900 N. Michigan, 5th Floor, (312) 867-0900, yolandalorente.com [ratings]
Goods: Women’s apparel and accessories. Designers: All of the clothing is hand-painted and designed by the store’s namesake, with jewelry from local artist Elaine Fisher. Owner: This family business has been around for twelve years, and is owned by Arthur Szefur. Vibe: The store’s focus is on the fashion–the bright, bold colors immediately draw the eye away from any décor. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: LOUD. Whether it’s the neon colors Lorente favors or the big printed designs, these clothes stand out in a crowd–wallflowers need not shop here. Shopper’s Perk: Quality. Each individual item is created, painted, cut and sewn by hand in a process that can range from four to twelve hours. VIP customers can also make appointments to work directly with Lorente herself.
Yolanda Lorente, 900 N. Michigan
UPDATED OCTOBER 2009
