Discovering Vintage Chicago Book Release Party!

Thursday, May 21st we are excited to announce a book release party for Discovering Vintage Chicago by Amy Bizzarri from 6-9 pm at Le Thrift Consignment.

Meet the author and hear about her experiences with visiting and learning some of Chicago's most famous and "vintage" businesses.

During the event, there will be a vintage, rockabilly styled fashion show. Small bites will be served by some of the books featured restaurants and businesses. Enjoy a glass of champagne and shop consigned, designer vintage and contemporary clothing at 10% off. A portion of proceeds will be donated to Bridge to Success in Chicago.

We were excited to interview Amy about her experiences while writing the book.

What was your inspiration to do the book? 

I was inspired by all the businesses that are unique to Chicago; the historic businesses that

Optimo Hats at 320 S Dearborn St., Chicago

make our city so special. How could anyone step into a fast food joint when we live in a city that has Lem’s barbecue rib tips, Kurowski’s kielbasa, Manny’s matzo ball soup, and Lindy’s chili within reach? You can’t even compare the products and services of the businesses featured in this book with those of mass retailers, either: Just try putting an Optimo hat on your head—you’ll ooze with elegance. Burn a beeswax lambathe from Athenian Candle and watch it glow longer than any candle you’ve ever lit. Bite into an Andersonville coffeecake from the Swedish Bakery—and you’ll have a hard time returning to the artificial ingredient–laden cakes found at most grocers…Chicago just wouldn’t be Chicago without these historic, one-of- a-kind places, and the people that run them from behind the scenes with nothing but love, hard work, and pride.

In a nutshell, what is the book about? 

Discovering Vintage Chicago is a guide to all of the city’s timeless classic spots that take you back in time. The book spotlights the charming stories that tell you what each place is like now and how it got that way. It includes indexes that let you choose the places you want to visit by neighborhood, by category, and—naturally—by era. Discovering Vintage Chicago takes you to classic restaurants, shops, and other establishments that still thrive today and evoke the unique character of the city. They’re all still around—but they won’t be around forever. 

What is your favorite place to go in Chicago? 

Margies Candies at 1960 N. Western Ave., Chicago

I will always love Margie's Candies. Nothing says summer quite like a Hot Fudge Banana Split from Margie's Candies, with its three jumbo scoops of ice cream, swirls of whipped cream, banana, sprinkling of nuts, wafer cookie and of course, a cherry on top. It's even sweeter if you share the happiness that is a Margie's sundae - so remember to ask for two spoons.

What was the most interesting experiences you had while writing this book? 

I was thankful for the many family members who shared their most cherished memories with me. Their hard work and dedication to their craft, whether it be finding a rare record for

Superdawg at 6363 North Milwaukee Ave., Chicago

a customer, drawing out a perfect draft of beer, or serving an ice cream sundae with a smile - are not only the secrets to business longevity but also what makes Chicago the great city that it is. I also have so many personal memories tied to the places in this book: trips to the Berghoff with my Grandma Lofthouse, during the holidays; taking my own children to Superdawg still in our snowsuits after an afternoon of sledding at Caldwell Woods, spending Saturdays just driving around the city with my parents, both of whom grew up in Chicago.

What is your favorite vintage item? 
I love any and all retro dresses. From the elegance of the '40's to the boho style of the '60's, I am inspired by fashions of yesteryear.  

Where can you purchase the book? It's available now on amazon.com! 

Discovering Vintage Chicago - Book Release Party

Author - Amy Bizzarri

6-9 pm

Le Thrift Consignment - 1821 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago IL

Bridge to Success!

Le Thrift Consignment Boutique owner Christine Sanderson holds building  relationships with charities close to her heart. She is grateful for the community who supported her through the years and is honored to provide fundraising options benefitting those in need.

Le Thrift Consignment Boutique holds shopping events throughout the year with a portion of sales proceeds benefitting charities including Bridge to Success. Le Thrift also donates past season excess inventory to support the Bridge to Success' mission. Le Thrift provides a tax deductible receipt to consignors who would also like to donate clothing, jewelry and accessories to Bridge to Success.

Bridge to Success is the only workforce development bridge organization of its kind serving at-risk men, women and young adults in the Chicago metropolitan area. I sat down with Toya Baillie, Bridge to Success Marketing and Retail Coordinator, to learn about the Bridge to Success' mission, services, and its social enterprise boutique.

History & Mission

Susan Van Veen, Executive Director, established Bridge to Success in 2006. Susan is a full-time Rotarian and adjunct faculty member in the Business & Entrepreneurship Department at Columbia College Chicago. With 85% of first interview rejections based on appearance, Susan noticed a need for an organization providing workforce bridge services that included serving men.

Bridge to Success' mission is to enhance employment opportunities for at-risk, low and no-income men, women, and young adults. The organization provides interview and workplace wardrobe, personal stylist and coaching services, to build self-confidence through appearance, interview preparation and sense of belonging at the workplace.

With the goal of being a self-sustaining organization, Bridge to Success accepts corporate donations, clothing donations and operates The Bottomline Boutique. The resale boutique is a social enterprise enabling the Bridge to Success to operate without dependency on external funding. The Bottomline Boutique net proceeds provide over 50% of Bridge to Success' operating budget.

