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Fashion-Conscious ENAZ Customers Benefit From Owners' Fashion Week Buying Trip, Reunion With Mentor/Stars Fashion Icon

LIBERTYVILLE - When an international women's fashion icon rubs shoulders with a local fashionista of renown, it can only mean shoppers stand to benefit.

Lena Blitstein, co-owner of ENAZ women's clothing boutiques in Libertyville, Highland Park, and Northfield, met with her mentor, Suzanne Lerner, president of fashion leader, Michael Stars, while on her annual, late February New York Fashion Week buying trip. Besides coming back with the hottest merchandise Michael Stars has to offer, plus the hottest fashions for her customers, Blitstein came away with a greater appreciation of Lerner's contribution to the industry and public good.

"Suzanne has always been a role model for me in many ways," said Blitstein, who worked for Lerner in New York from 2003 to 2008. "Obviously, she is an extremely brilliant business woman who has taught me so much about the fashion industry, but also a wonderful human being who cares deeply about the greater good for the human race.

"Her philanthropic efforts and political enthusiasm speak volumes about her passion for people, which is something that I truly admire and appreciate," she said.

ENAZ On The Park in Libertyville, ENAZ in Highland Park, and ENAZ For Life in Northfield, carry the biggest selection of Michael Stars tees, not only on the North Shore but throughout the Chicago area, including Velvet, Wilt, and Alternative.

On this most recent New York buying trip, Blitstein, and Samantha Shapiro, her sister and ENAZ co-owner, bought for Fall 2016. Hot trends for Fall, said Blitstein, will be 70's fashion such as lace up details, burnt oranges and browns, a continuation in fringe accents, flared bottom pants, as well as skinny jeans. Lines purchased at the show include BB Dakota, Cupcakes & Cashmere, Dylan Clothing, and Greylin. The store now offers denim under $100 by Canadian based-company, Dex Clothing.

"Most people find it crazy to be buying so far in advance," said Blitstein. "I find it to be the best time of year to do it since it's fresh on the brain and we know what sold well or what didn't this past fall season."

So how important for their business is making the journey to New York during one of the most exciting time of the year for fashion?

"It's a lot of work but fashion is everywhere and it makes every upcoming season so fresh and exciting," said Shapiro. "Midwesterners such as ourselves love the energy of New York Fashion Week and look forward to seeing new trends to highlight our store fronts. At the same time, it's easy for people like us who have been on the other side as reps to navigate through the racks, make quick decisions, and find the best fit for our customers whether it be price or quality," said Shapiro.

She added: "There's definitely something for everyone at these tradeshows so it's very important to know your customer, be confident in what you can sell, and not get too caught up in what's overly trendy. The key to our success is making sure that what the customer is buying is long-lasting and not just yesterday's fad."

Satisfying the fashion needs for 23 years now of the casual, polished, put together, on-the-go woman, and those who want to be just that, sisters Blitstein, Shapiro, and Melinda Kaplan, and their mother and retail store founder, Susan Lurie, offer at their three boutiques the newest, most notable clothing lines, vibrant looks, local artisan jewelry, handbags, accessories, and custom day spa that matter to their clients.

Most recently, ENAZ On The Park in Libertyville, ENAZ in Highland Park, and ENAZ For Life in Northfield, collectively earned the accolade of Best Accessories Store in the annual "Best Of" Initiative voting by make it better magazine's audience. More than 105,000 verified votes were submitted across 10 categories. Said make it better in summarizing its unique qualities: "Energy. Nature. Attitude. Zest For Life! This accessory store brings all of these to the table with their designer jewelry and spa products."

"As women and sisters, devoted to our families, socially active, on-the-go from early morning to night, we are our own demographic," said Blitstein, who often attends Fashion Week events in New York City to keep up with the latest styles. "Our clients like what we like so it makes it easier for us to deliver what they need."

"We're more than just a store," said Kaplan. "We listen carefully to the personal and professional fashion needs of our clients and make sure they go home confident in their selection. We truly care about how they look and feel in their different environments."

Clients from as far away as Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles shop ENAZ (the acronym for Energy, Nature, Attitude, and Zest For Life) for the wide variety of offerings…from vibrant t-shirts, denim, chunky knitwear, and dressy pieces to custom jewelry to the more than 25 scented oils for blending into silky lotions and bath gels.

"When you walk into our stores you see carefully chosen pieces on clean and organized racks and mannequins with the season's hottest looks," said Shapiro, who serves as buyer and merchandiser while Blitstein is buyer and head of marketing. Kaplan is director of operations.

Its clothing lines feature Michael Stars, Sanctuary, J Brand, Central Park West, and its own ENAZ 4 Life label. Its jewelry offerings include local designers such as Rita Ratskoff Designs, Dana Rebecca Designs, Shoshanna Lee, Avaasi, Allison Fiutak, Be Loved, and many more.

The custom Spa Bar offers up lotions, bath gels, and perfume oils to treat the body and spirit as well as specialty baskets for special occasions and holidays.

ENAZ On The Park, ENAZ, and ENAZ For Life, host many special trunk shows which feature a variety of clothing and jewelry designers. Its dedication to customer service even extends to its free signature gift wrapping.

The ENAZ concept was created and developed by Susan Lurie in 1993. ENAZ On The Park is located at 111 W. Church Street facing Cook Park's often festival-like community gathering place in Libertyville's hot downtown area; ENAZ in Highland Park is located at 444 Central Avenue in the village's fashionable downtown shopping district; and ENAZ For Life is located in Northfield at 309 Happ Rd. (next to the Happ Inn).

For more information, please visit www.enaz.com, or call (847) 680-1111.

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