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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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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You Just Shop hosted the DePaul Couture Club for an inside look at Chicago’s best designers and boutiques.  The ladies started in Pilsen at the studio of Orlando Espinoza.  His beautiful Spring collection dazzled the girls!

We then headed a few blocks East to Lissa on Maxwell, where owner Lissa Shilpley shared her experience owning one of the best boutiques in Chicago.  Another hidden gem that we uncovered is on CanalPort at the studio of Kate Boggiano.  Although not open to the public, Kate opened her studio and let us in on the creative process involved in crafting her custom shirts and dresses.

Last but certainly not least was Wolfbait & B-girls in Logan Square.  The ladies met with co-owner Shirley Kienitz and got the inside scoop on this boutique, which only features Chicago designers and artists.

The ladies ended the day with tasty treats from Swirlz cupcakes.  A perfect ending to a perfect day of learning, shopping and fun!

Check out the video link below of the Inside Design Studio Tour:

http://animoto.com/play/1u3xbz0MOTN0fwtQYvfsyA

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We at You Just Shop wanted to wish everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day. We know how difficult the winter can seem and are just as glad to have a holiday to take our minds off the freezing temperatures and icy sidewalks. Over the next couple of weeks, we will be profiling 3 local stores who specialize in empowering women through their sexuality. Valentine’s Day is traditionally seen as time to spend with a significant other but we think it’s very important to remember to love yourself and your body and feel that these businesses define that concept.

Our first shopping showcase is G Boutique. G Boutique is a locally owned shop offering all things pleasureful. It opened because owners, Cheryl and Kari, felt like there were no places in the city where women could go to seek out advice, apparel, or accessories related to their sexuality. The store was founded as a space for women to feel comfortable searching for ways to satisfy themselves and their partners in a happy, safe sex life. Anything from demure lace nighties to sexy satin teddies can be found in this one-of-a-kind Chicago boutique. Or if you’re looking to add a little spice to your experience this year, they also carry a wide range of toys such as the We-Vibe, The Magic Banana and The Pleasure Commander. Looking for something new and different for your girlfriends do? Check out their class schedule and see if any of the offerings are right for you. This year G Boutique will be expanding their class offerings to include Latin Dancing, DIY sex toys, make your own pasties and more. Stop in now or anytime in February, mention You Just Shop, and save 10% on any lingerie purchase. Stay tuned to hear more about our next business that will help you love your body and have fun doing so!

G Boutique is located at 2131 N. Damen Ave in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood.  They can be reached at 773.235. 1234 or visit their website at www.boutiqueg.com to learn more about them!

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Posted under Gems of the Month