Services

Bridge to Success works with job training programs which refer clients from Chicago and neighboring counties. Contracts are $50 per client and charged to the job training organization. Clients coming outside of a job training program are welcome and may volunteer ten hours of work to waive the $50 fee.

Bridge to Success staff includes Executive Director Susan Van Veen, Operations Manager Sara Herff, Marketing and Retail Coordinator Toya Baillie, 1-2 interns and 5-6 volunteers. The staff provides services including a mock interview and basic job training to help with first interview impressions. 

Clients meet with a personal stylist to select two outfit options: one business suit and one business casual outfit completely accessorized with appropriate jewelry, shoes, purse or tie. Clients also receive a voucher to come back to Bridge to Success indefinitely for additional interview training support. Clients receive a discount on future purchases and, with an advance phone call, a client may set additional appointments to meet with a personal stylist.

Fundraising Events

Bridge to Success holds several major events to market the organization, host shopping events and offer auction opportunities:

• Sips for Suits - Annual cocktail and networking event
• Designer Event - Bi-annual event showcasing select designers, drinks, food, music
• Shop Local and Handmade Event - Pilsen, University Village and Little Italy businesses participate to sell items or donate items for raffle
• Luncheon for Bridge to Success - Annual event showcasing sponsors and clients; Presentation to current and potential sponsors 
• Bi-annual Sales Event
• Seasonal Shopping Events
• Sidewalk Sale
• Holiday Events

Follow their Facebook page for event updates and information.

The Bottomline Boutique

The Bottomline Boutique, Bridge to Success' social enterprise, is a high-end contemporary resale boutique located at 1236 S. Halsted St. in the University Village neighborhood in Chicago. 100% of boutique proceeds supports the Bridge to Success programs.

Refinery 29 named The Bottomline Boutique as one of the "Best Resale Stores in Chicago." The boutique carries current designer and brand-name professional, casual and vintage clothing for men and woman. The boutique also carries handbags, shoes, jewelry, and accessories. 

Individuals and businesses may drop off donations to The Bottomline Boutique. Their website outlines the donation needs, guidelines, and schedule.  The boutique does not conduct donation pick-ups. Staff sorts the donated items between client wardrobe needs and the resale store. The Bridge to Success donates excess inventory or non-suitable pieces to other charitable organizations with similar missions.

The boutique is undergoing a website revamp so customers will be able to view more inventory online. The website relaunch is scheduled for January 2015 and will include a lifestyle blog for fashion tips, style inspiration and celebrity looks.

Sip, Shop, Support

The Bottomline Boutique held the Sip, Shop, Support Event on November 13th. The boutique displayed its new Fall designer and vintage collection. Luxury brands featured included Tory Burch, Trina Turk, Armani, Elie Tahari & more. Shoppers enjoyed mini-bites, champagne punch and the best in fashion at amazing prices!

Job readiness and confidence in one’s appearance allows men and women to focus on securing and keeping their jobs and advancing to higher positions. Visit Bridge to Success and The Bottomline Boutique at 1236 South Halsted Street in Chicago. For more information, you can reach them at 312.733.9742.

1821 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago IL 60622
(312) 912-9676
Chicago's top upscale consignment boutique.

Fall for Fashion Show

Le Thrift Consignment celebrated Chicago Fashion Week 2014 with our first annual fashion show on October 23rd in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago. Le Thrift showcased high-end designer fashion down the runway with looks ranging from casual to classy. The fashionable and fabulous enjoyed first looks of our newest Fall and Winter fashion from designer labels from Prada to Chanel.

 

 

Le Thrift Manager and resident stylist Thomas Vaughan did an amazing job developing the runway looks and managing the models and fashion show. Thanks to Makeup Artists Vee Rubio and Andrea Samuels for the models' stunning makeup and hair.

Guests enjoyed delicious mini-bites provided by local restaurants Arami Sushi and Shaman by Chilam Balam. Delicious cupcakes were generously prepared by Sweet Creations by Vee Rubio. Vita Coco and TY KU Premium Sake & Spirits sponsored drinks and cocktails.

Guests went home with LeThrift gift bags filled with samplings, coupons and gift certificates from these fantastic Chicagoland businesses:

Skinny Pop | Selective Search | Le Remedie Spa | Salon LaRouge
My Chicago Stylist | Dr. Amy Cortis Acupuncturist | It Works!
Lotta de Luxe Web Writer | CS Magazine | Das Foods | Maash Boutique
Anais Ortiz Interiors | Photography by Denise
The Bottomline Boutique | Hark and Co.

We were pleased to donate 10% of all event sales to local charity Bridge to Success. View the video for more information about this great organization we proudly support.

THANK YOU so much to our consignors, customers, guests, family and friends for your continued support! Special Thank You to our local sponsors, gift bag contributors and interns who helped make our fashion show such a success! We could not have done it without you all :)

Photography by Dennis Elliott (IG: ddesigns_)

Photography by Eric Michael Clark

Video - Recording and Editing by Jason Elue (IG: blvckpicasso)

1821 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago IL 60622
(312) 912-9676
Chicago's top upscale consignment boutique.