Campus Chronicle

Issue date: 11/21/05 Section: Features

ocated at 1252 S. Halsted, Breathe Clothing Lounge provides a new comfortable setting for UIC shopaholics.

What's the difference between a clothing lounge and a clothing store? Is it a comfy leather couch that makes a clothing shop a lounge or is it the free lemonade that peels attraction to buying fashionable apparel? Thanks to Halsted Street's newest contributor, breathe clothing lounge, in University village, shopaholics of the world can finally get an answer.

Breathe is located at 1252 S. Halsted St. and has been open for about two weeks. Its owners are ecstatic about the place. Looking inside the store from the glass windows, the store clearly is a clothing boutique. Small vignettes of premium denim line the side of the wall and rolling racks display sparkly fresh tops. But what makes this different from any other women's boutique?

Mia K. Reddy, co-owner of breathe, finds there is something very unique about a lounge, rather than simply just calling it a boutique. "When other owner, Nikole Ragsdale and I were choosing names for our store, we both made a list of possible names for it. When we shared our lists, we both had 'breathe' on them. We both wanted to convey a message of relaxed shopping. We want people to come in and relax while shopping. Customers don't have to deal with annoying employees, or a hectic atmosphere. They can just come in take a deep breath and relax while shopping."

Reddy wasn't being ambiguous about the urge to relax 'breathe.' With walls of the color turquoise, and a brown leather couch, a tan coffee table with magazines and a pitcher of lemonade sitting on top, one can even forget there are clothes and just might take too deep of a breath. The lounge is targeted towards women, which according to Reddy includes fashion forward students, hip moms, and young professionals. The clothing style is modern-contemporary and carries hard to find goods. Breathe also carries jewelry, handbags, scarves, and hats.

As for pricing range, UIC students might need to take a deep breath before pulling out the wallet. Denim jeans run from $130-$200, tees and tops are sold at $45-$100, and sweaters are marketed at prices from $100-$250. Breathe does not carry shoes as of now, but will carry them in the future.

University Village has thus far attracted a Jamba Juice, a Quizno's, a Foot Locker, and a Barbara's Bookstore. Breathe has now been added to this list of specialty shops. Reddy, the co-owner of breathe is quite proud to be a part of it. "We are the first premiere women's clothing store and we compliment the idea of a college area," stated Reddy.

Store hours for breathe are Mondays-closed, Tuesday-Friday 10am-7pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, and Sunday 12pm-5pm.

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