In lieu of “fall”, I love using the word Autumn this time of year. The word seems as pretty as the beautiful hues that the trees will be displaying before you know it. I also get excited at seasons end because that means the beginning of beautiful collections in the boutique. Our fall/winter collections, in my opinion are some of our best ever! Why?….glad you asked!

The opening of our “Shoetique” is in swing with a full season behind us and I really feel like I have a firm grasp on what our customers like and appreciate in footwear. And, it has been wonderful introducing our customers to shoe brands that they never knew existed like Antelope, Morenatom, Camper, Fly London, and so many more. We’re also bringing in great clothing collections at affordable prices. Fabulous sweaters under $100 and coats you won’t see anywhere else! A new line for us, Color Story from Toronto, Canada has been a hit! Funky styles sized from 6 to 18 has made this a winner! We’re also excited to introduce Sympli from Canada later in the season. Sympli creates beautiful stylish pieces from jersey and their color palette is gorgeous!

Trunk shows are on the horizon featuring artisans making their 1st time debut at Essential Elements as well as the start of Gospel 2nd Sundays @ EE! And….you asked and it’s coming, the start of our Senior discount program. Stay tuned, it’s going to be a fun fun season!

~Mel

Our most anticipated SALE of the year is here, and as always it promises to be a great time filled with fun, food, and deals! All spring/summer and past season clothing is 50-70% off regular retail. Jewelry is on sale, shoes are on sale, EVERYTHING is on SALE! 2 of our favorites designers will be there too…Simply Greta and Ms. Jean! And, you don’t have to worry about being famished, because we’re grilling up Turkey Burgers and all the fixin’s to tantalize your appetite after all that shopping!

It’s One Day Only, Saturday, August 20, 2011, 10:00am to 6:00pm. Meet us in the parking lot…RAIN OR SHINE!

We just received our last delivery for the summer, Nusantara! It’s easy, breezy, funky, and affordable! Made in Thailand, each piece is hand-dyed in the most beautiful, richest colors imaginable. The collection is comprised of skirts, pants, dresses, tops, and tanks. It’s the perfect little inexpensive add on to your summer wardrobe fun! Come in soon, Nusantara never lasts long! Happy Summer!

The Black Girl with Long Hair Meetup with Titi and Miko Branch, co-owners of Miss Jessie’s has been all the buzz around the natural hair community in Chicago. It was some of the best summer fun we’ve had this year! Titi and Miko really enjoyed meeting all the beautiful naturalistas from all over Chicagoland. We can’t wait for a repeat event, which will undoubtedly be even bigger because each one that was there will bring another, or two, or three!

Enjoy some pix from the event!

I love this picture of Titi and Me!

We had a TERRIFIC time at the Chicago Black Girl with Long Hair Meetup. Miss Jessie’s was in the house along with a couple of thousand beautiful naturalistas! Check out this shout out from Miss Jessie’s!

Congrats to our Jill Scott Concert Tickets sweepstakes winner Karen Lewis! She’s going to see Jill, Anthony Hamilton, Mint Condition, and Doug E. Fresh on July 31, 2011 at Northerly Island in Chicago! Karen was so excited to win, she dashed over to pick her tickets up the same day it was announced! She’s taking her hubby with her and here’s what she had to say about Jill on her entry form: Jill’s music is so inspirational and uplifting. Everyday I pray to GOD almighty and listen to Jill just to get my day started off right. Jill’s music make me feel sooo empowered being a strong blackwoman.

I was so excited to open the box from the newest designer to be featured at Essential Elements, Rachel Stewart. Rachel’s jewelry is funky, it speaks from the soul, it’s bold, it’s a “statement”. Laser cut adinkra symbols or necklaces that simply say “natural” are unique and fun to wear. We’re debuting her jewelry at the upcoming Black Girl with Long Hair Meetup on July 24, 2011 at Little Black Pearl (check out an earlier post for more info), afterwards you can purchase Rachel’s jewelry in the boutique. Enjoy and please comment!

We love it when our customers send in pix of them wearing clothes from Essential Elements! Check out our customer Lisa, from Arizona, and her sisters wearing Afro Gurl and Afro Gurl’s cousin! That t-shrit is the bomb and they look fly in it! Thanks for sharing Lisa!

When I came upon this shoe recently at the Chicago Shoe Trade Expo, it was a no-brainer…it had to come to Essential Elements! They are FUN-ky and versatile because 2 of the styles can be worn on the reverse side for an entirely new color! Also, in each box is a beautiful dust bag for your shoe or anything else you may want to use it for. Check them out today, some sold right out the box before they could even be displayed! Happy Summer!

My favorite...it reverses from black to copper and the tie is too cute!

Attitude shown in the 2 reversible colors.

Toooooo cute! Wear her pulled up the calf or baggy, either way is sexy!

Bold-colorful graphic on one side...black on the other, say no more!