UPDATE: As of January 2012, Clever Alice has closed its physical location.
1920 N. Damen, (773)276-2444, cleveralice.com [ratings]
Goods: Womenswear, accessories and shoes. Designers: Eternal Child, LinQ, Vassalli, Kitchen Orange, Clever Alice’s own in-house designs and more. Owner: Dressed with European sensibility, Tamara Chaponot is just back from Paris, where she travels several times a year to bring innovative, avant-garde lines to the boutique. Vibe: Amid the maverick stores on Damen Avenue, Clever Alice manages to stand out with a crisp, independent feel. Well-kept racks of garments cover the periphery of the white-wash store, leaving the center with a bench and magazines for perching. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: The shop stocks some obscure and edgy labels from international designers. The looks range from simple modal cotton dresses, amazingly soft to the touch, to complex Chanel-inspired lace and pleated dresses from a Turkish label. Shopper’s Perks: Clever Alice partners with High Gloss to hold four roving sample sales each year. The sample sales feature high-end designers with prices at a fraction of the original. Sign up on the mailing list to get the scoop. The shop also offers additional services such as “closet sweeps” where staff will help you weed out the good from the bad and ugly in your own closet, and select styles, colors and fits that flatter. You can also shop online and enjoy free shipping.
UPDATED OCTOBER 2009
