Violet Revolution

I’m sure by now you’ve heard vintage mentioned in a lot of fashion sources lately.  Maybe you’re not really sure if it’s for you, because you always buy new, but are curious as to what it’s all about.  Wouldn’t it be great if there was a store where you could find both?  Well, there is!  It’s called Una Mae’s in Wicker Park, where they carry both new and vintage, both men’s and women’s clothing and accessories.  This boutique is worth a look for so many reasons.  A) the space B) the whole new/vintage fashions C) the eclectic finds.  Let’s explore further.

It’s not the type of place you’re going to find dressy, elegant, or party outfits.  Everything is pretty casual for the most part.  Not that you couldn’t find a going-out outfit or even clothes for work, but this isn’t the place for glitzy party dresses.

Plus it’s worth stopping in just to check out the space and décor.  I know, kind of a weird thing to focus on, but it really is eye-catching compared to most shopping destinations I’ve seen.  The front and majority of the main level is new clothing and accessories, while the back of the main level houses vintage men’s, and the upstairs vintage women’s.  I don’t know if it’s because of watching Diff’rent Strokes as a kid (to be clear, the re-runs) that I’ve always been fascinated with winding staircases, but I certainly darted off to the back immediately just to climb the staircase.

As you can see, it’s a pretty cool view out over the whole boutique, plus there’s a little vintage shopping loft upstairs where you can find all sorts of vintage clothes, handbags, shoes, and even some luggage and home accessories.  They purchase the items out-of-state so you’re sure to find a unique selection:

I couldn’t help but notice the funky chandelier and mix of new and old touches around the store, like the dream catcher and way-back pictures mixed in with a modern chair.  It seemed the décor echoed the sentiment of the merchandise.

I found a new outfit for fall,

a new dress for work which looks like it could be a blast from the past but isn’t,

and a mix of old and new by pairing this vintage flowy button-down top with new skinny jeans.

There’s also an eclectic blend of accessories.  I mentioned the luggage before, but there were also things like these extravagant feather earrings, rhinestone animal-motif bangles, a modern men’s section, and quirky, Urban Outfitter-esque books (which I missed taking a photo of).

I definitely recommend checking this boutique out for yourself, or suggesting it to an old friend or a newbie.

P.S. – Stay tuned for an online store component coming soon!