Boutique will make downtown Glen Ellyn 'stronger shopping destination'

Fashionistas must have a few ground rules when it comes time to do some spring cleaning in their closets.

Keep anything from the '90s (yes, the '90s are now retro). And make sure to stock up on cut outs and bell sleeves.

But Mary Kral only "dabbles" in those major trends when she's buying clothing, footwear and accessories for JAYNE Boutique stores in Highland Park, Forest Park, La Grange and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

"We're not super high fashion, but yet we're fashionable," she says.

That means she focuses on what women of all ages want to wear, what makes them "feel good" and what can carry them from the office to a night out. Kral will continue paying attention to practicality and affordability when a fifth JAYNE Boutique opens later this month in downtown Glen Ellyn.

"We feel with the footwear, we can bring something new because there are no shoe stores (in downtown)," says Kral, JAYNE general manager and buyer. "We just want to add to what's already there and make the downtown a stronger shopping destination."

The store is expected to open in mid-April after renovations to a 1920s-era, brick building at 476 N. Main St. In February, the village board awarded a $15,000 grant to JAYNE owner Craig Cohen to improve the facade.

Inside, the shop will feature original wood floors and "decorative tin ceiling," according to plans submitted to the village.

"It was a pretty extensive build-out," Kral said.

Like the chain's other boutiques, the Glen Ellyn store will look "very comforting and very warm and very shoppable," Kral said.

Shoppers will find some popular brands in footwear (Fly London, Frye, Birkenstock) and clothing (Free People, Lucky Brand, A'reve).

But JAYNE also carries lesser-known lines and an "eclectic" mix of handmade jewelry and leather handbags, Kral said.

That same versatility is on Kral's resume. She started her retail career in New York and has worked as a buyer for major department stores and smaller boutiques.

With a staff ready to offer style tips, JAYNE prides itself on convenience and access, Kral said. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. six days a week and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. JAYNE also opens its doors on holidays such as Mother's Day and Father's Day for customers looking for gifts.

"It's really, really nice for working women, and we get that comment all the time," Kral said.

The boutiques are named after a working woman, Cohen's late grandmother.

"She was someone that he was inspired by, and someone that he had a strong connection with," Kral said.