Molly Each

Grasshoppers symbolize wisdom, prosperity and leaps of faith, so naming their brand new Bucktown boutique after one of these bright green insects seemed ideal for husband-and-wife duo Michael Roberts and Jean Taylor. But why tack on 510 at the end of the name? “Color is measured on a wavelength in units called nanometers. 510 represents the color green,” reads a sign on the boutique wall. It’s a nod to the bright shade of their namesake insect, of course. But 510 also subtly emphasizes that, top to bottom, Grasshopper 510 is a “green” boutique, from the recycled seltzer-bottle lights to the eco-friendly paint on the walls to the recycled sea-glass necklaces and all-natural bath products lining the shelves.

For years, Roberts and Taylor dreamed of joining the entrepreneurial world, wanting to start a business that had an environmental focus. They tossed around several ideas—a moving company and a funeral home among them—but the idea of an eco-friendly boutique seemed the perfect fit. After a year of looking for space, they finally set up shop in the space newly abandoned by lingerie boutique Raizy, and opened their doors on May 14. And if the space still looks a little Raizy-ish, that’s by design. “We tried to reuse as much of Raizy’s old equipment as possible,” Taylor says.

Lining the eco-friendly shelves of Grasshopper 510 are jewelry, house wares, clothing, paper products, accessories and children’s products that are made from organic, sustainable and/or repurposed materials. “We want you to come in and splurge on yourself, of course, but to think of us when you have a gift to buy,” Taylor says. “So we try to have something for everyone.” For the jewelry lover, recycled gold, silver and sea-glass pieces (and for the true trendsetter, a recycled calling-card necklace). For the Chicago fanatic, throw pillows emblazoned with the Sears Tower or Marina Towers, created from found fabrics. For the t-shirt-and-jeans guy or gal, a hundred percent organic cotton graphic tees from Interwoven designs (which donates a shirt to homeless organization Thresholds for every t-shirt sold). Naturally, Grasshopper 510 makes it easy to gift-give Mother Nature style, with a corner of the store devoted to gorgeous, printed wrapping paper created from post-consumer waste paper.

Grasshopper 510 is located at 1944 North Damen, (773)292-0510, grasshopper510.com.

(2008-06-17)

Also by Molly Each

By Design
The roster for the Make a Statement: Design for the Cure runway show reads like a who’s who of Chicago design: Lara Miller, Melissa Serpico, Kate Boggiano, Kristin Rosynek Hassan of organiK Revolution and Lydia Wachowska of Evil Kitty are just a few of the designers contributing time and designs to the fashionable fundraiser
(2008-05-06)

By Design
"Oh my god, girl. What kind of shoes are you wearing?" Cecilia Tidlund is on her knees in front of me, examining my bare feet. She picks up one of my Converse All-Stars, examines the bottom for walking and weight patterns, then grabs the top and bottom and wrings it like a wet rag. It twists around itself easily. "You should never wear a shoe that you can actually wring out," she says
(2008-04-29)

Style
You’re buying locally grown organic foods, riding your bike to work and your entire house is outfitted with energy-saving light bulbs. Cool. Now take your eco-friendly attitude to your wardrobe. Just in time for Earth Day, plenty of eco-chic clothing and accessories are hitting the shelves in emerging spring/summer 2008 collections. If working Earth-consciousness into your wardrobe is on your to-do list, here are a few must-have items. The best part? These vegan/organic/recycled pieces save the Earth without sacrificing a sliver of style
(2008-04-15)

Open for Business
After 7pm the lights of Oak Street dim, and the shop-friendly block simply emanates a soft, quiet glow as the remaining shoppers and employees head home for the night. But on Thursday April 3, one store shone brightly past 7pm, like a beacon of after-hours shopping. Inside, stylishly dressed guests sipped wine and the signature drink of the night, the bebe-tini, as a DJ spun upbeat tunes. Wait staff circled with savory hors d’oeuvres and a multitude of photographers stopped guests in their tracks, aiming to get the perfect shot, while the invitees perused the racks of brightly colored, trendy clothing
(2008-04-08)

Open for Business
(2008-03-05)

Open for Business
(2008-02-26)

Open for Business
(2008-02-19)

Closed for Business
(2008-02-06)

Looking Green
(2008-01-29)

In the Closet
(2007-12-18)

Family Style
(2007-12-11)

By Design
(2007-12-11)

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