When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Vintage Frills
Why Vintage Frills is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Vintage Frills is a charming vintage boutique located in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago, specializing in colorful retro clothing and eclectic housewares. Founded by Jen Kelly, a former retail professional who turned her passion for vintage fashion into a thriving business, the store offers a unique shopping experience steeped in nostalgia and quality craftsmanship. The shop features an array of clothing spanning multiple decades—from vibrant 1970s dresses to casual 1990s sweatshirts—sourced directly from estate sales, ensuring each item carries a distinct story and authenticity. Beyond apparel, Vintage Frills showcases funky kitchen items, vintage jewelry from The Vintage Royalty, and retro furniture, creating a comprehensive vintage environment that appeals to enthusiasts of all kinds. The store's curated approach includes thoughtful product organization, with garments arranged by color and era, making it a visually appealing setting that invites browsing and discovery. Notably, Vintage Frills taps into pop culture moments, exemplified by its popular “Sex and the City” fashion drop that resonates with millennials and Gen Z customers seeking nostalgic Y2K fashion. This blend of era-specific collections and ongoing engagement with vintage culture makes Vintage Frills a wonderful meeting spot for friends to explore unique fashion finds, immerse themselves in retro flair, and share in the joy of timeless style and community.
Here's what people think of Vintage Frills
As of recent, Vintage Frills holds a 4.6-star rating based on 56 reviews.
Reviews of Vintage Frills reflect a generally positive customer experience, with the boutique earning a strong 4.6-star rating from 56 reviewers. Users commonly praise the shop's vibrant and well-curated selection of vintage clothing, highlighting the quality and uniqueness of the merchandise. Many appreciate the personal touch in sourcing items at estate sales and the thoughtful organization of garments by color and decade, which enhances the shopping experience. Positive reviews often mention the friendly and knowledgeable staff, as well as the nostalgic atmosphere that transports shoppers back through fashion history. Particularly, themed fashion drops like those inspired by "Sex and the City" have been celebrated for their creativity and appeal to younger generations interested in Y2K style. Negative feedback, while less common, centers around the limited availability of some items due to their vintage nature and occasional challenges with sizing consistency inherent in vintage apparel. A few reviews mention pricing, which some customers find a bit high, reflecting the quality and rarity of the pieces. In conclusion, Vintage Frills is widely regarded as a thoughtfully executed vintage shop that successfully combines quality, nostalgia, and community engagement, making it a popular destination despite minor drawbacks inherent to vintage retail.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Leslie Diaz
This store is so well organized! It has little rooms with color coordinated clothes and each little nook even has their own scent. The clothes all range from the clearance section ($10) to more pricer vintage clothing ($40). The cashier/owner was extremely sweet and the range of clothing was amazing style wise but the size range left much to desire. Also, they do have a changing room but it's a bit snugg in there. Regardless, I loved the vibes of the place and the little vintage toys/memorabilia offered as well!
Rachel Goat
When they say vintage they mean vintage. They have things organized by color and marked by decade which was cool. I unfortunately felt the clothes were overpriced for what they were, I saw a super cute skirt but it was $40 with a huge rip in the side. Definitely some gems but the pricing was out of my budget. Would recommend to someone looking for true vintage clothes with a nice budget.
Shayda Shevidi
This store has the coolest collections — you can really tell that there is so much thought into its curation. The sellers are so cool and kindhearted; they’ve created a community space in this storefront. VF is my new favorite vintage store in Chicago
Jazz Beautiful
Found this spot on TikTok glad I did! They have a great team and the store is super creative you can tell they put some work into the way it’s setup with different color rooms. I was looking for something for a tea party and had so many options. I went with something out of the pink room but the owner was able to help me find a bunch of things. They also gave me complimentary sparkling water on my way out will definitely be back soon.
Ophélie Echelard
What an amazing find while visiting Chicago! I absolutely loved each room. I love the attention to detail, like the decade the piece is from written on each tag! ❤️ everyone was just so nice and I found some amazing pieces that were more than reasonably priced. Don’t forget to check out the decor and jewelry too! I will 100% come back next time I’m in the Windy City.
How to reach Vintage Frills
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Why Vintage Frills may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Vintage Frills with your friends?
Gathering your friends for a memorable outing means choosing a venue that offers more than just space—it demands an atmosphere where connections deepen, creativity flourishes, and experiences linger long after the meetup ends. Vintage Frills perfectly embodies this ideal, making it an exceptional place to rally with your friends. This charming vintage resale boutique is not only a treasure trove of unique and beautifully curated clothing and accessories but also a welcoming hub infused with personality and warmth. The owner and staff are celebrated for their genuine friendliness and personalized service, which enhances the shopping experience by making every visitor feel valued and special. Whether your group shares a love for fashion, sustainability, or just the joy of discovering one-of-a-kind finds, Vintage Frills offers an engaging environment that sparks conversation and fun. It’s the kind of place where friends can bond over vintage dress discoveries, exchange style tips, and enjoy the thrill of uncovering timeless garments that tell a story. In a world dominated by mass-market retail, Vintage Frills invites you and your friends to slow down and savor the beauty of slow fashion together, making your meetup not only fun but meaningful and stylish.
