Sofia Vintage

Zisook sisters to open Sofia vintage clothing shop on Oak Street

2010-03-04T16:08:00.000-06:00

Zisook sisters to open Sofia vintage clothing shop on Oak Street

Posted by Shia K. at 3/4/2010 10:46 AM CST on Chicago Business

    Sofia, the vintage clothing and accessories boutique formerly on Clark Street, is reopening on Oak Street, taking the spot vacated almost a year ago by the G'Bani shoe store.

    The 3,000-square-foot shop is named after acting legend Sophia Loren and brings a notable fashion and retail pedigree to the high-end shopping district.

Ashley Zisook and Allison Zisook Goldstein

    Owners Ashley Zisook and Allison Zisook Goldstein are the daughters of real estate executive Richard Zisook and the fashion-conscious and philanthropic Lili Ann Zisook. The sisters' maternal grandparents are the late Morrie Mages of Morrie Mages Sporting Goods and the stylish Shirlee Mages.

    "It's a dream" to be on Oak Street alongside such "well-known retailers," Ashley Zisook says of the move.

    The boutique, at at 72 E. Oak St., opens in April and follows other new shops, including a beauty salon, spa and Judaica store a few hundred feet away, according to a recent report in Crain's Chicago Real Estate Daily.

    The resurgence is good news for shop owners along Oak Street who were stunned by the recent closing of Ultimo boutique.

    Sofia may make up for that — at least a bit — offering new and vintage men's and women's clothing, including designers such as Halston, Lanvin, Yves Saint Laurent, Oscar de la Renta and Valentino.

Jaydine’s Pick of the Week: Sofia Vintage

2010-03-02T23:17:00.000-06:00

Jaydine’s Pick of the Week: Sofia Vintage

By Jaydine Sayer | CS magazine | February 24, 2010

Get hand-selected vintage clothing and jewerly at Sofia Vintage.

As any gal or guy about town knows, one doesn’t have to be in L.A. to hit up an Oscar soiree or two. (In fact, we’ve been getting several notifications for some super posh parties—check back later for details).

To prep for your own turn down the red carpet, I recommend heading to Sofia Vintage this Saturday from noon-7PM for a get-ready-for-the-Oscars event. The Gold Coast boutique is the destination for vintage formal attire, from glamorous Halston and Valentino numbers to tuxes and suits for men (along with elegant bow ties, cuff links and tie pins).

Co-owner Ashely Zisook and L.A.-based TV host Adrianna Costa will help shoppers find the right look for the occasion, and will dish on red carpet trends (pinks, nudes, old Hollywood glam) and offer up beauty tips while you can sip on Goose Island’s Sofia beer.

If you’ve already got your dress and tux selected, stop in to peruse the stellar vintage jewelry collection. Zisook’s favorite pieces right now? A gold double chain Chanel necklace with a big heart pendant and a Hermes gold horse cuff that “is to die for!”

Sofia Vintage, 1165 North Clark St., 312.640.0878, sofiavintage.com

Sofia invites you to the Make A Wish Denim Inspired Fashion Show, at Rockit Bar & Grill

2010-03-02T19:28:00.000-06:00

Sofia's Red Carpet Fashions with Adrianna Costa

2010-02-25T16:50:00.005-06:00

Red Carpet Fashions

Posted using ShareThis

Sofia Vintage Co-Owner Ashley Zisook Interviews with Marta Walsh on TalkingMakeup.com

2010-02-25T06:39:00.000-06:00

February 24th, 2010 | Related | Filed Under

I’m excited to share with you my interview with Sofia Vintage Co-Owner Ashley Zisook!
Gossip Girl star, Leighton Meester, has recently spotted shopping at Chicago’s premier shopping destination, Sofia Vintage at 1165 North Clark Street. Leighton was in town for her performance at The Underground and was dressed head to toe in Sofia Vintage’s finest fashions for the red carpet including a sexy long sleeve open back, black lace top with trendy olive colored trousers.

L to R: Sofia Vintage co-owner, Ashley Zisook and Leighton Meester
photo credit Rob Grabowski

Launched in the spring of ’09, Sofia Vintage features a variety of men and women’s vintage clothing, emerging designers, and accessories, at all price points. Co-owners, Ashley Zisook and Allison Zisook Goldstein, Chicago natives and sisters with two drastically different fashion styles and backgrounds, join forces to bring Chicagoans unique vintage pieces with a goal to revive class, grace and beauty from decades past intertwined with today’s trends.

In this interview Ashley Zisook talks to Marta Walsh about her love for fashion and the creation of Sofia Vintage. Her meeting with Leighton Meester. How she makes her partnership with sister Allison work. Personal style and philosophy about life.

Marta Walsh: When did you first become interested in fashion?

