Owners of Rocky and Luella, Kate Bunton and Julia Korol, have set out to fill the holes of Chicago’s boutique market. Opening in Logan Square this past September, they’ve finally brought another boutique to the neighborhood, which has slim retail options, to say the least. “I think we are sort of on the precipice here in Logan,” says Bunton, who expressed that she expects the shopping scene in Logan to grow in the next couple of years. Doubling as an event space, they often host local fashion bloggers and businesses for styling events, workshops and more.
“Our primary goal is to have a lot of brands that don’t have stockists already in Chicago, the Midwest or sometimes the whole country,” explains Korol. With men and women’s clothing and accessories from the likes of French brand Lespard (formerly known as Honore), Amsterdam’s O My Bag and Rachel Rose, they’ve created a destination shopping experience that you’re not going to get anywhere else in Chicago. Korol’s love of fashion blogs and Pinterest, where she came across difficult to find brands, felt disgruntled by never actually being able to touch, feel or try anything on before making purchases. Rocky and Luella changes all that.
Bunton and Korol, both 27, met working at Anthropologie, where they learned the ins and outs of running a retail store. Although they appreciated the educational experience, they were eager to start a business that mirrored their own style. Their customer base includes “people who are up on trends, keeping ahead on designers that are up and coming,” says Bunton, “and people who live in Logan who have nowhere to shop.” The clothes filling the racks of Rocky and Luella are clean cut, fresh and streamlined, all capable of meshing into practically anyone’s closet. Even though the brands are new to the city, Bunton and Korol carefully selected items that work with Chicago’s style and necessities.
Winter fashion advice and must-haves according to Bunton and Korol:
Bunton suggests finding unexpected ways to make a winter wardrobe fashionable, like donning bright red lips or wearing cool snow-friendly shoes. Her favorite boots are Chippewa, whereas Korol favors a pair of Frye boots that are meant to be beat up a bit.
Thoughtful layering. Think about how your layers create a cohesive outfit, like a cashmere sweater with a blue jean jacket under your winter coat.
Structured pieces in neutral styles are important in regards to mixing and matching, as well as layering. Aim for chambray tops and basic button downs. “You can do a lot with them,” assures Bunton.
Both women are all about statement necklaces and other jewelry when changing up their looks.