What activities can you enjoy at Vintage Frills for a group meetup?
A visit to Vintage Frills is much more than a simple shopping trip; it’s an immersive experience packed with a variety of activities that make it ideal for groups. First and foremost, the boutique’s carefully curated racks offer a treasure hunt of vintage apparel and accessories. Friends can explore different eras side by side—from elegant 1950s dresses to quirky 1980s pieces—sparking discussions about style history and personal preferences. This tactile discovery process is engaging and interactive, encouraging friends to try on outfits, share opinions, and even mix and match to create unique looks.
Beyond shopping, Vintage Frills offers an educational dimension through its rich storytelling about each vintage item’s past and vintage fashion’s role in ethical consumption. The owner, Jennifer Kelly, is known for her passion for sustainability and slow fashion, so guests often leave not only with new clothes but with inspired ideas about mindful shopping and dressing sustainably.
The boutique’s ambiance also supports creative group activities. The warm and inviting setting is perfect for casual yet stylish get-togethers where friends can take photos, sharing their vintage finds on social media or crafting outfit ideas together. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, an informal fashion challenge, or simply enjoying a shared hobby, Vintage Frills provides a comfortable, intimate backdrop conducive to fun and laughter.
Is Vintage Frills good for hosting family meetups too?
Absolutely. Vintage Frills is not just about fashion but about creating a personalized and warm experience, which makes it highly suitable for family gatherings as well. The boutique’s welcoming atmosphere encourages visitors of all ages to browse at their own pace and enjoy the charm of vintage objects and apparel. For family members who appreciate history, antiques, or just the joy of bargain hunting, Vintage Frills offers a relaxed environment where everyone can participate.
Parents and children can bond over exploring colorful retro clothing or vintage books, while older generations might enjoy reminiscing about styles from their youth or sharing stories about the fashions of past decades. The owner and employees are noted for being approachable and helpful, often going out of their way to make shoppers comfortable, which lends a homey, friendly vibe ideal for families who want to spend quality time together.
Moreover, Vintage Frills’ focus on slow, sustainable fashion can provide a great learning opportunity for kids and teens about environmental stewardship and ethical consumer habits, turning a simple family meetup into a meaningful experience.
What makes Vintage Frills the perfect place for fashion lovers’ meetups?
For fashion enthusiasts, Vintage Frills is a veritable playground of style inspiration. The boutique’s reputation for a meticulously curated collection means that visitors can expect to find a diverse selection of truly unique vintage pieces that are hard to come by elsewhere. This assortment ranges from delicate dresses rich in history to statement accessories that complete a retro look.
Fashion lovers will appreciate the quality and authenticity of the items, each piece handpicked to ensure it reflects distinct charm and character. This results in meetups where friends can lose themselves in an exploration of fabric textures, cuts, colors, and the intricate details that define different fashion eras.
The boutique owner’s knowledge and enthusiasm for vintage fashion also add an expert’s perspective to these gatherings. She often shares insights about the origins, cultural significance, or production techniques associated with the pieces, enriching the experience with educational value. This makes Vintage Frills not just a shopping destination but a dynamic venue for exchanging fashion ideas, discussing trends with historical roots, and even planning creative outfit concepts for upcoming events.
How does Vintage Frills support sustainable and ethical fashion during group visits?
One of the defining reasons to choose Vintage Frills for a meetup lies in its connection to sustainable fashion practices, especially important for groups seeking to make conscious choices. The boutique is a strong advocate of slow fashion — the thoughtful selection and long-term use of clothing rather than mass-produced, disposable fashion items.
When meeting at Vintage Frills, groups witness firsthand how buying vintage supports environmental sustainability by reducing waste and minimizing the demand for new textiles, which often have heavy ecological footprints. The boutique’s owner personally curates items, ensuring each piece is still wearable and relevant, thus extending the life cycle of fashion.
This ethical dimension can transform a group outing into an educational session about responsible consumerism. Friends or family attending together can discuss the importance of reducing fashion’s environmental impact and encourage each other to adopt more sustainable habits. Therefore, Vintage Frills offers not only a stylish and social experience but also an opportunity to collectively engage in positive environmental action, making it ideal for thoughtful, like-minded groups.
What is the atmosphere like at Vintage Frills, and why is it good for socializing?
