Sneak Peek: Lake View Native Opening Von Z Boutique

Written by Michael Sewall

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After launching her private clothing line, Cotton Candy Couture, in 2012, Lake View resident Jenna Zielbauer is bringing it to a storefront in Bucktown this summer.

Von Z will celebrate its grand opening Thursday, June 27, will special hours and events to show off the new store, which features women’s apparel, shoes and more. The grand opening celebration, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., will feature raffle prizes, cotton candy and an Instagram contest in which the winner will get a $100 gift card to the store.  

About three months ago, Zielbauer and her husband, Patrick, were on a trip in Dallas and came across Schutz shoes, which she loved.

“I said we need to bring these back to Chicago and open a shoe store,” Zielbauer recalled. “My husband didn’t think that was a good idea, but he said we could open a store that had shoes and clothing, including my line.”

They moved quickly, finding at spot at 1872 N. Damen Ave. in Bucktown. The couple has lived in Lake View for about five years.

“The slogan of my line is that we aim to bring that same joy to your life as that first bite into cotton candy,” she said. “It’s fun, feminine and flirty dresses.”

Zielbauer studied fashion merchandising and marketing and went to work with her line after college. She never had the idea to open a storefront until that trip to Dallas, and she said she still plans to offer more than her own line, especially focusing on ones from overseas. She said the store’s price points range from $35 to $350.

“We really want to carry unique lines that not many people can find here,” Zielbauer said.  

But the store will allow her to expand her line and what it offers. The store carries a variety of cosmetics, jewelry, handbags, shoes and apparel.  It also has a self-serve candy bar (fill up a box with candy for $3.99) and sells macaroons from Dana’s Bakery in New York.  Von Z does personal styling and hosts private parties in the store, too.

Regular hours will be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. It’s closed Monday. Zielbauer said the store could have extended hours during the summer.

For more information, check out the Von Z website or the Cotton Candy Couture website.