We're welcoming NEW changes for Spring!

If you liked Envy before, you’re going to love us now!

Below is a letter from the owner, Kristi, regarding some excited Envy news:

Dear my amazing customers,

In 2013, I opened Envy in Downtown Evanston with a goal of providing a fun and personalized boutique experience, from the unique clothes and jewelry to the hands-on customer service. Envy was opened as a licensed store allowing us to provide fashion-forward clothes under $40 selected by buyers in L.A. While we have gained our loyal customers by staying consistent with the Envy model, I consider myself a perpetual learner, and I’ve always continued listening closely to the needs of the Evanston shopper. With a new season around the corner, it’s time for us to be as loyal to you all as you have been to us. So, we’re shaking things up a bit and moving on from our licensing agreement, and come Spring 2015 we will have some exciting changes!

Ace of Lace Top

The biggest change:

Inventory: We will now be able to bring in exactly what you want, and in a much quicker timeframe. Your customer requests will be fulfilled faster, so the waiting list for our most popular items (Read: Chicago FlagNecklaces, Sticky Bras, etc!!) won’t be so long. In terms of clothing, you can expect a lot of the same. I know that the reason you shop at Envy is because we provide unique clothing and affordable prices. I’m not going to rip that away from you! But without corporate buyers, we’ll have the opportunity to bring in what you specifically ask for.  Also, you may see some items above our typical $40 price point when the item is worth it—we will never, ever, ever mark up items just for the heck of it (I hate that!!). But the $40 price point has restricted us from carrying some shoes, coats, and jewelry that we know you will love and value. So, it’s not a huge change, but it’s definitely one that will make the store even better than it already is.

Another change:

I know how everyone loves online shopping--- Our new website will be e-commerce ready and you can peruse our inventory from your own home 24/7. However, we still would love to see you every now and again, so don’t forget to come visit us in Downtown Evanston!

Finally…. We’re Getting a New Name!!

Envy will become 522 Envy—as in, 522 Davis Street.

What will stay the same:

Our location!! Come visit us at 522 Davis Street in Downtown Evanston, and soon online at 522envy.com (formerly www.EnvyMyOutfit.com)

Our staff: We’re not changing ownership or management, so you can expect your regular Envy personal stylist to help you shop for outfits and gifts just like they always have.

Our passion for our customers: The whole reason for this change is because I realized that my boutique could serve you better. I have to opportunity to provide you with more of what you want, and hopefully soon we will be your favorite boutique in Evanston!!

I am so excited about this change, and I hope you are, too!! In the meantime, if you’ve learned anything about me in the last few years, you know that I like to throw parties, so get on our email list now because you better believe our Grand Reopening party is going to be a big one!!

Sincerely,

Kristi Pawlowicz

Owner, (Soon-to-be) 522 Envy

Top 3 Reasons to Shop Small this Holiday Season

For retailers like us, we have already started planning and prepping for our busiest season: the time when YOU shop for the ones you love most.

Envy owner Kristi explains the top reasons you should shop local this holiday season:

1. Shop with your Friends
I've been lucky enough to help many of my customers over and over-- I know their taste, their lifestyle, their body type, and their price point. Or, if I don't know you personally, chances are I've assisted your neighbor, daughter, co-worker, etc.

From the customer's perspective, however, it's more than just building a personal connection with sales associates; it's about convenience. It is so much easier to shop with someone that already 'gets' you. Holiday shopping can be a headache, but not when you're shopping efficiently in stores that already know how to help you.

Even more, holiday returns are annoying, but chances are, the same employee that helped you pick out the gift item will be working *if* the item comes back to be returned. Last Christmas, I helped a husband put a whole outfit together for his wife. So sweet! When she came back with the entire gift still wrapped in Envy tissue paper (wrong size, darn!), I thought, 'This is so fun putting a face to the gift!' And I was able to help her get the correct items in less than 5 minutes.

2. Diversity of Products
Local businesses don't have to stock their shelves with products to reach a "mass market." Instead, we pick products for our local audience. For example, the two most popular items in our store right now are Chicago Flag necklaces and Fleece Lined Leggings. Obviously, these items are specific and regional, but we sell hundreds of each item in our Evanston store.

But it goes beyond niche-y products. You ask for sweaters, leg warmers, infinity scarves? We run to the phone and make sure our buyers order it. Because it's what YOU want (and need-- let's be real, it's freezing here), not what someone in L.A. or Dallas wants to buy. The benefit of shopping local is we listen to you when we fill our stores so you can purchase exactly what you are looking for.

3. Help us create jobs and invest in our community!

Without a doubt, the best part of owning a small business is connecting with the community that supports us. We hire local residents and college students who are active in the community, and we support their local charities, schools, and events. For example, in the past year, your support has allowed us to contribute to Evanston Township High School, Northwestern University Dance Marathon, Relay for Life, Delta Gamma Sorority, Kappa Delta Sorority, and a handful of other charities and fundraising events.  You are able to patronize the shops that support your causes, and that means YOU have a direct impact on your community. That's pretty cool!

This is a feel-good post for us! We have been blessed with a community filled with local support, and we can't wait to help you shop this holiday season for your loved ones :)


Mark your calendars for these Envy shopping events in November:

November 7 - November 9: Shop3V Pop-up Shop at Envy in Downtown Evanston
Meet Danira from Triple V Clothing at her online boutique's Grand Opening event!

November 9: Kenilworth Club Holiday Bazaar
Shop with Envy and other local vendors at this festive event!

November 14: Envy Pre- Black Friday Party! at Envy in Downtown Evanston
Out of town for Black Friday? No prob-- we celebrate it early at Envy!

November 29: Small Business Saturday and Downtown Evanston Tree Lighting
Shop Small Saturday coincides with Downtown Evanston's most popular holiday event! This is your excuse to shop around the great local boutiques in Evanston!