The year in shop

FOUR GREAT OPENINGS

Cerato Boutique (3451 N Southport Ave, 773-248-8604)
When this store opened in May, owner Tracey Glibowski told us she wanted her shop to “support Chicago.” To that end, the former advertising and marketing rep features primarily local designers for her selection of everyday womenswear and accessories. Designers include Kristin Hassan, Kate Boggiano, Eskell and more. In addition to occasional events, such as collection previews, every month the store introduces a gallery-esque display of clothing by one of the featured designers.

Diego Rocha (1050 N State St, first floor, 312-255-1844)
Five years after settling in the Windy City, the Brazilian-born handbag designer decided to get cozy with the likes of Jimmy Choo and Tory Burch, setting up an eponymous boutique in the Gold Coast. Offering the option of custom-designed bags (from a python clutch and stingray carry-all) or readymade designs, the shop is chock-full of options.

Kathryn Kerrigan (2031 N Damen Ave, 773-235-7150)
Big feet and stylish shoes are often mutually exclusive, but Libertyville native and designer Kathryn Kerrigan made it her mission to fill that void. In June, three years after launching her shoe business catering to “women who leave a larger imprint” with a flagship in her hometown ’burb, Kerrigan’s European-made shoes have a home in a Bucktown storefront. Owned by Stephanie Sack, who also runs across-the-street plus-size clothing store vive la femme, the eponymous boutique complements vive la femme’s collection of everyday styles.

Local Lookbook (1211 W Webster St, 773-525-7421)
Daphne Ortiz and Halli Mulei opened this local designer-showroom-cum-boutique in Lincoln Park at the end of this past summer. In addition to showcasing clothing and accessories from more than a dozen designers (including favorites Nora Del Busto, Jess Audey and JLee Silver), the shop shines a spotlight on one designer each week with a bio and central display.

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THREE STORES WE WERE SORRY TO SEE GO

Habit
Lindsey Boland’s Wicker Park shop featuring many local designers (including her own line, Superficial) closed for good in July.

Serpico
Womenswear designer Melissa Serpico Kamhout opened her own storefront in the fall of 2008; it closed this month.

Zola Jones
Jason Loper closed his Ravenswood shop in January, but his bags are still available online and at Macy’s on State Street.

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What were they thinking?
Every once in a while, we get a press release for a product that blows our mind... and not in a good way. Here’s a smattering from 2010.

Titty covers are one thing, but “down-there” coverage? Camel-Not, the unsettling creation by lingerie accessories line Braza, is a contoured insert that adheres to your extra-tight attire to ensure you don’t show (according to the website) “too much anatomy… ‘down there.’?” Ugh. How about loosening up those leggings instead?

Dainty damsels need no longer lay their fingers on gross gas pumps. The Pump Glove, a pair of ’50s-inspired nylon spandex gloves with a polka dot grip, allows ladies to keep it classy, and germ-free, at the pumping station. We’re most baffled by number two on the glove’s purported list of qualities on the website: “nurturing for the nurturer in women.” Say what?

Ladies are no strangers to girdles, and thanks to Bubbles Bodywear, men can get in on the slimming action, too. But these boxer-briefs include other features. Such as removable butt pads and a bulge in front that’s bound to get some, uh, attention.

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In the year 2011
Look for British chain Topshop to set up shop on Michigan Avenue by next fall. Target and DSW are rumored to be moving into the old Carson Pirie Scott building on State Street.

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