Mint Boutique

“That Perfect Something”

Midwestern artists get top billing at Mint Boutique in Lincoln Park. Owner Melissa Tierney’s goal is to “provide a showcase for local designers and artisans who create quality goods.”

At the same time, her boutique is a treasure trove for shoppers who are looking for beautiful handmade items. It’s the kind of place where you’ll always be able to find that perfect little something.  

It's also the kind of place where you can find the perfect gift. Everything from hand-knit baby clothes to intricate beaded necklaces has a place on its well-stocked shelves. In addition to Melissa’s own line of screen-printed tees and tanks adorned with her signature phrase “Grateful Not Greedy,” there are scarves and shawls by She Complete, Italian leather bags and belts by Sharon Elaine, and jewelry by Juliet Jewelry, Alexis Drake, CC Bella and Rapt in Maille by Melissa Banks.   

Mint also hosts trunk shows from local designers and offers classes on subjects like jewelry-making and knitting. Melissa keeps the class size small to facilitate individual attention, so keep an eye on the website and be sure to sign up early in order to get a spot. It’s the perfect way to start a girl’s night out – make something sparkly and then wear it out the door!  

Some of the highlights when SeeMore visited the boutique were Lattees t-shirts (adorably packaged in cardboard takeaway coffee cups), hand-knit and naturally-dyed baby clothes, and canvas and rice paper bags from Malia Designs, a local company that is the definition of “shopping with your conscience.”

Their mission is to aid the Cambodian women and children who’ve been victims of human trafficking while promoting sustainable production with hand-crafted canvas and rice paper handbags "designed to carry the cause." Brightly colored and sturdy, these practical bags marry fashion with compassion.   

Mint also stocks handbags by Five Accessories, an Indonesian-produced line that donates five dollars from every item sold to the villages in Bali where the products are made. These two labels are just one example of the kinds of merchandise that Melissa seeks out for her shop – you won’t see anything mass produced here. “Mint is committed to the community and believes in supporting causes that work for the greater good,” she says.  

Other outstanding items include the deliciously scented Sweet As You Please candles, Treleela organic teas, and the variety of inscribable sterling silver items. The choices range from slender cuff bracelets (there’s enough room for a favorite quote or personal motto) to cake servers (the perfect bridal shower gift). Cuff Luv decorative cuffs are another favorite – a great, inexpensive way to liven up dull outfits. There is also colorful linen apparel, tons of cute t-shirts, and jeweled pet collars so that your favorite pooch can stay neck-and-neck with you in style.   

Speaking of dogs, Mint boutique is also home to Riley, who has to be the most unique “assistant” in town. He’s a rescued Cairn terrier who’s always ready to brighten your day with a welcoming face and a wagging tail.

Mint Boutique is located in Lincoln Park at:

2150 N. Seminary Ave (at the intersection of Seminary and Webster)
Chicago, IL
773.472.1322  

www.mintboutique.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.  04/07.