Hazel Apparel

I’ve bought a few pieces from this shop before and they’ve become staples in my wardrobe. Hazel caters well to those who appreciate whimsical style and rare pieces you won’t find in other Chicago-​area boutiques.
That all being said, my previous visit to this store will be my last. I don’t know if theft is something they’ve dealt with recently, but it’s pretty darn uncomfortable to browse this store and suddenly be under the gaze of all three store associates who are awful at disguising the fact that they’re watching you because you might be shoplifting. I get it, I had my gym tote on me (being that my gym is a block away from this shop) and post-​workout did not look the part of someone who could afford the selection of clothes despite being a frequent paying customer.
But look, the store is not that big — I would have been in plain sight without you deciding you NEEDED to start refolding an already perfectly folded batch of sweaters next to the dress I was looking at. I understand being better safe than sorry — but don’t sacrifice the customer’s experience just because you’re unwilling to install security mechanisms on your clothing or cameras to enforce fairness. I’ve worked in retail before, and nowhere was I taught that hounding the customer and following them around like a lost child encouraged sales.
To Hazel employees: be friendly and engaging and helpful, not assuming and predatory and chasing them out of your store.

What a gem of a boutique clothing store. The apparel strikes that delicate balance between casual and distinctive. It’s attractive and stylish without being too of-​the-​moment hip. The clothes aren’t cheap, but they aren’t expensive either. And the shop itself is pretty adorable, which is precisely what you’d expect from the guys behind the Hazel gift shop a block east.
But the store’s real secret to success is Marissa. She’s got a great eye, makes terrific suggestions, is completely honest about what works and what doesn’t, and is as sweet as they come.

Joan Rivers {may she rest in peace} would give this boutique a Fashion Police, «Yes!» Seriously trendy & ultra femme. Need I give you another excuse for a shopping spree? ;)

A+++++
I love this shop! Everyone is so nice. The clothing is really unique and awesome. I love the dresses I got from here. I can’t wait to go back!
Service was great too! Check it out for some unique apparel, but yes, very pricey.

Marissa and Morgan helped me find some awesome one of a kind pieces from some of their designs from Greece.
I had been looking for a dress to wear to a wedding for weeks and was thrilled to find THE dress here.
Thanks again Hazel!

I have no idea why haven’t written a review of these guys earlier. I absolutely love this boutique and so many pieces that I have gotten there have become staples in my wardrobe. I love that they have a price point for everybody, and that I can count on them to carry some of my favorite brands not sold anywhere else (that I know of). Additionally the staff is so friendly and helpful all the time. It’s honestly because of places like Hazel why I’ve stopped shopping at the big box stores and started to shop at more local boutiques

Let me just preface this with I love the clothes in this store and the staff are nice, etc.
However, I went in today to return a black dress because I just found another one that I liked better. They told me «matter of factly» that they don’t take returns.
NEVER was I told in person while I was purchasing this $ 60 dress that I couldn’t return it. NOWHERE on the receipt does it say that Hazel doesn’t take returns. HOW would I have known before buying the dress that if it didn’t work out, I couldn’t get my money back? I don’t like just wasting $ 60. Very upset.

The kind of store every neighborhood should have! Hazel has a great selection of difficult-​to-​find cool clothes and brands for both men and women. Every time I shop here I find something I want! The staff is super friendly, attentive and are always willing to offer suggestions for outfits.
I wanted a specific pair of jeans, but they were out of my size. They offered to special order me a pair and then when they couldn’t order it because they were discontinued, they sent a longer pair to their tailor to have them re-​sized! And no extra charge! That is the amazing service that is hard to find and what separates Hazel from others.
Since getting the jeans I have been back several times and am always totally satisfied with my experience!
An easy 5 stars!

Having just moved to Ravenswood, I’m so happy to have this store close by! There’s something here for every occasion– work, casual, party– you name it. Staff is helpful and not at all pushy, which I appreciate. Can’t wait for summer stuff!

