Clearance in Polynesia Shirt by Portuguese Flannel and A.P.C New Standard Jeans
With just a few weeks left of summer, Chicago based band Clearance's new album At Your Leisure came out July 27th on Topshelf Records and we have been listening all week! The whole album has summer-like vibes for those that are not quite ready for the season to end--- we certainly are not!
We had Clearance in the studio a few weeks ago to model Summer collections from our new sister Shop Gemini, featuring looks from Portuguese Flannel, A.P.C, and Gitman Vintage. We spoke with the band mates on how they approach their personal wardrobe while capturing these fun images.
Our (sometimes) shop dog Henry making an appearance
Tracklist:
Pick up a copy of the album at Topshelf Records
Models: Rachel & Cordett Photography and Art Direction: Abigail Lipp & Jena Frey
Shop Women's Looks
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We hope to see you there!
]]>Before It Slips Away playlist
With summer almost upon us, we put together Before it Slips Away, a choice playlist with some of our favorite vintage songs, easing us into long dreamy days and warm nights. We hope you enjoy our summer vibes!
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This weekend we will be hosting a Holiday Pop-Up featuring some of our favorite local designers: ceramics by Up in the Air Somewhere, textiles by Herron, and aprons by Smittee. This is the perfect time to grab a unique gift for someone on your list or treat yourself to something special.
Join us Friday night from 5-7 to meet the designers, shop, and enjoy a glass of wine provided by The Winchester. After the reception, accompany us to The Winchester to continue the festivities.
Local Home Goods Holiday Pop-Up
Friday, December 2 - Sunday, December 4
@ Penelope's,1913 W Division St, Chicago
Penelope's Early Spring Look Book - 2016
Stop by the shop to request a printed copy.
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In the roaring twenties and soon after The Great Depression, several great shirt makers, mostly first generation immigrants, banded together to move en masse out of New York and away from its urban problems, high costs and rackets. They decided upon a rural area about four hours outside of New York City in Pennsylvania, either in or around Schuylkill County. Among them was Max Gitman, a Brooklyn native who moved his family and business to the coal-mining town of Ashland and established the Ashland Shirt & Pajama Company in 1932.
The Ashland Shirt & Pajama Company factory remained a contract shop, making private label shirts for the most prestigious haberdashers in the USA, until 1978, when a band of young sellers, who loved and wore the product, proposed to Max Gitman’s sons, Alfie and Shelly, that they take the shirts directly to the market under their own label. And so, the Gitman Bros. brand was born.
Gitman Brothers’ classic oxfords feature a three-inch button down collar with single breast pocket and incorporate retro details like original chalk buttons, locker loops and double-track stitching. The Spring / Summer 2016 is inspired by Tuscan seaside town aesthetics, which include a healthy mix of summer-ready staples, counterpoised by a colorful assortment of palms, parrots, postcards, and geometric motifs. Most styles can be found in long and short sleeve variations, and can be found in a well-made cotton weave, or a lighter-weight chambray.
Gitman Bros. shirting can be found year-round at Penelope’s, so don’t hesitate to stop in and see what we have in stock - from the traditional staple to the party-goer’s favorite.
Happy Valentine's day everyone! Whether you've got dinner reservations for two,
or eating a box of chocolates alone, this mix is for you ~
Amanaz - Sunday Morning
Orville Shannon - Oh Lover
Becky Durnning & the Ardee's - Foolish Boys
Funk Night Records - Another Song (About Love)
Lee Perry and the Gayletes - How Come You Come
Anthony Hamilton and the Hamiltons - Hotline Bling
Timmy Thomas - Why Can't We Live Together
The Darlettes - Lost
Chuck Jackson - Any Day Now
The Amoebas - Look at the Moon
El Michaels Affair - Hung Up On My Baby
The Lijadu Sisters - Come on Home
The Apostles - Don't Huzzle for Love
by Penelope's team member - Spencer
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Stefano Torossi - Family Life
Here at the shop, we have been vibing out on Sonny Smith's penultimate album Antenna to the Afterworld (2013) for a while now. Have a listen - It goes perfectly with that second round of coffee on the couch.
Also, don't forget, we are having WINTER SALE right now - 25% off all coats, hats, gloves, and scarves, so come on down to the shop or snag some deals online with the promo code - STAYWARM at checkout!
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French-born Emma François founded Sessùn over 15 years ago, and continues to push the Marseille-based label towards new definitions of elegance using a rich set of material references.
