It’s rare to come across a personal style post here on CCF and not find at least one piece from space519 (one of the best, most well-curated boutiques in the city). I’ve mentioned the store several times throughout various posts, including The Great Discovery…because it’s my go-to place for discovering new designers. But who exactly is responsible for this awesome place? This month’s CCF Loves — Jim Wetzel and Lance Lawson.
I’ve gotten to know Jim and Lance pretty well, as I’m in their store on average once a week. Keep in mind, I rarely shop in stores any more (which is terrible of me, but it’s just the nature of this blogging business…I’m online all day anyway!) but somehow I find myself frequenting space519. Whether I need a gift (and end up leaving with a little something for myself) or I’m looking to spruce up my home / wardrobe / makeup routine, I can do it all in one place. It’s not easy to put together this mix of established and lesser known designers, especially in such an array of categories. But when you have such great taste like Lance and Jim, I guess it all comes naturally. It’s pretty much an honor to have such a unique store like this in Chicago (with a second concept on the way!) so let’s see how it all began…
Image via The Chicago Chic
Why did you choose to live / establish your business in Chicago?
Lance: Jim is from the Chicago area and I chose to relocate here from New York in the late 90s. I loved that Chicago had the energy of a downtown city like New York with the convenience of a driving city like LA. It is the perfect hybrid.
Jim: We chose to have our business here because of that same mix. Women in Chicago are not as brand obsessed as New Yorkers or as overly casual as people on the west coast. It’s a great balance of being fashionable – but not in a forced or overly fussy way.
Top three favorite things to do in the city?
1) We love that in Chicago we can afford to live in a real house with a yard and still be 20 minutes from downtown. A favorite Saturday is spent gathering supplies from places like Kennicott and Paulina Market and having friends over for an elaborate dinner. We love a good theme – like a Quinceañera with a Mexican Menu for a friend’s 40th or having a 70s Gourmand menu for our Gourmet Group, taking inspiration from the way our parents entertained when we were growing up.
2) We like to eat dinner at the bar. It is a great way to try new places without the fuss of reservations. It allows you to take your time and share things while having lots of cocktail rounds. We just did this at Formentos last night. Gemini Bistro is our go-to spot for this weekly ritual. But we also love the bars at GT Fish & Oyster, Girl and the Goat and Lula Cafe.
3) On a day off from the store we love to head up to the North Shore. Our first stop is always at Cafe Buon Giorno in Winnetka for a great breakfast or fresh salads and sandwiches at lunch. In the summer, Chalet in Wilmette has the best assortment of plants and garden supplies at great prices. We like to go to Homers afterwards on Green Bay Road and have ice cream. We also love to check out the antique stores up there for hidden gems – most notably the ones on Ridge like Heritage Trail and Josies.
What’s the most memorable moment in your career so far?
L: Being chosen to design and conceptualize the 2 retail spaces at The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel (pictured above) opening this spring. This is the first Chicago project from Roman and Williams and I have always idolized them and their work. This property is so original and over the top that the entire city is going to beside itself at the splendor of the space and the scope of the renovation work. It is going to be a game changer for hotels in this city.
J: Sitting front row at Phillip Lim’s first show during New York Fashion Week. The collection was so fresh and different from everything else at that time and the energy was electric.
Any words of advice for an aspiring boutique owner?
It is business first and fashion second. So many people like to shop so they open a store. Shopping is not the major skill set required – selling is. So you have to be really good at selling to make it. And on the business side you have to manage your money and your inventory closely. It’s an incredibly hard balance. But if you can make it work, it is so very gratifying to share your vision every day and support designers you love and believe in.
Lance, what’s your favorite piece in the store right now and why?
I am loving a pair of vintage chairs we have in our window right now. They are chrome high back side chairs from the 70s and I reupholstered them in this beige Nate Berkus print. They are super chic. I love our store because we can sell items like this one minute and a Rachel Comey floor length dress the next. It really is all of our favorite things.
Jim, what designer are you most excited to carry in the store for Fall 2015?
We are picking up a new line called Horses Atelier. It is designed by these two friends in Toronto. They couldn’t find interesting wardrobe staples so they started the collection. It is creative but not at all kooky. Each piece stands on its own strength. And the quality of construction and pricing will make it an easy sell for clients.
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They aren’t kidding about those dinner parties. Honestly, I’d rather be invited to their annual Christmas party than the Marc Jacobs show (and not just because Lance makes some killer fried chicken…although it doesn’t hurt the situation). And I too am very excited for their new concept in the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. That’s not only a major move for Jim and Lance but their creativity will be such an asset to that space. For all of you who don’t live in Chicago, this is just another excuse to visit!
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