FASHION HEADS WEST to Ouest

By Jennifer Burrell

Ah, Merci!  French inspired fashion has finally arrived to the west loop.

Ouest (which is French for the word west), is a fitting name for the romantic and French inspired Ouest Boutique, located in the west loop.  In July, almost 50 Chicago Fashion Foundation members and guests filled the boutique for CFF’s bi-monthly networking event.  The owner of the boutique, Kelly Bry, was on hand to answer questions from aspiring boutique owners and designers on how to open your own boutique and how to get your designs sold at a boutique.

As one of the first boutiques that opened in the west loop in August of 2006, Ouest was truly a retail pioneer. Kelly began her discussion by letting guests know about her background and how she started the boutique.  CFF members and guests asked many questions, and a variety of topics, such as the importance of location when starting your business, tips on how to present your clothing line to a boutique buyer and even recommendations on details such as trade shows were discussed.  Event attendees also enjoyed a one-night only discount on Ouest merchandise, which includes brands such as Barbara Bui, Development, Habitual, Nili Lotan and Sonia Rykiel.

In terms of business conditions, Kelly stated that business is strong and added that the most popular item of the summer was the dress.  “We sell a ton of them”, Kelly enthusiastically stated.  So now that Bry has given the west loop a boutique that offers sophisticated clothing and accessories “inspired by the timelessly elegant French woman”, what is next for Ouest?  Well, shoes of course!  Kelly states that she plans to expand into the basement of her approximate 1,000 square foot space by offering women’s shoes.

With chic fashion staples that will last season after season, Ouest will surely rise to the crème de la crème of Chicago boutiques.

Ouest is located at 1063 West Madison.  For more information, visit them online at shopouest.com.