Jessica Herman

In the case of Lincoln Park's new boutique Valise, it's what's on the outside--not the inside--that counts.

Partially tucked underground in an English-style basement space, the three-week-old store focuses on women's purses, luggage and related accessories at "affordable" prices (meaning $300 versus $600-$700). Owner John Cole highlights looks by lesser-known designers and his years of experience working in the fashion industry, starting at age 16 as a salesman at Donald Pliner's first boutique before moving up to Gucci stores in his early twenties, are reflected in his well-curated collection.

Ipa-nima's metallic leather bags embellished with tattoo-style designs of panthers and dragons hang beside kimono fabric evening bags and studded black leather Betsey Johnson bags. Laptop-toting professionals will appreciate the selection of hard-to-find items like expandable nylon messenger bags and purple plaid handbags that look like the Kate Spade of laptop carriers. The largest items in Valise cozy up to the back of the room: reflective nylon luggage and Briggs & Riley suitcases with detachable parts.

Various accessories round out the collection with Marimekko umbrellas, wallets made from tanned fish skin, and soft-as-a-baby's-bum leather photo albums in buttery yellow. You'll even find remnants of Cole's own stint as an accessories designer in the form of cocktail party umbrellas made with vintage rattan, bamboo and rhinestone-covered handles.

So what's with the name? Meaning attaché in French, Italian and English, it's a bit upper crust, he says, just like Valise.

Valise, 1006 West Armitage, (773)935-3336

(2005-09-13)

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