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Boutiques specialize in the unique
Vibrato carries women’s clothing, shoes, jewelry, handbags and other accessories. The selection of designers is diverse, with labels from Chicago and other parts of the U.S., as well as Canada and Europe. | Jackie Pilossoph~For Sun-Times Media
Vibrato
1515 Sheridan Road, Wilmette
(847) 853-1434
2021 Tower Drive, Glenview
(847) 510-2081
www.vibratoboutique.com
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Updated: January 23, 2013 8:28AM
WILMETTE — Renee LaRocca travels all over the world for her job, and said she enjoys shopping in different cities.
So, when the Washington-based engineer comes to Wilmette to visit her sister, she always shops at Vibrato, the women’s clothing boutique in Plaza del Lago.
“I like going to unique places and this place has really unusual things,” said LaRocca. “Too many stores have the same type of clothing. It’s all similar. This place is different.”
On March 1st, Vibrato will celebrate its 19 year anniversary, and owner Janice Samberg said she’s loved owning her own boutique since day one.
“I love all aspects of this,” said Samberg, who is originally from Montreal, and who moved to Chicago in 1984, settling in Glenview 19 years ago, “I love the buying, and I love helping women find things they feel beautiful in.”
Vibrato carries women’s clothing, shoes, jewelry, handbags and other accessories. The selection of designers is diverse, with labels from Chicago and other parts of the U.S., as well as Canada and Europe.
“I look for beautiful, unusual things,” said Samberg, who worked as the manager and buyer of a boutique in Water Tower for 10 years before opening Vibrato. “I want my customers to be able to find something that’s unique, that they won’t see anywhere else or on anyone else.”
Samberg said she tries to carry merchandise in all price ranges with a diversity of sizes, styles, and looks.
“I usually come here for that unique piece to complete my outfit, whether it’s a piece of jewelry or a purse,” said customer, Kathy Tuffner of Evanston, “Janice helps me finish my outfits.”
Sharon Gale, of Evanston, is a frequent customer who said the clothing in Vibrato reflects the way she dresses.
“What I like so much is that you wear the clothes, they don’t wear you,” said Gale. “I like things that are not totally fitted, but that still show the body. It’s the total look.”
Inspired by art and different cultures, Vibrato’s décor consists of antique and vintage displays, even though the merchandise is all new.
“There are no racks in here,” said Samberg, “I’ve always loved art and antiques, and that’s the inspiration. I really wanted the feeling to be that you are coming into someone’s home, warm and friendly.”
Vibrato also has a store in Glenview that Samberg opened eight years ago because she wanted to expand her customer base and be able to buy more merchandise. She said each store carries its own pieces. In other words, the selection is almost completely different in both stores.
“Things in here are one of a kind,” said Tuffner. “You’re not going to walk into a party and someone will have the same purse or top on.”
“Dressing someone who already has a good self image and loves shopping is easier than helping someone who struggles with figuring out what to wear,” Samberg said. “I love helping both types.”