This is hands down one of my favorite stores, ever. Their jewelry/​odd ends store is PERFECT for x-​mas gifts for females of any age or children! They have AMAZING designer soaps, lotions, and candles that are just to die for. Also some of the cutest most unique cards for any occasion. Their jewelry is all extremely well made, designer, and very unique — not something you’ll find in every other boutique or department stores. They also have a variety of designer home good gifts that are also amazing. Their clothing store is much of the same — a lot of unique, comfortable, cute clothing for men and women in varying sizes.
Is the store expensive? Yes. Mostly. You can find some SUPER CUTE extremely well made jewelry for reasonable, sometimes even really cheap, prices but their clothing is always pretty pricey but the clear higher quality you get in return is worth the cost in my opinion.
Final Verdict:
I shop here for x-​mas gifts for my female family and friends. I get all of my soaps from here. I get most of my favorite jewelry pieces from here. On occasion, when I want to splurge, I’ll get a few clothing pieces from here and they always end up being favs. It’s a must stop shop location. Check it out if you haven’t already!

Super cute clothes, not too bad prices, really friendly owner/​shop girl… might not be an everyday shopping spot for me, but once in a while it’s nice to splash out on a fancy dress. Which I did yesterday. And, I am happily flouncing around my neighborhood in it today. So if you see an almost middle aged chick flouncing in a super cute aqua stripey tank dress — that’s me, and that’s the dress I got at Hazel.

Usually when I see an independent boutique-​type apparel store like this I don’t even bother going in. I assume the clothing will be sizes 0, 2, and 4, too expensive, and the vibe will be snooty.
Hazel couldn’t be more different. A kind and helpful staff, interesting clothes within a wide range of reasonable prices, and sizes that reflect a range of body types. Imagine! A place that makes non-​rail-​thin women feel welcome and accommodated!
Love it.

My two new favorite sweaters came from Hazel! I’ve been on the hunt for cute sweaters and tops to wear with leggings and my visit to Hazel proved quite successful. I picked up a short-​sleeved, belted black sweater that is as soft as they get. I wore it for work last week and not only did it feel great, but I felt great in it (you know, when you take your time walking past a window so you can check out your cute reflection…:). I’m wearing my confetti knit long cardigan right now and feel so comfy and warm. Thanks, Hazel, for the personal attention and helping me find the perfect tops!
Their gift shop a few doors down is also totally worth a gander. I’ll definitely be back to shop again when I’m in Chicago!

If you read my post for the Hazel boutique you will see that this year has been about a transformation.
My friend gave me a gift certificate to Hazel during this period and rather than spending it all on super cute jewelry (I did buy some) I decided to check out Hazel Apparel. I’d been hesitant to try it before because it just seemed too expensive.
Indeed some stuff is a bit expensive, but there are other great deals there. I found SO MANY cute dresses I was overwhelmed — partially because I was never a dresses kind of girl (am now) and partially because I am cheap.
Unfortunately a few of the dresses didn’t fit me quite right, because I’m a bit oddly shaped; however I found one dress that was amazing. It is a peachy color, flowy and just damn sexy without being over the top. Given that I bought it in the heyday of summer when I was sporting a tan I have to say I was looking hot. Really, really hot.
I’ve had the chance to wear the dress only once this summer, but I am on a mission to find an event worthy of this dress next year.
I will be going back when it’s time to start stocking up my wardrobe again (which is pretty much now.)

So last summer I went in and bought the world’s cutest dress that had little goddamned ponies all over it and I was SO EXCITED because it was SO cute. And it was affordable and fit like a dream and then I went home and wore the shit out of that dress all summer.
I went back in today because I like spending money, and bought a super cute color-​blocked tank top, and while I was checking out the store owner says to me, «Now, you came in last summer and bought that little burgundy pony-​print dress, right?»
And of course, she’s right and then my mind was blown a little because who remembers that? (Or she read my previous review of this place and it stuck in her head for whatever reason.)
And the next thing she says to me is, «So I have some really cute stuff from the same designer coming in later on this week. Dresses and shirts and so on, and some have the same pony print, but do you want me to call you when they’re in or put some aside for you?»
DO I WANT TO HAVE ADORABLE THINGS HELD FOR ME SO THAT I CAN BUY THEM? Yes I do. Yes I absolutely do because duh.

