Language

Old-Fashioned Glamour Meets Modern Style  

“We are not a one-stop shop for all people,” says Natalie Barber, owner of Language, one of Chicago’s chic-est little boutiques. 

“We are focused on a particular customer who shares our sense of style, the woman who loves to have some old-school glamour in her everyday life and wants each piece in her wardrobe to be special and timeless.” Indeed, her shop is filled with gorgeous pieces by designers who share her philosophy – you won’t find any boring clothes here.   

“We aren't interested in being a jeans and t-shirt emporium or a department store that sells lots of 'basics,' etc. We're only interested in very 'special' pieces, and we believe that our customers come here when they want something unique and really out of the ordinary.”  

The carefully edited merchandise currently includes Debra Rodman's pinafore dresses and bubble skirt dresses, Ingwa;melero's sexy dresses and tops, and breezy trapeze dresses by Fluet.   

The spring and summer look of Language definitely leans towards vintage-inspired pieces, such as ultra-short dresses and swingy, a-line silhouettes.  Delicate gold and silver jewelry by Iosselliani is also a favorite – “their five ring set is amazing,” says Natalie.   

While the boutique features plenty of pieces that are currently in vogue, Natalie says, “We skip over any trends that we find personally unappealing because we don’t want our customers to look in their closets in six months and say ‘what was I thinking?’ ”  

Despite her seemingly innate ability to select beautiful, wearable pieces, Natalie doesn’t have a fashion background. “I began my career in finance nine years ago as a CPA for Price Waterhouse Coopers and then quickly moved into investing – working for Standard & Poors and then most recently as a CFA & equity analyst for a large Chicago-based mutual fund for several years.”   

Fortunately for the local fashion scene, however, she realized that “my passions truly lie elsewhere and started toying with the idea of Language.” By the fall of 2005 she was ready to take the leap and Language opened its doors in March 2006.  

Natalie located her shop in Wicker Park because “it’s one of the last frontiers of Chicago shopping that hasn’t been completely overrun with national chains.” Although several chains have recently moved in (American Apparel and Urban Outfitters to name a few), the neighborhood has maintained its independent spirit and artistic vitality through locally owned boutiques, cafes, and galleries.  

She admires people who march to the beat of their own fashion drummer. “My celebrity dream customers are definitely Sienna Miller and Kate Moss – they follow their gut while everyone else is waiting to see which way the trend winds are blowing.” In addition, “They have a strong personal sense of what feels sexy to them; they don’t seem to care about the media’s perception of sexy, and I like that.” Natalie also enjoys Kirsten Dunst’s vintage-inspired style because of her willingness to take risks with her wardrobe.   

“I’m personally obsessed with seventies glamour; think Bianca Jagger and Halston mixed with a little Debbie Harry,” she maintains. “My own style is feminine and I’m almost always wearing a dress, but I keep it light and whimsical with little touches of vintage jewelry to dress things down a bit. The only time I’m not wearing a dress these days is when I’m wearing my braided high-waist denim by Grey Ant. I’m completely obsessed with this silhouette.”   

And Natalie definitely walks the Language talk: “My entire wardrobe is from the store!”  

If you can’t make it to Wicker Park, Language recently opened its e-doors with www.shoplanguage.com, and all first-time online shoppers will receive $20 off a purchase of $150 or more on any regular price item.

 

Language is located in the Bucktown/Wicker Park area:

1537 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
773.772.5744

www.shoplanguage.com

 

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See More of our Favorite Picks for Spring 2007

 

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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.