Hazel Opens a Second Boutique on Montrose: Now Selling Apparel

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For nearly a decade, Hazel on Montrose has been purveyor of quirky housewares, cards, locally-made jewelry and internationally recognized accessories. Now, Hazel takes the next step by expanding their business to apparel.

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Hazel Apparel, just a few storefronts west of its parent store, Hazel, sells clothes for men and women and a few accessories. Shop manager, Marissa Vanden Bout walks us around the store and shows us a few things on the racks. She starts leafing through the men's selection and explains that in this new shop, they're continuing the concept they've got going on next door at their parent boutique by stocking items that are high-end, basic, medium, or whatever you're looking for. She lists through the highlight lines they are carrying: Life After Denim and Civil Society from Los Angeles, and Desigual, WESC, and Supreme Being from Europe. After only a week being open, Marissa and owner, Dave Vail have received all the stock they've expected for spring with the exception of a brand called Nuko which is at a base price point.

As we move onto the women's side of the store, Marissa pulls out a Numph sweater and talks briefly about how this brand is her personal favorite and shows us the sweater she's wearing enticing us to feel the fabric. Also in women's, Hazel Apparel is carrying Fluxus and Many Belles Down from LA. In the back of the store in the cozy dressing room waiting area, we see racks of Smash and Desigual's handbags which are a Chicago exclusive.

The only jewelry Hazel Apparel is carrying right now is Presh, who they've sold at the original store for years. Presh makes pendant necklaces of precious metals showcasing vintage sari fabric and leather wrap bracelets.

Walls of the space are plastered in player piano music rolls and all of the store's shelving and mirrors are made by Raun Meyn from FoundRe who will soon be opening on Division in Wicker Park.

When we ask Marissa where she sees the trajectory of the shop, in keeping with the organic progression of Hazel's business, she says they're always find interesting lines and try to follow through with the style that is working with the customers.
· Hazel [Official Site]