Jennifer Berg

The book "French Women Don't Get Fat" encourages luxury edibles in moderation. Perhaps French women don't look frumpy because they shop with similar restraint--only the best pieces and only a few. If you only shop once this fall, Ouest may just be the place to do it.

The new French-designer-packed shop in the West Loop boasts an atmosphere more sumptuous than most boutiques on the Magnificent Mile: mosaic tiled floors, walls covered in gold-leaf paper and fitting rooms that look (and feel) like lush private cabanas. A gold-and-crystal chandelier floats above a marble table, where a champagne bucket of sparkling water awaits parched clientele. A silver plate of truffles sits near the cash register and artful flower arrangements tumble out of vases. The jewel-box environment conjures up a Parisian atelier, but the pretension found in such artiste's quarters is nowhere to be found.

Courtney Plumb (a Chicago jewelry-design darling and founder of Coco Plumb) co-owns the shop with her pal Kelly Bry. The two met while working part-time at Krista K, and decided to open Ouest in order to give the ladies of the West Side some designer action and to introduce hard-to-find lines to wardrobes everywhere. Bry and Plumb give none of that "no-touching" attitude put-off by lesser boutique owners; they love each item in their store, know the history of its designer and are more than happy to let customers rifle through silk dresses and reversible capes by Rozae Nichols, romantic tops by Olga Kapustina and exquisitely structured coats by Vena Cava. Extra-special touches of customer appreciation include free clothing delivery and--how cool is this--custom-made jewelry while you wait. Courtney has an on-site design studio, and the day I visit she's whipped up a silver pair of earrings to match a dress her wedding-bound customer has just purchased.

Though pricier than some shopping outposts (several items hover in the $400-$600 range) Ouest's selection is nothing if not well-made and classic; these are timeless, durable pieces that could anchor the most Gwyneth-Paltrow-worthy wardrobe. If you don't love Gwyneth like I do, know that that's my highest style compliment.

Ouest, 1063 West Madison, (312)421-2799

(2006-08-29)

Also by Jennifer Berg

By Design
She's never lost her fascination with discovering multiple shapes within a single garment
(2006-08-22)

By Design
Even before you've had the day's deadlines massaged out of your shoulders, the Ruby Room's ethereal ambiance makes the hustle of Division Street (and the hassle of the world beyond) a distant memory
(2006-08-15)

Open for Business
Blame it on J-Lo's mink falsies or on the nation's new love affair with non-surgical enhancement, but salons have lately witnessed an epidemic of fluttery-lash fever. And now the Gold Coast has a sanctuary where those little hairs can reach their most sweeping potential
(2006-08-08)

Open for Business
At TK Men, there's a wireless X-Box, brass-knuckle hooks in the fitting rooms and beverages flowing freely from a--wait for it--keggerator
(2006-08-01)

Open for Business
(2006-07-25)

By Design
(2006-07-18)

Open for Business
(2006-06-27)

Sustainable Style
(2006-06-21)

Style Listings
(2006-06-21)

First Fashionista
(2006-06-13)

Open for Business
(2006-06-06)

Open for Business
(2006-05-30)

about Newcitychicago | about Newcity magazine | advertising | privacy policy | FAQ | employment