Brainstorming at Stella

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On Wednesday the Network of Entrepreneurial Women co-founders browsed Stella Boutique on Central Street in Evanston. Stella was recently named Best Boutique for Women and a Best Gift Shop in Make It Better Magazine.

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photo by Networkhoncho

We enjoyed brainstorming upcoming events while trying on some of Stella’s treasures.

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Erica in this fabulous versatile wonder woman ‘cape’.

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Karen in a flattering skirt with a floral blouse (which went home with her).

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photo by Networkhoncho

This faux-leather jacket could bring out an alter ego, don’t you think? (Alas, not in my budget right now).

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photo by Networkhoncho

The cozy shop includes bright and ethereal clothing by designers like Desigual, lovely nature-inspired purses and clutches, and a variety of accessories to adorn clothes, necks and ears.

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In addition, there are decorative gift items, lovely greeting cards, and other unique pieces.

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If I sold more pieces I could invest in that lovely jewelry tree for fall fairs…

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Of course Beth Billups’ wax pieces caught my eye.

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For my birthday I couldn’t resist a lovely floor mat (almost 40 butterflies), and I found some treasure for upcoming birthdays as well.

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I wanted to take this chair home too.

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Since it was a gorgeous day, we explored the rest of this lovely street, and couldn’t resist Linz & Vail’s Gelato (Pistachio for me, Cupcake for Karen).

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Moon phase bracelet from Dave’s Rock Shop

The scents of the Spice House at Symphony’s Cafe had me wishing I was more of a cook.

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Our next NEW event is a Progressive Dinner at Symphony’s Cafe on August 29, also on Central Street in Evanston. Meters are free after 6 p.m., but I highly recommend coming earlier to peruse this lovely entrepreneurial corridor of Evanston.

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In September we will be circling back to the Chicago Western suburbs, so check out our Meetup page for upcoming events.

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A Birthday Treasure Hunt

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My fabulous birthday month is full of festivities. After Friday’s Wax(in’) Blue exhibit opening I look forward to celebrating some more with my NEW friends at our next Meet & Munch. I got to pick the venues for August, and we’ll be hunting for treasure at Stella Boutique on Central Street.

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Stella Boutique is a chic and funky store filled an eclectic mix of clothing, jewelry, handbags, accessories, home accoutrements and gifts. You will be charmed by all the unique finds in a warm and relaxing atmosphere. A sneak peek at current treasures is at their Facebook page or on Stella’s web site.

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We’ll be meeting there, at 2116 Central St  Evanston, IL 60201, on Wednesday, August 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. Since I share an August birthday with NEW co-founder Erica Thomas, I anticipate some present shopping.

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Central Street is a lovely Evanston corridor I don’t visit enough (because Main Street is so much fun!). The street is lined with other unique shops such as a Spice House, several bakeries (including one for pets!), Walsh Natural Health, paper goods, a flower shop and home decor.

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Central Street is also the home of the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, which I should get to soon!

Independence Park

Coin metered parking is available along the streets, and a freshly rehabbed credit card metered lot is located across the street from Stella via Stewart Avenue. The Central Street Evanston Metra station is two (walkable) blocks East of Stella.

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Stella celebrated its 10 year anniversary in March 2012. I’m excited to see the goodies owner Rachel has collected. You can RSVP on Facebook or via Meetup.

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Can’t make this week’s event? RSVP for our Wine Women & Wellness Progressive Networking Dinner at Symphony’s Cafe in Evanston August 29.

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NEW – The Network of Entrepreneurial Women is a group of Chicagoland business women who are upgrading business networking with fun and creative events that inspire attendees to work together, refer each other and most of all cheer each other on as the membership succeeds. Events rotate around various suburbs on a semimonthly basis, usually the 2nd Wednesday and 4th Thursday of the month.