Boutique's bash to benefit babies

LIBERTYVILLE — Whether in the market for a tie-dyed velvet throw pillow, stunning stacking bracelets or the ideal statement jacket, shoppers are in luck at Singalila Gallery in Libertyville.

And those who like to mix a bit of charitable giving in with their holiday shopping have a perfect upcoming opportunity. The shop this month combines its third annual diaper drive with its 10th annual holiday kickoff event.

The diaper drive takes place Monday, Nov. 8, through Saturday, Nov. 13, at Singalila, 531 N. Milwaukee Ave., said Carley Matyas, who co-owns the boutique with her mother, Jen Laufenberg. The kickoff event includes 15 percent off storewide Friday and Saturday, Nov. 12-13, as well as by-appointment-only stylings on Friday — a personalized option proving so popular that it is already fully booked.

Matyas said the diaper drive again will benefit Waukegan-based Keeping Families Covered. Having collected 4,941 diapers in 2019 and 5,283 in 2020, the goal this year is 10,000. Matyas noted that her first drive coincided with being a brand new mom herself.

“I had a son a few years ago in October,” Matyas said. “The thought of any new mom worrying about having enough diapers seemed unthinkable and really distressing to me. The concern for a new mom should be loving her little baby, not ‘How am I going to buy diapers?’”

Raising awareness of diaper need and rallying the community to help address it — while also showing off the specialty items Singalila offers — seemed like a winning combination, she added.

“Many people in this community can relate to having a little one in diapers. Imagine if a life circumstance made diapers unaffordable,” Matyas said. “Hosting a drive, making a donation — it’s a little thing that makes a big difference.”

In fact, one in three U.S. families experiences diaper need, according to the National Diaper Bank Network, of which Keeping Families Covered is a member.

“We are thrilled to have Singalila’s support again this year,” Keeping Families Covered Founder and CEO Ann Marie Mathis said of the upcoming diaper drive. “The level of need is greater than ever.”

Libertyville resident Casey Haan was in the shop on a recent Tuesday admiring a hand-dyed floral scarf. Haan said she adores Singalila and the energetic, community-minded women who run it, including longtime shop assistant Alyssa Dreis.

“How can you not love it?” she said.

Named after a national park in West Bengal, India, Singalila offers distinctive clothing from makers including ba&sh, Generation Love, BB Dakota, the premium denim label AGOLDE, sustainable women’s clothing line Nation LTD, Rails and others.

Personalized consultations for selecting and accessorizing a peerless outfit are a hallmark of the Singalila experience.

“Our private jewelry label is Sparkle for the Soul,” said Matyas, who designs pieces that her artisan mother crafts. “We also carry Chan Luu, Mantra Bands, Gorjana, Bychari and more.”

Frasier Fir, Capri Blue and Voluspa candles also line Singalila’s shelves, along with lotions, spritzers, natural deodorants and soaps. Items range in price from $20 for a candle to $500 for a jacket.

“Our clothing consists of investment pieces,” Matyas said. “These are high-quality items that you will have forever.”

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Delivery service — begun during the pandemic lockdown — remains available. For other information, visit singalilagallery.com. A new website for the in-house jewelry label will go live soon at sparkleforthesoul.com.