionado for local businesses, and an avid fashion lover, she opened AliKat.  

For many, a boutique thrives on the idea of potential.  Just the idea of stepping into a little world of retail bliss, searching around and finding something that truly calls to us is enough to keep us going.  Sandy completely relates.  "When we go on vacation, we seek out little boutiques, I love searching for those unique finds," says Sandy.  AliKat definitely provides that exciting sense of mystery with all its amazing detail.  Since recently expanding the store, it offers even more.

In all of its magic, AliKat draws upon a certain impeccable style.  Sandy's friend and employee Didi chimed in: "Sandy's brought her personal style to the business.  She's stayed true to it while she's been here."  Among her style values is the belief in quality denim.  AliKat carries the big names: Hudson, AG, Joe's, Lucky, Miss Me.  In my humble opinion, the jeans area is probably the coolest part of the store!  Sandy's devotion to denim shows. "When you're wearing great jeans every day, it's the best investment you can put into your wardrobe.  I'm sold on the quality of jeans."

Always keeping her ear to the ground, Sandy keeps track of the needs and changes in AliKat's hometown, Glen Ellyn.  Ever since its opening, AliKat has constantly been changing its inventory to meet the needs of the people of Glen Ellyn. After noticing there was no pet store, Sandy brought in (very, very cute) pet supplies.  Also wanting to offer more of an assortment of gifts, Sandy carries great cards and even Uglydolls!  (If you're not hip to the Uglydoll craze, you are missing out!)  "I was trying to fill the void in downtown Glen Ellyn that was missing.  We've evolved and I'm really comfortable with where we are," explains Sandy.

Love what you see?  Want some of it for yourself?  AliKat is graciously giving away a Nakamol crystal beaded cuff bracelet.  All you have to do is use the raffle widget below to enter.  Better yet, if you make a trip into AliKat and fill out a client card, you'll get TWO entries! 

 

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Boutique of the Week: Fuschia

Fuschia

538 Duane St.

Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

(630) 469-7465

shopfuschia.com

Located right in downtown Glen Ellyn, Fuschia offers an impressive variety of high-end labels, bringing city fashion to the suburbs.  Owner Ashlee Rooney sat down with me to offer a peek into her world.  Fuschia has become quite a staple in the area, claiming its stake since 2004.  Ashlee explains why she opened: "I moved from the city and there was nowhere to shop."  Coming from a place where there are boutiques at every turn, a move to the suburbs was a shock to the system for Ashlee.  "There must be other people, too," she thought.  Thus, Fuschia was born.

The look is sharp and sophisticated.  Even a little Alice in Wonderland when it comes to the checkerboard floor.  Don't be fooled, though, the sleek environment comes with a warm and inviting atmosphere.  "People come here and hang out all day.  We want people to just come in and feel like they don't even have to shop," says Ashlee.  And, it's true.  Our conversation was littered with jokes and laughter.  Ashlee takes fashion seriously in that she respects the FUN of it!

She has had so much success with the Glen Ellyn location, she opened up a second store in Geneva.  Better yet, though the two stores share the same name, everything is different between the two.  "Rebecca Taylor here is different there," explains Ashlee.  Even better?  If you see something in Geneva, and you're going to Glen Ellyn, Ashlee will arrange for it to be brought over for you!  "We are like a caravan every day."  Speaking of Rebecca Taylor.... recognize the blouse from this post?  I had to stop and catch my breath when I saw it!  :)

 

If you're just as floored by the variety of pieces available as I was, it's all due to Ashlee's serious love of fashion.  "I just have a sickness and I love clothes," Ashlee explains with a certain air of melodrama.  In all seriousness, though, every single item that I saw, I wanted.  The place is packed, floor to ceiling, with the hottest labels like Milly, Rebecca Taylor, Tibi, Michael Stars, and more.  The best part is that she only orders a certain amount of pieces in each style, giving the store a whole lot of variety.  "Things come into the store every day.  It's like Christmas every day.  Our UPS man is Santa." 

Go to shop, go to hang out, go to laugh along with Ashlee, just go.  And mention that you read this blog post and get 10% off.