Vintage Frills is often described as a cozy and inviting boutique, exuding a personal touch that sets it apart from typical retail stores. The owner and staff’s warmth and genuinely attentive service create an environment where guests feel seen and welcomed rather than just as customers. This makes it easier for groups to relax, take their time browsing and shopping, and enjoy each other’s company without pressure.
The space itself is artfully arranged to highlight the beauty of each vintage piece while offering comfortable room to move around, try on garments, and share reactions. The boutique’s aesthetic—mixing retro charm with modern touches—evokes nostalgia and creativity, sparking lively conversations among friends or family about fashion, history, and personal taste.
Because the service team is known to go above and beyond, group visitors often appreciate the personalized assistance that helps them find items perfectly suited to their style or size, enhancing the boutique experience. This combination of ambiance, attentive care, and interesting merchandise makes Vintage Frills a social hotspot for meetups centered on shared interests and good vibes.
What practical benefits does Vintage Frills offer for group visits?
When considering a venue for a meetup, practical factors such as location, accessibility, and service quality are key. Vintage Frills is conveniently located at 2846 N Milwaukee Ave in Chicago, making it accessible to residents and visitors alike. The boutique’s setting in a vibrant neighborhood means that after exploring the store, groups can easily continue their outing with nearby dining or entertainment options.
Staff at Vintage Frills receive frequent praise for their helpfulness and communicative style, ensuring group visits run smoothly and everyone’s needs are met. This friendly assistance is especially valuable when navigating vintage sizes or finding complementary pieces for an outfit, which can be tricky for people unfamiliar with vintage shopping.
Furthermore, the boutique updates its inventory regularly, so returning meetup groups can look forward to fresh new finds each time, keeping the experience dynamic and exciting. The environment encourages leisurely visits, making it well suited to gatherings that last an hour or more without feeling rushed.
In sum, these practical advantages contribute to making Vintage Frills a reliable and enjoyable spot for groups looking to combine unique shopping with a thoroughly pleasant social experience.
How can Vintage Frills inspire creativity during your meetup?
Vintage Frills is a catalyst for creativity, offering visitors an inspiring setting filled with distinctive fashion artifacts and story-rich pieces. For groups meeting here, the boutique serves as a creative playground, where members can experiment with styling, discover how past decades influence modern looks, and develop new ideas for incorporating vintage touches into their wardrobes.
The boutique owner, herself a fan of mixing vintage and modern elements, often shares tips and narratives that invite visitors to think more imaginatively about their fashion choices. This creative stimulation naturally extends to collaborative activities during meetups—such as styling contests, DIY fashion projects inspired by vintage clothing, or photo shoots that capture unique outfit combinations.
In addition to garments, Vintage Frills also connects guests with the ethos of slow fashion and handmade quality, encouraging appreciation for craftsmanship and artistic detail. This nurturing of imagination makes Vintage Frills more than a retail location—it becomes a workshop for style innovation and shared creative fun, ideal for groups seeking an inspiring and interactive experience.
What makes Vintage Frills stand out in reviews and customer feedback?
Vintage Frills enjoys a strong reputation, garnering a 4.6-star rating from 56 reviews, signaling consistent customer satisfaction. Reviewers commonly highlight the boutique’s beautifully curated collection, emphasizing the variety and quality of items that appeal to vintage enthusiasts and casual shoppers alike. Customers also repeatedly praise the site for its welcoming and personable staff who make shopping a truly pleasant experience.
Many visitors mention how the staff’s individual attention helped them find pieces that perfectly fit their style, boosting confidence and enjoyment. Regular comments reference the boutique’s warm atmosphere, which feels less like a commercial space and more like a friendly neighborhood gem.
Additionally, the shop’s focus on sustainable fashion resonates strongly with customers who value ethical consumerism, making Vintage Frills a preferred choice for those dedicated to environmental care through clothing choices. This blend of product excellence, personalized service, and ethical priorities distinguishes Vintage Frills and encourages return visits and group meetups alike.
Why is Vintage Frills a smart choice for memorable meetups?
Choosing Vintage Frills as a meetup spot guarantees an experience that is engaging, stylish, and rooted in shared values of creativity and sustainability. The boutique provides a warm and inviting space where groups can connect over unique finds and fashion stories, supported by an expert and friendly team.
Its mix of curated vintage clothing, focus on ethical shopping, and welcoming atmosphere makes each visit not just a shopping excursion but a social and educational event. The joyful discovery of timeless fashion, combined with opportunities for creativity and thoughtful conversation, ensures your meetup is unforgettable.
Whether you are a group of friends looking to explore new style horizons or a family wanting a leisurely and meaningful outing, Vintage Frills offers something special: a place to rally, laugh, learn, and find inspiration together. For anyone seeking to create memories grounded in style, sustainability, and genuine connection, Vintage Frills is a smart, stylish choice.