Habit

Considering how crazy-busy February gets in the flower biz, it’s no surprise that Lisa Atterberry, co-owner of Cattails, a flower shop in Wicker Park, doesn’t have any time to shop. But she can make an exception for one particular store just a block west on Division Street: Habit, a boutique showcasing original handmade clothes and accessories from about 50 up-and-coming designers, half of them local.

Habit’s owner, Lindsey Boland, “always features good designs in her window. She has a nice mix,” Atterberry observes. “A lot of the boutiquey stores around here don’t work for me. I think, That’s cute, but where would you wear it? It’s not really suitable for my lifestyle.”

Habit is a happy exception. During a recent visit, after the two owners talk shop for a bit (the continuing waves of Wicker Park gentrification, the less-than-stellar December revenues), Atterberry begins to browse the airy store, which Boland converted two and a half years ago from a former alderman’s office. There are no sure things in the small-business world, but Boland’s optimistic: Six months ago, she expanded Habit’s retail space (she used to share her storefront with another business); by February’s end, she plans to launch an expanded website that will enable online shopping.

The amicable Boland still crafts her own line, Superficial, which she began in 2000. But she’s just as enthusiastic about the work of all of the designers she carries, such as Kate Mitchell of Chicago, who turns thorns (plucked from Grant Park foliage) into earrings, or Chris Foster, an Indianapolis metalsmith who makes belt buckles. When Atterberry admires a gray fleece jacket, part of the New York–based Nature Vs. Future line, Boland pipes up, “That’s made from 87 percent recycled polyester.”

“That’s really important,” Atterberry says. Whether aesthetically or politically, “Lindsey pays attention to the details of what she carries.”

Habit, 1951 W Division St (773-342-0093, habitchicago.com);
Cattails, 1935 W Division St (773-486-1621, cattailschicago.com).

Lisa Atterberry’s favorite finds

Photos by Martha Williams

1. Oak-leaf top by Superficial, “I didn’t notice the leaves on the shoulders till I looked at it for the second time. They’re so subtle.” $80, on sale through February for $60.

2. Handcrafted belt and buckle by Foster Weld, “I love this guy’s stuff. I like the blue complementing the distressed black of the belt.” $75.

3. Handprinted T-shirt by Kiyomi Kimble, “I like the colors and the cut. It’s not bulky but not too tight.” $60.

4. The Burrito Bag purse by C. Differently, “I like that it’s so natural. They left a hole that’s part of the cowhide—they didn’t try to patch it up.” $300–$350.

5. Jewelry by Twig Design, “I’m drawn to it because it’s so natural looking. The thorn earrings are like a perfect rose stem.” Earrings, $60; necklace, $180.