New Lincoln Avenue Boutique to Feature Handmade Clothes, Accessories

Just as Lulu's leaves Northcenter, a new store is opening right next to former women's boutique on Lincoln Avenue. 

Union Handmade will feature clothing, jewelry, bags and knitted goods from 10 different designers. 

The shop is the brainchild of Leigh DeLeonardo, who's worked in the fashion and design industry since graduating from the Art Institute of Chicago in 1984.

Each item in the boutique will be handmade in small quantities—and for now, only for the ladies. DeLeonardo brought together 10 designers to bring in their own inventory and work in the store. 

Owners plan for a Aug. 21 opening, but until then, Union Handmade is "getting dressed," by designer Robert Rud. As of July 10, brown paper covers the windows at 3860 N. Lincoln Ave. 

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DeLeonardo said she started planning the store one year ago out of her own need for new clothes. 

"I had some money to spend and came to the city, but couldn't find anything to wear," she said. "I was in despair, and my friend suggested I open a shop."

The boutique is DeLeonardo's second venture of this type. In 1994, she opened Made to Fit, which featured more than 15 different designers. Four years later, DeLeonardo closed the store to get married and raise her daughter in Woodstock, IL.

Even before the clothing shop, DeLeonardo had her own business. After graduating, she began selling to Nordstrom, Saks and specialty stores.

"I had everything I thought I wanted and hated it," DeLeonardo said. "I was basically just a manufacturer."

Now, the designer has returned to fashioning clothes. Her love of opposites often comes through in her clothing, pairing things like menswear fabrics in feminine cuts. It's not showy, but rather timeless and fresh, DeLeonardo said.

"What some of my regulars say to me is, 'When I don't want to be bothered with compliments, I don't wear your clothes,'" she said. 

Other designers in the store include: 

• Jamie LaPorta, former Land of Nod creative director producing hand-knit sweaters
• Annie Andrews, clothing
• Kara Hetz, jewelry
• Katie Mills, jewelry
• Laura Whitlock, millinery
• Kate Burch, millinery
• Mancy Melvin, a variety of hand-dyed home treasures from home grown items
• Susan Hawn, collector and purveyor of Indian goods
• Bethany Nelson, hand-printed fabric bags and textiles