Lissa on Maxwell

High Style in the South Loop 

Located on historic Maxwell Street in the South Loop’s University Village, Lissa on Maxwell is an outpost of high fashion in a neighborhood not otherwise known for its style.   

That’s quickly changing however, as trendy restaurants and upscale spas and salons move into the up-and-coming neighborhood. “I chose the South Loop because it’s an exciting, emerging neighborhood and I wanted my boutique to be a part of its growth.”   

Unlike many high-end boutiques, Lissa has a remarkably welcoming atmosphere. Filled with merchandise from small labels and budding new talents, the interior is all clean lines and warm lighting (it’s very flattering).   

“I like to discover ‘best-kept secrets ,’ " says owner Melissa Shipley. She focuses on less recognizable names, like Castle Starr, Madison Marcus, and Tony Cohen. However, it’s a credit to her remarkable taste that some of the collections she carries are becoming increasingly popular. “I like to develop new designers and carry lines that no one else has, but some of my designers are starting to become better known.”  

Originally a CPA, Melissa was always creative and loved to express herself though fashion. “After working for a few years I decided that I wanted to do something different. I come from an artistic family and they’ve been incredibly supportive.”   

She spent several years planning before opening her eponymous boutique in November 2006.

“I look for pieces that are feminine and little bit romantic but still modern.” Lissa is not the place to look for disposable trendy fashion, although she does buy the trends that appeal to her sense of style.

There’s a distinctive elegance to everything on her racks – these clothes are investment pieces that you’ll wear forever.  



“One of the biggest things I’ve learned since opening Lissa is how to combine the pieces that customers want with my own personal style.” Currently, shoppers will find Grecian-inspired cocktail dresses by Tony Cohen, perfectly-tailored jackets by Smythe, and graceful wide leg pants from Castle Starr.   

Although celebrities like Cameron Diaz and Angelina Jolie would look right at home in her stylish selections, Melissa says, “I’d rather have local working women shop here than celebrities – I want my shop to become an important part of the community.”   

Next fall, Melissa plans to maintain her buying maxim of  “the less recognizable the designer, the better” with new lines out of Brazil and San Francisco. “We’re doing some higher waists for fall, more trouser styles and wider legs in general. I’m getting away from the tent dresses and babydoll silhouettes and looking for something sleeker.”   

She’s buying plenty of black, gray, and midnight blues at the behest of her loyal customers: “It’s the color palette that Chicago women want.” Shopping at Lissa is also a learning opportunity, thanks to Melissa’s “Behind the Buy” placards detailing the careers and philosophy of the labels she carries.  

Besides the excellent service, the fantastic merchandise from the fashion industry’s rising stars, and the exciting atmosphere of one of Chicago’s trendiest neighborhoods, there’s still one more reason to venture to the South Loop to visit Lissa – the area has some of the cheapest and easiest parking in Chicago.  

Lissa on Maxwell is located in the South Loop/University Village area:

729 W. Maxwell St.
Chicago, IL 60607
312.563.9470  

www.lissaonmaxwell.com 

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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.