So I was reading the November issue of Lucky mag a little while ago, and came across an article that listed several specialty shops and boutiques in and around Chicago. The stores were listed by area. In the West Loop (a block away from Oprah's Harpo Studio!) is a new little boutique called Bess & Loie. Only a short distance from where I work, I decided to stop by one afternoon and was so excited at what I found.
Tucked away underneath the el tracks in what used to be a kitchen-equipment wholesaler, is a Handbag Lover's Paradise! Everywhere you look - hanging on racks, displayed on benches & chairs, even scattered in little displays on the floor - is a wide selection of Hayden Harnett, Linea Pelle, Not Rationale, Dautore, and a few other relatively unknown, but up and coming handbag designers. There's also a fairly large selection of unique jewelry and other small accessories.
The store's owner is a very friendly young lady named Ally, who greets each customer as they walk in offering them a nice beverage. She even has a nice little sitting area in the back with a TV set for husbands, boyfriends, and other companions who may have been brought there against their will!
There's something for everyone here - a variety of colors, styles and materials at every price. While most bags are full retail price, there is a markdown section with new bags added every day. I purchased a Linea Pelle bag which I've viewed many times online but was always unsure of having never seen one IRL. I even bought the matching wallet after Ally, very generously, offered to discount it for me. I signed her Registry and received a Thank You note in the mail about a week later, and have been added to her online, email list.
If you live in the Chicago area, or plan to visit anytime soon, I encourage you to stop by - The store is located at 1015 W. Lake Street and this is the website: http://bessandloie.com/home.html (no online shopping - just location & email info). If you're like me (as I'm sure most PF'ers are!), you'll think you've died and gone to Handbag Heaven!!!
I give the store
Tucked away underneath the el tracks in what used to be a kitchen-equipment wholesaler, is a Handbag Lover's Paradise! Everywhere you look - hanging on racks, displayed on benches & chairs, even scattered in little displays on the floor - is a wide selection of Hayden Harnett, Linea Pelle, Not Rationale, Dautore, and a few other relatively unknown, but up and coming handbag designers. There's also a fairly large selection of unique jewelry and other small accessories.
The store's owner is a very friendly young lady named Ally, who greets each customer as they walk in offering them a nice beverage. She even has a nice little sitting area in the back with a TV set for husbands, boyfriends, and other companions who may have been brought there against their will!
There's something for everyone here - a variety of colors, styles and materials at every price. While most bags are full retail price, there is a markdown section with new bags added every day. I purchased a Linea Pelle bag which I've viewed many times online but was always unsure of having never seen one IRL. I even bought the matching wallet after Ally, very generously, offered to discount it for me. I signed her Registry and received a Thank You note in the mail about a week later, and have been added to her online, email list.
If you live in the Chicago area, or plan to visit anytime soon, I encourage you to stop by - The store is located at 1015 W. Lake Street and this is the website: http://bessandloie.com/home.html (no online shopping - just location & email info). If you're like me (as I'm sure most PF'ers are!), you'll think you've died and gone to Handbag Heaven!!!
I give the store