I was in Chicago last week for the Sweets & Snacks Expo, which is the largest confectionery, cookie and snack show in the Americas (more about that in a future post!) While I was there, I was able to check out my friend Lance’s absolutely stunning store, space519. It is literally named for their space on the 5th floor of the 900 shops of North Michigan Avenue (those in the Chicago “know” refer to this area as the Magnificent Mile), which is also home to Bloomingdale’s, Gucci, MaxMara, Montblanc, Bernardaud and Michael Kors. Lance and his partner Jimmy opened the “refined general store” last May, and it is an absolute delight. The super sleek space is filled with the coolest and carefully-curated apparel, trendy home goods, hard-to-find apothecary products, unique jewelry pieces, fabulous accessories, and even hipster books.
I seriously wanted to buy out the whole store – both Lance and Jimmy have such beautiful taste. The home goods available for purchase are just beautiful –antique chairs reupholstered in luxurious fabrics such as cowhide or an inlaid French secretary’s desk – at prices that are more affordable than trying to purchase at Ralph Lauren, for example.
They also have a great selection of jewelry – feather earrings that are so in right now, as well as beautiful beaded necklaces, and bracelets. I ended up purchasing 3 bracelets that are exclusive to space519 (check out the photo of the tiger eye, lava, and malachite beads adorned with a sparkly silver bead bracelets). I also snagged the last one they had in stock of their Together Bag, a screen-printed tote featuring a likeness of Hermès’s iconic Birkin bag by designer Thursday Friday. How cute – now I literally own a Birkin, and am so happy I got this tote because there is apparently a three month waiting list from the designer!
Too many wonderful things to mention! You must make it a must-stop shop if you’re in Chicago, or go to their website here: www.space519.com. Check out the photos below so you’ll “see” just what I’m talking about! When is my next trip to Chicago???
The table with all the beaded bracelets I wanted (I bought 3)
The three I settled on: lava, malachite, tiger eye
Outside looking in
Reupholstered cowhide chair I love
My “Birkin” Tote on the top shelf!! Don’t be jealous!!
A close-up of what the bag looks like, courtesy of Thursday Friday
Fantastic and unique selection of apothecary items including rms beauty and RGB
polish.
Another shot of the store from the outside.
No Ugly Duckling 