Ashley Zisook: I have always been into fashion… however, I never really thought it would be my career. I was in the music industry in Los Angeles and I felt I needed more creativity in my life so I enrolled in FIDM and started “The Piece” with 2 of my college friends from Boulder. The Piece was a once a month vintage sale for ladies we would do in our backyard–each month it would keep getting bigger! When I was moving back to Chicago I knew I wanted to continue doing something like The Piece, but on a much bigger scale—I wanted to offer Chicago a different type of shopping experience that hadn’t ever been done before.

MW: How was the concept for the Sofia Vintage boutique born?

AZ: We took many elements from The Piece and then added menswear and new lines from up and coming, emerging designers. The concept of Sofia is to mix the new with the old, bring back the beauty and grace of fashion and individual style. I want people to come to Sofia and have an experience…its like walking into your best friend’s closet and, you get the bonus of personal styling if you choose.

MW: Who do you see shopping in Sofia Vintage?

AZ: Sofia Vintage really has something for everyone! From the most conservative dressers to the biggest fashion risk takers, everyone can wear the pieces at Sofia. Also, we have a price point for everyone so anyone can shop here!

MW: How do you go about buying for the store, where do you get your inspiration?

AZ: We go to estate sales, auctions, consignment, and take buying road trips across the country. I get inspiration from everywhere and everything…I love to travel and see how people in each city and different countries dress…I love watching all the runway shows from all of the major fashion weeks. When I go shopping for the store I envision a specific person for what I’m buying. Everything in the store is there for a reason…it is all handpicked by either my sister or me.

MW: How do you make the business partnership with sister Allison work?

AZ: Both Allison and I are both very laid back–we know what each of us brings to Sofia. She’s better on the business side of things while I’m better at styling and pulling outfits together. She’s very organized and I’m more creative. We certainly balance each other out and she is absolutely my best friend.

MW: We hear actress Leighton Meester stopped by Sofia Vintage recently. What was it like meeting Leighton and also finding the best outfit for her?

AZ: Leighton was super sweet…she tried on a bunch of different outfits. Specifically, we were looking for 2 outfits for that evening- one for press and one for her live performance at The Underground (a nightclub in Chicago). We went through all the looks we pulled, narrowed it down to our favorites and finally came up with the winning look…a black long sleeve, open back lace top with olive trousers. Leighton is such a fashion forward individual and a style icon of today’s generation, so I was truly honored to have her in Sofia!

Leighton Meester in Sofia Vintage on the red carpet for The Underground.
Photo credit Rob Grabowski

MW: Which other celebrities do you see wearing the styles in your boutique?

AZ: I see celebrities like Nicole Ritchie, Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, Chloe Sevigny, Kate Hudson…Rachel Zoe would DIE in here (in her own words J) all wearing Sofia Vintage. I’ve styled a many musicians and I think rock stars would just love it!

MW: How would you describe Chicago when it comes to style?

AZ: I think Chicago is growing in terms of style…people are becoming more creative and wanting to be more original. I want to help people step out of what they are used to or what they think they are supposed to be wearing and help them find their individual style…every time someone puts on an outfit they should feel amazing and confident like they will rock wherever they are going…whether it be a job interview, first date or Sunday afternoon.

MW: How would you describe your own personal style?

AZ: I like to mix pieces from different eras together…the old classic styles with modern looks…laid back…boho-california comfortable….I accessorize A LOT!!! I also always carry at least 2 pairs of sunglasses with me. I always like to take risks and have fun with my style…you only live once!

MW: What is next for you and for Sofia Vintage?

AZ: I don’t like to plan…I always like to see where life takes me….life is a journey…that’s why I always say “live lovely”….cause really, if you want to enjoy your life, that’s all you can do.

Thank you Ashley Zisook for brilliant interview! xo Marta

Sofia Vintage is located in the Gold Coast at 1165 N. Clark St. in Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60610. They accepts Cash, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. Store hours are Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. and open for hosted monthly parties. Please contact Ashley and/or Allison at 312.640.0878 or visit www.sofiavintage.com for additional information. Parking available: metered street parking, Treasure Island parking garage, and Clark/Division red line accessible.

Alexander McQueen

2010-02-11T12:44:00.017-06:00

The world lost a true visionary today…an artist who’s incredible talent has changed the way we look at fashion; and sometimes even how we see the world, every time he sent our beloved gangly supermodels down the runway.

The architecture and details of his designs are so unique and immaculately executed. He reinvented the wheel with each couture-esque garment he draped and tailored on Magdelena and Polina, transforming them into catwalk pictorialization.

The most amazing thing about McQueen for me, is from leather to feathers; houndstooth to bondage; vintage inspired to nouveau….he put his mark on each pleat, tuck, ruffle, drape, and fabric that made everything he created, unmistakably, without a doubt, McQueen.

My personal favorites from his body of work?

