Find kicky boots at Dressing Room Shoes, and set yourself apart. Josh Hambly, a salesman at the shop, quotes “Sex and the City” stylist Patricia Fields: “We’re all essentially wearing the same thing—it’s the accessories that make us stand out.” At this new Lincoln Square store, today’s chic woman will find a wide range of fashionable boots, shoes, purses and jewelry—in other words, everything she needs to establish her personal style.
Dressing Room Shoes, which opened in August 2008, is the brainchild of Barbara Ruiz and Sarah Sanchez. Ruiz attended Columbia College and Sanchez studied at Harrington Institute and worked at Herman Miller. In 2005, the friends combined a love of fashion, natural aesthetics and bohemian style, and opened the Dressing Room clothing store. Three years later they launched the sister shoe store and gave it eye-catching decor: bright orange chairs and a white bicycle protrude from the walls, while jewelry tumbles from ceramic bowls, glass cubes, round mirrors, and wooden frames.
The boutique features snakeskin shoes by Naughty Monkey, chunky-heeled shoes by Seychelles and Kenneth Cole, ballet flats by Penny Loves Kenny and oversized bags by Nicole and Bagtique. Moms can slip into comfy Nyla moccasins while teens snap up Superga gym shoes. The vast boot selection includes stylish models in leather, fabric, wool and synthetics by Blowfish, BC and Colcci. Shoes cost between $40 and $200; boots range from $60 to $300 a pair.
The staff knows the importance of both staging and styling, so they rearrange merchandise on a daily basis to keep it fresh. Speaking of fresh, top winter fashion trends include cashmere tights by MeMoi ($35), leather cuff bracelets ($66.50), and long rectangular purses handmade by New York-based Rebel Designs ($192.50). In other words, everything a girl needs to dress up and hit the town. (Sarah Klose)
Dressing Room Shoes, 4657 N. Lincoln, Chicago, (773)878-7400