If you would like to contribute to this site in the meantime, simply shoot an email with a picture of yourself or a friend being utterly fabulous to Chicagosgotstyle@gmail.com.

Thanks,
A

It was fate. I may never have noticed this guy and his smart get-up if we hadn't ordered the exact same drink at Starbucks. But we did, so naturally I herded him outside to snap some pictures!

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I think I may have to make a new tag titled "Anna loves guy shoes".

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Now those of you who have been following CGS for a while should know that I very rarely cover stores.  But this one really tickled my fancy.  So why do I love Rex?  Let me count the ways… (in no particular order.)

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1.  The Owner. Rex owners Alexis (above) and her boyfriend Ruben are friendly and adorable.  The young pair are fresh NIU grads– Ruben with a business degree, and Alexis with the fashion background.  Their first venture into the retail industry is amazingly polished and well-thought out, which brings me to my next point…

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2. The Vibe. In three words, Rex’s vibe is simple, neat, and sweet.

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Alexis is a lover of fun colors and all things sparkly.  The counter and accessory wall are covered in glitter, and the fitting room area is bathed with warm tones and mixed prints.

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Inside the dressing rooms you’ll find my favorite element of Rex’s decor.  Every time I try on clothes, I mentally assign “Yes,” “No,” or “Maybe” to different hooks or areas of the stall.  It’s nice to know that I’m not the only one who does this!

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3.  The Selection. The clothes at Rex seem to be an equal mix of vintage and contemporary items; right next to a hand-sewn 1960s brocade dress, you’ll find the designer-for-Target dress you wanted that sold out in a hot minute.  All the styles are picked by Alexis, so you can always expect the selection to be feminine, colorful, timeless– though it’s not hard to find current, trendy items in the mix.

Want an example of what Rex has to offer?  Below is a photo of an adorable vintage top I tried on.  It didn’t fit, due to my bust-deficiencies, so you still have a chance to snatch it up!

P.S. Bring you favorite guy!  Rex has boy’s clothes too!

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4.  The Prices. Seriously.  Rex has some of the most reasonable prices I have ever seen at a vintage or consignment store.  I saw a little mesh crop top (think American Apparel) for $6, and Alexis estimated that the most expensive item in the store is $32.

You can visit Rex Monday through Saturday 12-8pm and on Sunday 12-6pm.  They are located on the corner of Sangamon and 18th St.

Well clean out your closets, ladies and gents! This weekend you can give away your old duds to three very good causes, while earning discounts to use for new ones at the 900 Shops’ “Share and Shop” event. On the 6th floor of 900 North Michigan Avenue, donation centers will be set up for Dress for Success, Share Your Soles, and The Glass Slipper Project– all perfect donees for those with over-stuffed closets.

Dress for Success is a non-profit that provides new and gently used career wear to underprivileged women,  and Share Your Soles sends new and nearly new shoes to the shoeless around the globe.  The Glass Slipper Project is looking for formal dresses, shoes, and accessories to outfit high school juniors and seniors who would otherwise not be able to afford their dream prom night.

Ready for the really good part? As well as getting the warm-fuzzies that come with helping others, you collect a 15% off Savings Pass for every item you donate; each is good for one item at participating stores.

Yours truly will be there bright and early on Saturday with clothes to donate and camera to snap all the fabulous givers.  Hope to see you!

Having spent the morning watching an early soccer match in a pub so thick with testosterone you could actually smell it, the cafe that my boyfriend and I stumbled upon for brunch could not have been a greater change. And it was at the breezy Crepes a' Latte that I ran into these two Sunday-brunching belles, who couldn't have looked more perfect for their surroundings.

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I love running into people like Eric here. Not only is his outfit Hamptons-prep perfection, but he had a great sense of humor... (See below!)

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Eric channels his inner high-fashion model with the infamous broken doll pose.

Courtney makes use of furniture outside a vintage store to complement her lady-like peaches and cream ensemble.

I will be on vacation in the sunny Florida Keys for the next week and a half, so there won’t be much activity on this site during that time.

However, if it wouldn’t offend any Mid-Western sensibilities, I may be persuaded to snap some shots of any style I may find in Florida.  So what do you guys think?  I would love your input.

Cheers,
A

I spotted Shia (sorry if I'm butchering your name!) while shopping at--don't judge me-- Forever 21. Her stature, chic style, and the nonchalance of her pose makes me wonder if I had a M.O.D. on my hands.

My boyfriend Kody, dressed for sun and leisure in low-key button down and rolled pants, on his way home from long day at Ohio Street Beach.