Bold graphic skirts and tops, vintage dresses and handmade gold engraved jewelry fill Eskell boutique at 1509 N. Milwaukee Ave. Vanilla-scented candles fill the room, and the hardwood floors along with the gold-encrypted ceilings create an antique atmosphere. Eskell opened in 2005 and moved to Wicker Park in 2007 from its original location on Webster Avenue in Lincoln Park.
Kelly Whitesell, owner of Eskell, designs and produces two collections a year that are sold at her store as well as other boutiques. Most of her work is produced in New York, India and Chicago.
“Eskell was started by myself and my good friend Elizabeth Del Castillo, and the name is a combination of our names,” said Whitesell.
Whitesell designs and sells timeless pieces like her black velvet dress with sheer long sleeves, black fringe hanging from the chest and a high collar with buttons around the neck for only $45. She carries the exclusive line of Spitfire sunglasses, a London label for only $40. The Olcott Jane Coat, perfect for the winter season, is printed with gold, ivory and olive green plaid and has a built-in scarf and tie waist, priced at $285. Lauren Moffat, Sam and Lavi, Shona Joy and Family Affairs are just a few of the name brands Eskell will have for the spring season.
“All stores in Wicker Park have character, this store in particular – with its burning candles, cozy sofa and sleeping dog made it especially charming,” said Stefanie Safahi, sophomore at DePaul University. “That’s the kind of place I want to spend my money at – a place that puts so much effort into the customer experience.”
Whitesell makes and engraves her own vintage jewelry. Her hand-engraved gold rings were one of the most popular gift-giving items last Christmas. Each ring can be engraved with an initial on the front and a word or saying on the inside of the band. The rings are priced at $60. Eskell also carries jewelry from local designers.
“I really love to cherish special pieces of clothing and jewelry,” said Whitesell. “I love vintage for that reason. I want people to come here looking for something they can’t find anywhere else.”
Eskell’s designs were featured in Lucky, InStyle, TeenVogue and Venus magazines, just to name a few.
“Being in a creative environment means we are always making and designing something, it just kind of depends on what is happening at the time,” said Whitesell.
Whitesell said her winter must-haves are high-waisted jeans, awesome comfy pants, a killer pair of boots, thermal tops, plaid flannel button-downs, a positive attitude and a smile.
“Spring is right around the corner,” she said.
Eskell apparel and designs can also be found on www.eskell.com and Cerato boutique at 3451 N. Southport Ave.