Lissa on Maxwell

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A former CPA and lifelong fashion addict, Lissa Shipley gave up her career in the finance biz to open this modern, sophisticated boutique in fall 2006. She covets under-the-radar, emerging designers from all over the world that you won't find elsewhere. "The less recognizable the name is to my customers, the better," she says. Standouts include corset-inspired dresses from Australian line Yeojin Bae, hand-finished pieces by Brazilian designer Lerario Beatriz and the store's first Chicago designer, Melissa Serpico, starting with her spring 2008 collection. The space is as upscale and luxe as the high-fashion garments, most of which come in between $200 and $500. Shoppers who prefer not to model for the entire store will appreciate a private carpeted dressing room area set off from the salesfloor.

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Little Italy/University Village stores, Chicago stores