A Fashionable Haven in the Heart of Wicker Park
Jade’s soothing green walls and graceful antique furniture just beg passers-by to stop in, and the racks of luxurious clothes and cases of unique jewelry encourage them to stay awhile.
Owner Laura Haberman has drawn upon her extensive experience in fashion and retail to create a precious jewel box of a boutique in one of Chicago’s most stylish neighborhoods.
“After many years of working in the fashion industry as a stylist, style writer and sales staff, I knew that ultimately I wanted to open my own business.” After researching many different ideas and possibilities, she decided on women’s clothing and accessories, because “it was basically what I knew best and was truly passionate about.”
She’s stocked up on some of the biggest trends for the upcoming season. “This summer, it is all about the dresses. Every shape and style is in, but especially baby doll, a-line and smock silhouettes. They may not be the best for every body type, but they do hide a lot of imperfections!”
Short, breezy looks are also popular, and especially flattering when paired with high wedges or platforms. “My favorite pieces right now are a Mara Hoffman one-shouldered minidress in a green vine print and M by Missoni wedge shoes,” says Laura.
Some items that are currently all the rage at Jade are the T-Bags long and short cotton dresses. “They come in solids and bright, fun patterns, and they’re perfect for day to night dressing” Laura advises. In addition to tunics and dresses, "M from Misssoni cardigans in classic zig-zag prints have been flying off the shelves. These timeless knit pieces can be dressed up or worn with jeans, and they always draw plenty of compliments.”
Although the boutique carries loads of up-to-the-minute labels, Jade is unique because "we don’t cater to every trend, but rather seek out styles and designers that will stand the test of time.” Laura’s own look meets this standard: “I don’t like to chase trends. I wear pieces I feel good in and that make me happy.”
Her own best advertisement, she encourages customers to experiment with their own wardrobes by mixing and matching pieces from the store. “I try to wear items from Jade, but I do shop other places when I travel. My favorite piece right now is a Mike & Chris Sheldon jacket that feels like sweatshirt, but has a flattering, feminine cut.”
Next fall, she’s getting away from the skinny jean with tons of high-waisted, wide leg denim and pants. “We’re also doing knit sweater/jacket/capes that can be worn in multiple ways, shawls from M by Missoni, tissue-thin sweaters by Dear Cashmere, tees by Aude, and so much more.”
In addition, Jade brings exclusive labels to Wicker Park by playing host to numerous trunk shows and shopping events.
”I lived on Milwaukee for five years before opening Jade and always felt it was the perfect place for a boutique,” says Laura. “The area still has its own eclectic, grungy, meat-packing district feel, but there are tons of young families and singles in the apartments and houses nearby.”
In spite of the recent rapid growth of Bucktown and Wicker Park, she feels that the area will maintain its individual character. If the locally-owned businesses are any indication, the area shows no sign of losing its artistic, creative spirit.
Jade is located in the Bucktown/Wicker Park area:
1557 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
773.342.5233
www.jadechicago.com
See More of our Favorite Picks for Spring 2007
Store photos courtesy of Jade.
SeeMore Shopping Contributing Writer – J. Zenn.
We recommend checking with stores for product availability. Suggested prices may change without notice. SeeMore Shopping strives for accuracy, but is not responsible for errors or omissions.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. SeeMoreShopping incurs all expenses associated with reviews. Publ. 05/07.
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