Two New Glencoe Boutiques Arrive In Style

The nation may be facing tough economic times, but some entrepreneurs think the time is right in Glencoe to make a profit, as two businesses opened up downtown in the past month.

Bella Gypsy opened on Tudor Court. Green Gable Denim & Such opened the next day on Vernon Avenue, next to the .

"We just wanted to have moderately priced clothing and jewelry and not be so high-end like everything else in Glencoe," said Karen Kafkis, the co-owner of Bella Gypsy, dressed in a short skirt, moccasins and leg warmers.

"We have nothing more than $120, and that's for a coat," said her daughter, store manager Courtney Kafkis, who dressed for a chilly November day in a wool poncho and jeans. Karen Kafkis also said they were able to take advantage of a cheap lease market: "We got a good deal on the rent, which allows us to pass our savings on to our customers."

Green Gable carries higher-end clothing, but owner Laura Hochstein also emphasized affordability: "I think we're very reasonably priced for designer clothing."

And both stores emphasize the smalltown personal care they promise to each and every customer. "They ask her advice for her shoes and everything," said Hochstein's mother, Glencoe native Linda Pime.

At Bella Gypsy last week, Cindy Dietz of Grayslake was just walking past the store on her way to a painting class at when she felt compelled to drop into the tiny little shop, which has only 700 square feet of floor space.

"I love eclectic," Dietz said. "I like to look different." Dietz walked in for the first time wearing a Western-style leather coat with cowgirl frills. She left Glencoe with a new purse on Courtney Kafkis' recommendation.

Dietz told herself she'd never buy a deep purse again, but Courtney was able to show her a large green one with zippers that will let her access the purse interior without going through the top. "It looks good with my coat and a nice pair of boots," she said.

Courtney and Karen Kafkis describe their store's selection of women's clothing as gypsy-like and heavily eclectic. Each item is hand-selected in Los Angeles, often by Courtney's sister, Alexis, who is a student at the University of California at Santa Barbara. Bella Gypsy is co-owned by Amy Bishop, who runs and around the corner.

The store carries many lesser-known brands but they currently boast a number of items from Sugarlips. "That's hugely popular right now among the teeny boppers," Courtney said.

Bella Gypsy also carries old-fashioned candy to delight bored children out with their moms.

Both stores have done very little advertising but feel their first month's sales have exceeded expectations.

"Everybody's been super lovely," Hochstein said. "I like to think that I can clothe anyone in any style."

Hochstein may be only 26, but she worked two years styling North Shore women at their homes before she pursued her bigger dream of opening Green Gable.

Another niche Green Gable hopes to fill is providing stylish men's clothing in Glencoe, something Hochstein says is in short supply. Glencoe men or their wives won't have to travel to Hubbard Woods or Northbrook to get a nice pair of jeans or a fashionable suit.

"They say people turn their best hobby into their business," Hochstein said. "I did that."