Prior to starting Sessùn, François lived and traveled throughout South America for 20 years, and credits this time in her life for exposure to new material juxtapositions and pattern inspiration. François’s humble introduction to fashion began when she returned to France and started experimentation on her own clothes. She would alter the fit of sweaters, re-dye garments, and combine separate pieces to create a new unique wearable item. A little over a decade ago, you could have found François selling her creations to shopkeepers out of her backpack on the streets of Paris and Marseille. In 1999 she finally had the opportunity to debut her brand, and a Jeune Créateur (Young Designer) prize from the Institut Mode Méditerranée was soon to follow.
We love that François’s collections cite a broad range of influences. She still travels regularly, and has stated that this is an integral part of her design process; “Even today, whenever I can, I go to the end of the world. I stay in Tokyo. I love the contrast of this city, its urban madness and refinement. I can walk kilometers, alone and wander in all neighborhoods. In China, I take pictures, and I bring all sorts of things [back] : packaging, postcards, traditional papers…” (Elle France). François has based an entire season’s tone on a song she might like at the moment, and regularly uses motifs from the most unlikely of places (an 18th century paper marbling catalogue, for example) to inspire the unique textiles Sessùn has become known for. Her pieces begin with unlikely pattern and material pairings, but somehow resolve into effortlessly classic garments that remain relevant season after season - just one of the many reasons Sessùn has stayed a headliner at Penelope’s. We can’t wait to see what comes next from this talented designer.
Wearing Our Legacy's Regular Roundneck Sweater and their First Cut Raw Jeans
We had Ziyad Asrar from WHITNEY in the studio the other day. Here's a playlist he put together for us.
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Léa wears the Sabrina Pants by Loup, the Hastings Bootie by Dolce Vita, a Half-Moon Bag by A.P.C, an Oversized Wooly Jacket by Frnch, and the Double Tweed Boater Hat by Recherche New York.
Ama taking in the sights through Dusen Dusen's Oval Sunglasses, wearing Penfield's Hoosac Mountain Parka over a Mollusk Fisherman's sweater.
Native Youth's Longline Wool Overcoat looks fantastic over the new Ace & Jig Onesie. Léa's look is topped off with a Fuzzy Beret by Recherche New York.
A.P.C's Manhattan Coat over Saturday's Everyday Bubble Knit Sweater is a refined take on a classic monochrome pairing. Ama takes it up a notch with the Our Legacy Void sunglasses in matte black.
Léa breaks in a pair of Fortress of Inca Cara Boots. The High Street Jean by A.P.C is a year round staple and looks clean but casual with Sessun's Julie and Candy Parka, a J.O.A Kim sweater, and Norse Projects' 100% lambswool beanie.
A.P.C Jean Jacket in washed denim, DIBI walter scarf, A.P.C. Basile slacks, A.P.C. Sam sweatshirt.
High Street Jean by A.P.C., Sessun Julie and Candy Parka, J.O.A Kim sweater, beanie by Norse Projects
A.P.C. Petite New Standard Jeans in Mastic Overdye, Our Legacy Off Court sneakers, Saturday's Everyday Bubble Knit Sweater and Koji vest.
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This dress from Paper Crown is so sophisticated and universal. Bridesmaid would love it for its timeless appeal and flattering fit. It would also work perfectly for anyone attending a wedding or special event or the mother of the bride. Flowers: Annette Gomez
This dress is so fun! It would be just lovely at an outdoor summer wedding. Flowers: Honey and Poppies
Pair the Objects Without Meaning Cleo Dress with some strappy sandals and you are all set for that beach wedding. Flowers: Fleur
This elegant silhouette, unique pattern and cutouts in this maxi from Tina & Jo would modernize any bridal party. Flowers: The Foxglove Studio
If you are a black dress kind of gal, the Amber dress with it's effortless shape and flattering fit might be the perfect choice for you. Its gauzy linen fabric make it breathable and pockets make it playful enough to throw on with some sandals after all the events are over. Flowers: Fleur
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Marty from True Detective watches the Red Wedding (spoilers ahead):
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FOR HER: Sessun Khalo Blouse, Objects Without Meaning Boy Zip Jeans, Rachel Comey Bandera Clog, Franklin Sunglasses, Sessun Bag, A.P.C. Denim Pouch.
FOR HIM: Jed & Marne Mulberry Shorts, A.P.C. Cap, Reyn Spooner Shirt, Objects Without Meaning Jeans and Tee, Quiet Life Duffel.
We are heading for spring break in Tulum, Mexico, stay tuned to our Instagram (@shoppenelopes) for highlights of our trip. Happy Travels!
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This weekend we are also participating in the Shop for Good program, where 10% of the value of your purchase will be donated by Penelope’s to the local charity of your choice. There are some great local organizations and schools on the list, so shop with us and make a difference this holiday season. We hope to see you!