UKRAINIAN VILLAGE — Those hoping to get their fix of motorcycle couture might soon find it at Tarnish, which had a soft opening on Chicago Avenue Thursday and will feature biker fashion, jewelry, tarot cards and more, the owner said.
As Ukrainain Village resident Nicole Everhart described it, the theme for her boutique at 2024 W. Chicago Ave. is "motorcycle-meets-boho-meets-witchy."
Everhart, who runs the Bitter Betty Bazaar pop-shop with Bryanna McGregor-Carroll, said she dreamed of of having her own store since she started working as a fashion buyer 16 years ago.
"It was a way to get my name out there and, in doing so, help other people that are starting out," Everhart said of the pop-up shop, which she still works on.
Tarnish was partially stocked with clothing and jewerly on Thursday, but Everhart's still working on getting more inventory by the store's grand opening, which is tentatively scheduled for late April. The shop already features men and women's clothing and jewelry on its website.
For the storefront, Everhart hopes to include leather jackets, a mix of vintage and modern helmets, riding gloves, handbags, tarot cards, crystals and turquoise jewelry among her eclectic offerings.
Much like in her work with Bitter Betty, she said plans to use her shop to showcase a mix of local and international designers.
Everhart, who makes her own jewelry, said she's inspired by her love of riding vintage motorcycles, a hobby she shares with her husband.
"There was an emerging market for women who were starting to ride motorcycles and the fashion surrounding it." Everhart said of the biker jacket trend.
And with a new Mariano's across the street plus shops such as her friend Steven Tobiason's Epic Spices down the road, Everhart said she knew she'd moved into a hot location.
"I realized that Chicago Avenue is really starting to come into its own," she said.
The boutique's hours have yet to be determined, and Everhart said she'll be closed for this weekend. Those wanting to check out the shop can stay tuned via the shop's Facebook page or by calling 773-227-7290.
