Essential Elements
Tue-Sat 11 AM-6 PM, Sat 11 AM-6 PM; 1640 E. 87th Street, 773-978-1200, shopeechicago.com, info@shopeechicago.com, Instagram @essentialelementschicago
The evolution of the southeast side’s sharpest clothing boutique has shaped its status as a trendsetter for almost four decades. Essential Elements, which started as a jewelry and accessory store, now sells beautiful, bold clothing, shoes, and everything in between.
Melanie Whaley first opened her carefully curated boutique in 1987, but her affinity for fashion has been a lifelong love story. Her commitment to bringing color to the 87th Street corridor has created a caring, confidence-building space for those looking to rework their wardrobe more conscientiously. Because her family owned a retail business, Whaley had the knowledge and support to begin her own brick-and-mortar, but her journey was not always glitter and sequins. From having her college portfolio ruined in a flood to almost selling the store’s space a few years after opening, Essential Elements has persevered and is now a pivotal place for people to look good and feel good. Reassurance from a neighbor is what reinforced Whaley to innovate, and now she extends that same uplifting and inspiring energy to others.
Slow fashion and exceptional materials were not always easily accessible on the southeast side; Essential Elements is here to provide products specifically picked to last a lifetime in clients’ closets. Whaley continues to seek out unique, international brands, further diversifying the store’s portfolio; she and her team take great pride in being able to adorn women with a worthwhile, one-of-a-kind wardrobe. While their gorgeous garments are the main attraction, high-quality service and nourishment of the human spirit are the intangible aspects of Essential Elements practice that keep clientele coming back.
With big annual events like a trunk show with local artists, a parking lot sale that has the energy of a summertime Chi cookout, and special offerings for Whaley’s favorite holiday, Mother’s Day, Essential Elements remains steadfast in showing up and supporting its network of patrons as well as charities and other mission-driven organizations. As it enters its 38th year, Essential Elements sets its sights on expanding its space, showcasing more shoes, and generating more in-person opportunities for its community.
Visit the “oasis off of [Stony] Island” both in-store and online.
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(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
