ANDERSONVILLE — An Uptown resident opened a new store on Clark Street this month, with the goal to “romanticize the everyday.”
Violet Hawthorne, 5447 N. Clark St., is filled with cozy clothing, locally made art, jewelry and home decor, said owner Chrissy Jackson. The store’s grand opening celebration will be 6-8 p.m Nov. 10 with a raffle and giveaways.
Among comfy earth-tone sweaters, neutral tops and graphic tees, visitors will find dried floral bouquets, locally made candles and homey decorations inspired by nature. The store is decorated with a variety of plants, thrifted antique furniture and crystals.
“I don’t want someone to buy something here and feel like it’s too dressy and keep it in their closet for the rest of their life waiting for a special time,” Jackson said. “I want to sell stuff that people can wear out all the time.”
Since Jackson lives close by, she frequently visits Andersonville, but she felt like Clark Street could use more stores with affordable, casual women’s clothing, she said.
“So many people have come in and said they really needed another store like this in Andersonville,” Jackson said. “So far, we’ve gotten a really good response.”
Most of the items in Violet Hawthorne cost less than $100, Jackson said.
“I try to find high-quality products that look really nice, but at an affordable price so that you don’t have to break the bank to buy a bracelet,” Jackson said. “I definitely want to touch and feel everything to make sure it’s super soft, cozy and good quality.”
Jackson has worked in retail for most of her life and has a degree in fashion merchandising, she said. She curates the store’s selection by traveling to trade shows and finding affordable items she would enjoy herself, she said.
Jackson tries to highlight brands and products created by women and marginalized groups as well as local artists and small businesses.
“I try to find things that are going to become your new go-to piece,” Jackson said. “But I also have a lot of fun items as well that just make me happy, like a shearling coat with daisies imprinted on it. My husband hates that one probably because it’s too cool for him, and I told him that means it’s going to do really well.”
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