Hot fashion in the suburbs
Don't underestimate the suburban entrepreneurs.
Hundreds of them are starting up fantastic new businesses, even in this tough economy.
A few of the new people on the scene:
Travis and Tiffany Johnston, who live just five blocks from downtown Arlington Heights, thought the restaurant- and specialty store-filled area was missing something: a shoe store.
So on Valentine's Day, the husband-and-wife team ditched their corporate sales jobs and opened Ciao Bella ("Hello Beautiful" in Italian), in the old art gallery space at 3 W. Davis St.
The place may have the look and feel of a fancy boutique, but the shoe and handbag prices are below boutique levels. Designer brands, like the ultra-comfy Privo line or the super popular Franco Sartos, are all priced between $69 to $135. Some shoes on the sale table were in the $50 range.
Ciao Bella also hosts private evening parties for clubs or special events. Wine and dessert can be brought in, and the staff will help everyone try on as many pairs of shoes as they wish. "They can get drunk on shoes," Travis joked. (847) 342-2043 or ciaobellashoes.com
Elgin native and Illinois Institute of Art alumni Angeliki Garris, 23, has launched a new quarterly fashion magazine, MODA FG (the FG stands for Fashion Gazette). The 100+ page, full-color glossy magazine puts a Chicago spin on the fashion world, and also features local underground artists and up-and-coming talents. The magazine is free, and can be picked up at many shops and offices around Chicago, as well as at the Brite Smile dental office in Elgin and all of the Mario Tricoci salons.
Since she was a teenager, people have begged graphic artist Mariette Fredericks "Would you help me with my wedding invitations? Would you help me with my shower?"
The 48-year-old Arlington Heights mom ultimately started an invitation and stationery business called "Traces of Heaven," which she has since taken to the Web, expanded and renamed giftbandit.com.
Last month, she relaunched her Web site so it's easier to look through all of the invitations, party favors, gifts and customized calligraphy, all in a style that ranges from fun to elegant.
"I just know this is what I'm called to do," said Fredericks, a devout Christian. "Our mission statement is, 'Live in integrity. Do something creative every day, and deliver more than expected.'" Either shop her Web site, or for more personal service, call her at (847) 255-4708.
While sitting on the sidelines of their kids' Little League games, Northbrook moms Lynne Hefter and Marla Massel wished they had something more stylish to wrap around themselves other than bulky blankets. So they created a whole line of practical clothes, including their popular Bleacher Blanket Ponchos ($65). To see their full collection, go to varsitycouture.com.
My favorite is their Store-Your-Stuff Mittens ($23) which feature a flap on top that holds your keys and cell phone.
After years of research and development, Hawthorn Woods-based Infinity Cosmeceuticals is selling its "Night on the Town" kit. Made from a unique botanical blend, the items in the kit are: the Maximum Contour (which tones and tightens skin), the Maximum Eye Lift (to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and drooping eyelids) and the Maximum Pout lip plumper. ($65, at www.infinitycosmo.com).