Two years ago Carlos Pascoll and Ellen Sax set out to open Chicago’s largest destination vintage jewelry and accessories. Every square inch of their space is jam-packed with carefully selected brooches, necklaces and bracelets. Beyond the bling you can accessorize new attire with nostalgic bags, belts and scarves.

With years of retail experience under their belts and a passion for vintage seen in their collection of rotary phones and typewriters, Ellen and Carlos have created a huge haven for the accessories enthusiast.  If vintage is your thing or if you’re looking for a unique piece to make an outfit pop you will absolutely find it here. When asked about her favorite item in her closet, Ellen confessed that it was a vintage Japanese silk jacket bought at a show that she initially wanted to display at the shop but decided to display it in her own closet instead.

Everyone who steps down into Vintage Underground is greeted with a sign that exclaims, “Come Down, It’s Fun!” The owners want to ensure that everyone who enters their vintage retreat has a unique and wonderful experience. You can sign up for their email list to receive emails about any of the fun events that have coming up including discounts, or wine and cheese parties. Of course, if you grab a ticket for You Just Shop’s upcoming vintage tour you can experience this firsthand with a 15% discount the day of the tour!

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Posted under Gems of the Month

I’ve always loved clothing. It started with fashion shows for my barbie dolls and continued through college and beyond when I worked retail.

One of my most memorable moments was in high school when I was visiting my grandparents. My grandparents haven’t thrown anything away since 1965 – including frozen food, canned food and probably beer, and of course, clothing. On this specific day my cousin and I were poking around in their basement – home of hidden treasures – and happened to find garbage bags full of clothing that had belonged to my uncle before, during and after his miliary career. In those bags I was able to restock my wardrobe with old school Levi jeans and fantastic ringer tees – which paired perfectly with my oversized flannel shirts and chuck taylor tennis shoes. Arguably not the most flattering look for girls of the ’90s, but stylish nonetheless.

Since that time, I have rocked bright orange bell bottoms worn by my mother and brooches that belonged to my grandmother. I have learned that vintage, when done properly, can be a unique (and sometimes cost effective) way of expressing yourself. Which is why You Just Shop is dedicating the month of June to some of Chicago’s best vintage stores concluding with a tour (including discounts!) showcasing these nostalgic gems. The shops featured carry everything from 80’s neon to suits that Jackie Onassis would have coveted.  Scared to wear vintage clothing?  Then settle for fantastic accessories. We will have a stylist on the tour helping you with the best way to modernize vintage pieces making this tour a perfect for vintage rookies or mavens.

Check back often to read about these shops that specialize in different time periods, and their owner’s vision.  Hope to see you on June 26th!

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Posted under Events

Who doesn’t love fashion and most of all who doesn’t love the fashion sported by the celebs on Gossip Girls!

On Monday, September 14,  You Just Shop and writer extraordinaire Jen Luby will host an exciting launch party for the new site, You Know You Love Fashion–A witty Gossip Girl fashion blog.

This is more than just a party!  This event will feature a fashion show, yummy appetizers and drinks plus we’ll watch the premiere of Gossip Girl.

If you’re a fan of Gossip Girl, join in on the fun and fashion!

Who: Fashion and Gossip Girl fans
What: Launch Party for You Know You Love Fashion
Where: Red Canary 695 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, IL
When: September 14, 2009 @ 7:30; $15 advance, $20 at door
Why: Fun, Fashion and Gossip Girl!

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Posted under Events

You Just Shop & Chicago Chocolate Tours hosts the ultimate girls night out with our second annual fashion and chocolate tour on Friday, September 4th @ 5:30 beginning at 900 N Michigan Ave.

We’ll taste delectable desserts at Sarah’s Pastries and Candies,  nibble on tasty truffles from Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland and indulge interesting flavors such as the BLT cupcake at More Cupcakes. 

In between our chocolate comma, we’ll stop by Luca Luca for the latest in high Italian fashion then onward to Water Tower to shop at the hip new boutique Aritzia.  We’ll end the tour with swag bags, champagne and style advice from one of our favorite Chicago-based boutiques, Akira.

So come join the fun and kick off the weekend the right way with sweets, treats and shopping!

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Posted under Events