» Ashley Zisook: Owner, Sofia Vintage

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Ashley Zisook: Owner, Sofia Vintage

This Windy City Style Expert Shares Her Chi-Town Cheat Sheet

ELAINE SAYS: Having just returned from my much anticipated summer trip home to Chicago, I'm reminded of all the amazing reasons why so many of my friends and relatives never left! On top of the countless, old, family favorites, so many incredible new restaurants and boutiques have cropped up since my time in the midwest. One popular style standout is Sofia Vintage....and Chi-Town Stylist, Ashley Zisook is at the helm. For vintage and current clothing mash-ups that are on trend, this is one of the most talked about destinations. Plus, it's location on the Gold Coast's tony, Oak Street can turn a visit into a whole day of shopping! Ashley was happy to give us some insider tips for our next trip...I hope mine is soon! Thanks, Ashley!

Posted on September 8th, 2011

Escape

EAT | DRINK

Dine in Style: Mercadito VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: Mercadito 108 West Kinzie, Chicago [River North]Great atmosphere and amazing food....I love to go on Thursday Nights to the downstairs bar, Double A...it's an intimate hotspot that always delivers a fun atmosphere
A Cool Place To Chill: Big Star VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: Big Star 1531 North Damen, Chicago [Bucktown]These are the absolute best tacos in the city...I love the outside patios and the Michelada's.
A Fab Cocktail Spot...Plain as Black and White: Zebra Lounge VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: Zebra Lounge 1220 North State Parkway [Downtown]MY FAVORITE BAR IN CHICAGO…I’m a sucker for live music…it is super dark, intimate & Damien, the piano player, plays the best music!

PRIMP

Make-up Maven: Sue Devitt Counter At Barneys VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: Barneys New York 15 East Oak Street, Chicago [Gold Coast]If you're in town for something special and need a great place to get your make-up done, visit Laura from Sue Devitt at Barneys. She's the best in the city...Whenever I am getting ready for a special occasion, I ALWAYS go to her....she's just amazing.
On-The-Go Blow Outs: Salon Duo and Charles Ifergen VISIT SALON DUO | LOCATION: 1400 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago [Gold Coast] VISIT CHARLES IFERGAN | LOCATION: 106 East Oak Street, Chicago [Gold Coast]These are the best two Salons in the city for for color and cuts as well but if your visiting, you're most likely looking for a styling or blow out. Make sure to see Emilio, Scott or Roberta at Salon Duo and Eddie and Carlos at Charles Ifergen.

STYLE

A Golden Opportunity For Beautiful Jewelry VISIT DANA REBECCA DESIGNS | VISIT BLAIR WEINER | LOCATION: Sofia Vintage 72 East Oak Street, Chicago [Gold Coast] Dana Levy [Dana Rebecca Designs] and Blair Weiner are two of my fave, Chicago Jewelry Designers....and because I'm such a fan, a curated selection of both their work can be found at Sofia. Whether you're looking for that classic or trendy piece, both are amazing and have great price points.
Super Style On The North Shore: Enaz VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: Highland Park [North Shore]With Locations in Northfield & Highland Park, Enaz is a great boutique for clothing, accessories, etc. But my personal fave is the customized oil & lotion bar…ginger lily & china musk is my choice!
Vintage Verve: The Randolph Street Market VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: 1350 block of West Randolph Street + The Beaux Arts Plumbers Hall at 1340 West Washington, Chicago [Downtown]Through the end of September and with some specialty dates in October and November as well, the Randolph Street Market is a great place to find amazing vintage treasures...be sure to find the NOV booth and ask for Adrienne or Tracy!!!

DISCOVER

Artistic and Architectural: Architectural Boat Tour VISIT WEBSITE Even though I am from Chicago, I love going on the famous, Architectural Tour (which picks you up at Navy Pier)…I love the boat ride and I always learn something new about this amazing city and its history!

Shrink | Sweat

The Chi-Town Shredders: Kurt Rawlings and Ricky Spritz VISIT HIFI FITNESS | VISIT GO TIMEKurt Rawlings is an awesome trainer at HiFi Gym & I box with Ricky Spritz from GoTime as well...if you're looking for a work out while you're in Chicago, they're your guys.