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!

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!

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

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!

Here are a few things that we have in store for you:

• A new, more interactive website, featuring top Chicago designers and boutiques
• VIP Discounts to some of the best shopping in Chicago
• Shopping events and tours for the savvy fashionista
• Ability to join our exclusive Boutique of the Week club

We look forward to these exciting changes and we can’t wait for you to take the journey with us!

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!

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!

We’ll sip tasty wines, savor delectable chocolates from Katherine Anne Confections and shop Orlando’s fabulous dress collection.  This event is not be be missed!

What: Wine & Design
Where: Orlando Espinoza Studio @ 1922 S Halsted, Chicago, Il
Why: Who needs a reason to eat truffles and shop?

Please RSVP at info@youjustshop.com or 312-523-9500

Guests had the opportunity to taste delectable chocolates from Hershey’s, Sara’s Pastries & Candies and Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland.  While at Hershey’s, we got a behind the scenes at how all those delectable chocolates are made.

To burn off some of those calories and exercise our wallets, we hit a few boutiques along the way.  We were warmly greeted and given great fashion insights from the women at Max Studio (900 N. Michigan Ave.).  We then headed north to Oak Street and stopped by Luca Luca, where we were in fashion heaven with the beautiful colors and fabrics of Spring.

We also uncovered some new Chicago designers along our route. Leslie Pozen of Ellu handbags (www.ellubags.com) showed off her fabulous collection of custom handbags while we nibbled on champagne truffles!  New jewlery designer Tara Woodward displayed her beautiful rings, necklaces and bracelets.

I have to admit that I didn’t leave hungry OR empty handed!

You Just Shop & Chicago Chocolate Tours have more excursions planned so come hungry AND ready to shop!

This is a community dedicated to positive and uplifting ways to feel good from the inside and out.  Enjoy!