Spring 2010 – reptile inspired snake skin print, mini “ballerina” dress, with those life changing snake skin platform booties. I have dreamt about these shoes many a night….

Fall 09 – This gown…I mean. It is like the most fabulous Goth bride that ever lived. The houndstooth print cascading asymmetrically into birds in flight.

I call it the Lenore dress, because the first thing that popped in my head when I saw it was Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Raven.”

“Deep into the darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing,

Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before

But the silence was unbroken, and the darkness gave no token,

And the only word there spoken was the whispered word ‘Lenore!’

Merely this and nothing more.”

Fabulous.

Spring 09 – I had to pick 2 for this one, I LOVE this collection. Might be my all time fave. Feminine, sweet, girlie, with a really hard edge. Totally makes sense. (And the fact that he took his runway bow in a bunny suit only made it better)

The leather corset over the soft floral…ugh, I die.

The fringe flapper dress with full bearing midriff, beyond sexy.

Fall 08 – hooded sweater with tulle Pedi fore.

Spring 08 – The butterfly head dress is outstanding. (Not long after this collection SJP was ridiculed for wearing custom made McQueen butterfly hat to the SATC premiere in London. Critics were wrong, she was fabulous)

Mr. McQueen – thank you for sharing your talent with the world. You will be greatly missed.

Find it at Sofia: D & G Spring RTW 2010

2010-02-08T23:11:00.016-06:00

D & G Spring RTW 2010

White ruffle lace mini, neck scarf & suade fringe cross-body bag available at Sofia

Sofia Loves Chanel!!!

2010-02-02T18:53:00.010-06:00

A perfect gift for yourself or that special someone on Valentines Day!

CHANEL LONG DOUBLE CHAIN NECKLACE

This piece is in excellent condition.
It features the original CC logo on a heart pendant!

hurry and get to Sofia while this hot little item is still here!!!

Grammys 2010 Trend Alert: Buff-Colored Dresses

2010-02-01T23:32:00.007-06:00

Katy Perry, Keri Hilson and Beyoncé put it in neutral for the 2010 Grammys. Photos: Gabriel Bouys, AFP/Getty Images | Larry Busacca, Getty Images for NARAS | AP

One of the hottest colors at the 2010 Grammys was hardly a color at all.

Some of the night's most gorgeous gowns -- worn by some of the evening's most gorgeous ladies -- came in sandy, natural hues and the statement-making was left to the details, silhouettes and fit of the dresses.

Read entire article on Stylelist

Sofia's Favorite DJ's: Stonerokk & Graham Funke Spin Up Some Grammy Predictions

2010-01-30T18:54:00.004-06:00

DJ’s StoneRokk and Graham Funke Spin Up Some Grammy Predictions

January 26th, 2010 4:44 pm / Author: Brittany Talarico

DJ StoneRokk and DJ Graham Funke are certainly no slouches in the music industry and have become known as superstar party starters with a lengthy roster of A-list clients — Kid Rock, Rihanna, Jermaine Dupri, Danny Masterson, Lauren Conrad, and Audrina Patridge, to name only a few. The DJs have been spinning in clubs across the country for 15 years and certainly know what’s hot when it comes to music. The duo has gone from humble roots performing at house parties to lavish celeb soirees to a Presidential fundraiser for tax breaks.

With excitement building for 52nd Annual Grammy Awards this Sunday, the dynamite deejays to the stars share with OK! their winning picks for the biggest categories of music’s biggest night.

CLICK ON THE LINK ABOVE TO SEE DJ STONEROKK & GRAHAM FUNKE'S PREDICTIONS

Dior.....LOVE

2010-01-29T15:05:00.006-06:00

"John Galliano knows better than anyone else how to recreate the atmosphere of an era. In this case he's gone back to the 1940s, modeling dark Hollywood dramas with vintage Paris. Satin lingerie that epitomises refined retro sexy, the wasp waist and pronounced shoulders, trench coats and a trim little basqued suit." -Vogue Paris Collections

Sofia loves Dior's Spring 2010 collection!! Find sexy slips, satin dresses & classic trench's that look straight off the runway here at Sofia Vintage!

Sofia Presents The Live Lovely Fashion Show with DJ Graham Funke at Underground

2010-01-27T22:16:00.002-06:00

2010-01-26T01:10:00.000-06:00

vintage Fendi weekender
(available @ Sofia Vintage)

2010-01-26T00:55:00.001-06:00

Just because it’s January in Chicago doesn’t mean we have to hibernate into puffy coats and Ugg boots for the next 2 months…

We at Sofia believe that comfort is the most important part of confidence.
Mixing fabrics and textures; menswear and mini skirts; old with the new…

And POOF!

vintage Missoni cardigan
Chaser tee
Numph Suede mini skirt with ruffle
Vintage Lacoste red belt
(All available @ Sofia Vintage)