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

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!

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!