Molly Each

Women who stumbled into Lincoln Park men’s boutique Guise couldn’t help but be a little jealous. With a front half devoted to a salon and a back half devoted to super stylish duds, you could walk out with a brand new head-to-toe look; or just make a few minor adjustments. And manly details such as sports-blaring televisions made it a low-pressure, comfortable experience. After encountering Guise, women would wish for a similar place of their own.

Owner Brad Habansky must have seen the looks of longing in his female customers eyes, as this week he grants our wishes with the opening of Guise Chic, a salon/boutique that allows the ladies to move in. He’s transferred Guise to a bigger space, brought on new co-owners Heidi Taylor and Jodi Immel (for a little Y-chromosome guidance) and added chic dresses, skirts and tops to his tailored men’s gear. But Taylor and Immel insist they haven’t abandoned the guys. The space, featuring plenty of exposed brick, stainless steel and hardwood floors, is perfectly divided into two different stores; the feminine side emanates a shabby chic vibe, while the masculine is more metallic and brassy. The room, formerly a police station, is large enough to allow two separate shopping experiences. "If a guy doesn’t want to see a girl, he doesn’t have to," Taylor says. "But it’s also a good shopping situation for husbands and wives, or even singles who are looking to meet someone."

Habansky’s inventory will remain true to the stylishly classic designers of the original men’s store (think Theory, Nudie and Earnest Sewn), and will carry the sister lines on the women’s side. Though the salon is divided too, a large backlit wall bridges the gap between the sexes, storing both men’s and women’s hair products. As for the little details, Taylor and Immel insist the store will be rife with both guy/girl interests. From two sets of magazines—fashion and sports—to separate televisions broadcasting both the big game and E! entertainment television, both sexes can find comfort and class in their one-stop shopping and salon experience.

Guise is located at 2128 North Halsted, (773)929-6130. The grand opening commences on Saturday, March 1st.

(2008-02-26)

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