I walk past this store a lot and I finally had the time to go in and browse/​shop. It’s a cute boutique that purchases clothes in line with the trends of the season. I was specifically looking for dresses to make getting dressed in the morning easier… yes, I’m that lazy that I don’t want to think about tops and bottoms :)
The prices have a fairly large range. Dresses range from $ 50 — $ 130. Even at the highest price point, that’s still very reasonable. I was actually shocked when I picked up a dress and it was only $ 54. I almost asked if they missed a «1» in front of it but fortunately they did not.
Marissa definitely deserves a shout-​out! She is so pleasant to work with and she makes great recommendations. They day I was in they had just received a new shipment of dresses that weren’t on the floor yet. She picked a few out that she thought I would like and sure enough I bought a few. And, she steamed them before I left. Very nice!
It feels nice to shop and support local businesses. I can’t wait to go back!

OK, I’m not sure if I should punish them for my frugality. Please tell me if I’m wrong for this. But these prices are absurd.
Granted, the prices are just the MSRP – so maybe this is just how prices go in this type of store. I will certainly admit I’m not particularly familiar with the boutique type shop, preferring usually to shop at more generic clothing stores.
But as much as I love that simple plaid button-​down, I just cannot imagine paying $ 98 for it. Nor $ 125 for a hoodie. I love everything in the store and wish I owned it all, but I can’t convince myself to part with so much of my hard-​earned money for just one item.
Again, maybe I just need some class; but I was sad to walk out empty-​handed and don’t know if that’ll end up changing much in the future.

I love Hazel Apparel! Went for the first time this weekend and my friend found a dress that fit her perfectly for a rehearsal dinner, another friend found a really pretty top, another friend got a cute pair of beetle earrings and I found an awesome cardigan. Can’t wait to go back.
I liked a lot of the guy stuff.
The guy working that day was awesome! Very accommodating and funny!
Thanks!!!

Brand new and definitely rocking. Lots of flow-​y, spring-​y options. I’d say the style is a bit more eclectic than my average taste, but the store itself is laid out very well, and the people working here were really nice and down to earth. There are only two changing rooms, which already seemed to be too few a week after the store has opened. Prices sort of vary. I remember seeing things and being totally down with the price but other times being quite surprised at how high I thought the price was.

After all the Facebook teasers for Hazel’s new clothing store, I was excited to trek up to Montrose and check out the shop… and I was a little disappointed. The women’s clothes are pretty cool — lots of Scandinavian lines that you don’t see around these parts (and I’m a Scandi-​phile) I even would have tried on some tunics if it hadn’t been Chicago’s first 80 degree day, and the store was super warm. The dressing rooms looked nice, though, and for a tiny storefront i appreciated how private and comfy that part of the store was.
There’s also a wall of men’s stuff, geek chic, if you’re into that sorta thing. Plaid, lots of plaid. And a windbreaker I was dying to call my own (if I were about a foot taller!)
So why three stars? The space is cute, sure, but there wasn’t a lot I was dying to buy. This is strange, because I can never walk out of Hazel the original without a bag ful of goodies. For example: Hazel carries a lot of great jewelry lines from New York (and around the country) that I love; Hazel Apparel had a few sad necklaces on display. Hazel carries Orla Kiely and a bunch of other cute bags and wallets; Hazel Apparel had a couple of weird clutches on display.
And then I walked down the block and grabbed some cards and things at other Hazel and called it a day. But Hazel Apparel, I am going to give you a second chance, I promise!