![]() ![]() On an index card on her desk it said, “Work for major record company, meet famous people” With my limited knowledge, I expected that a “major” record company meant a luxurious carpeted office with a polished wooden desk where a perky receptionist would direct visitors to the “famous” people. The counselor remembered that she had seen an employment request from a recent client. After a few of those, I moaned that I might consider applying for a retail job selling records. Consulted an employment agency who buy & large sent me on similar clerical interviews. Despite lasting 4 years, it was pretty evident that the financial world was not an obvious match. Graduated Austin High School in January 1958 & 3 days later started working at Continental Bank – a bastion of marble & wood in downtown Chicago. Val, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today. Today we’d like to introduce you to Val Camilletti. Though, you are not headed here just for a snack but to shop their high-end artisanal pantry items and kitchen supplies-while, of course, you also enjoy a cappuccino and an oversize cookie. ![]() ![]() Their scones are insanely good, the biscuits are to die for, and the pies-are made in heaven. If you are coming from shopping the stores listed above on Lake Street, continue south, head under the train tracks, and hang a hard right for the best-baked goods you will ever eat at sister-owned and Oak Park-loved Spilt Milk. Pop around the corner from Lake Street to shop this tucked-away two-storefront consignment and resale boutique that carries designer and brand-name apparel and accessories at welcome and affordable prices. Go here to appreciate and explore its elevated boho-chic aesthetic of vintage and new home decor at a variety of price points. This shop is the sister store to Gem A Jewelry Boutique, and it recently opened. Gem Home at 115 North Oak Park Avenue (within the brick courtyard). At this shop, satisfy your need for fine jewelry from independent designers perfect for layering, self-indulging, and gift-giving. Gem A Jewelry Boutique at 135 North Oak Park Avenue. Discover the bag you did not even know you were dreaming of. Shop here for ethically sourced Italian leather handbags and accessories crafted by artisans. Selleria Veneta at 139 North Oak Park Avenue. This first-class community pottery studio offers one-time sessions, ongoing class series, and gift cards for the “clay curious.” Anfora also offers a wine-of the-month-club, though only for residents, as the product requires in-person pickup. ![]() Īnfora Wine Merchants at 128 South Marion Street, shop for hostess gifts or pick up a perfect bottle for any meal. Visit this family-owned store for fine jewelry, custom rings, wedding rings, and engagement bands. Live the cigar life and shop its best products here. Stogie Life Cigar Shop at 1016 North Boulevard. And last time I checked, Beer Shop sold t-shirts in the style of the Chicago flag, substituting the stars for beer bottles, making it the perfect gift for any guy or gal who loves the Second City and its first-rate beverages. Or pick up a four-pack of specialty microbrews, a gift any host or hostess will love. Go here to take an on-tap or bottled brew break while shopping. Shop in person only.īeer Shop at 1026 North Boulevard. And it is the first and best place my family always goes to buy something satisfyingly stupid and sure to be loved-like a rubber chicken for a 50th birthday present. It is filled floor to ceiling with gag gifts, tchotchkes, and collectibles. This colorful store is the place to take every kid, tween, teen, and kid at heart. In addition to custom invitations, this store sells cards and high-end home goods. Shop in person or online.įitzgerald’s Fine Stationery at 111 North Marion Street. And it happens to be my mom’s favorite shop when she comes to town. This shop is an outpost of the fair-trade retailer championing a global maker-to-market movement and selling hand-crafted items. Ten Thousand Villages at 121 North Marion Street. It is the place for adults who have aged out of the gag gifts and got into gadgets, puzzles, and goodies for their pups. This store is the grown-up sibling shop to heaven-for-kids, Pumpkin Moon. Scratch & Sniff at 120 North Marion Street. Plus, discover an excellent selection of giftable toys and books for kids. It is a great place to pop in to get cards and singular gift items. This outlet is one of the 100+ stores that make up this national artisanal paper products chain headquartered in Chicago. Shop in person, or view their full inventory of books on their website, which they can order from their distributor. Visit this double-wide store packed with the latest literature to find your next read. This “fiercely independent” bookshop is perhaps the true heart and soul-or at least thinking conscience-of Oak Park. ![]()
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