One of the best parts about working at Ox&Pen is the opportunity to meet and work closely with local merchants, also built in Chicago. Here are a couple of the newest in the network:
As Chicago’s own Vince Vaughn once exclaimed with anticipation, “it’s wedding season!” This seems to be true more than ever; nearly everyone I know is getting married. Those in the market for rings and white dresses will also be in need of invitations. If you’re invitation shopping, but feel like there’s nothing out there that really reflects you, then you’re not alone. When Elizabeth Grace owner Laura Manteuffel was helping a friend pick out wedding invitations, she was amazed at how difficult it was to find exactly what they were looking for. Armed with a graphic design background and an obsession with beautiful typography, Laura took the matter into her own hands and designed the invitations herself.
After that initial spark, she continues to create custom invitations using luxurious papers and different printing techniques, working with couples to ensure their special event is exactly what they want. Elizabeth Grace has grown to be far more than a source of personally-tailored wedding invitations. The trendy Lincoln Park boutique is filled with over 35 lines of stationery and other gifts, cards and invitations, created by talented designers Laura has admired over the years. Next time you need a card, knick or knack, make sure you stop into this shop!
Bonus: the Elizabeth Grace blog is an arsenal of insight, ideas and assistance for all things wedding, stationery and invitation related.
When I lived on Southport, and walked past Dog-a-holics every day, I found myself wanting a dog more than ever, if only to give myself a legitimate reason to buy the awesome dog accessories, toys, food and treats they carry. I didn’t ever make it into a dog-friendly building, so my former colleague’s Yorkies ended up benefiting from the slew of canine gifts I would inevitably end up buying.
Dog-a-holics Retail Boutique, located at Southport and Waveland, is packed with tough toys, gourmet bakery treats and all-natural dog food, as well as long lasting bones, custom dog beds, unique collars and leashes and dog birthday items. Foods, treats and chews sold here are made of the highest quality ingredients. Grooming services for both dogs and cats are also offered, performed in a calm and quiet environment by trained, animal-loving professionals. All services are cage free and include a large outdoor play lot.
And, as you would expect from any dog person, customer service here is amazing! Whether you’re a dog owner in need of food accessories or just a dog lover like me, definitely check out Dog-a-holics next time you’re in Wrigleyville.
