With An Eye On Style, Angelique's Boutique Opens For Business

It's been said one trait that causes Americans to stick out like a sore thumb in Europe is our nation's unique sense of style – or actually, lack there of.

Americans for the most part dress far more casually than those across the Atlantic.

Angelique Fortuna, of Angelique's Boutique in Palos Heights, is hoping her recently opened clothing store can help give local shoppers some more unique options.

“Everyone [in the U.S.] pretty much dresses the same,” Fortuna said. “I would like to bring some more unique fashion to the area and help people be more open to fashion. Everyone has days where they just want to throw on sweatpants and a T-shirt, but people can dress up and look good too.”

Fortuna said she believes one reason people don't dress up as much as they used to, is an uncertainty and awkwardness about what to wear – something she hopes customers can get over when they visit her shop.

“People can ask me any questions they have about clothing styles and what to wear, and the store is also set up so that pieces that go well together or displayed together,” she said.

Although Angelique's has only been open a month, Fortuna grew up in the area and has been in the fashion industry for some time. She was exposed to fashion at an early age while helping her mother and grandmother in their bridal shop.

After earning a degree in business from DePaul she worked as a freelance wardrobe stylist, and then for a clothing designer. She has now achieved a life goal of hers by opening her own shop close to home. Her passion is helping people discover new fashions.

“I think fashion is an expression of personality,” Fortuna said. “I think people will come in here and try and learn new things and feel good, look nice and take pride in their dress.”

Fortuna says the shop carries rare and hard to find items and brands, mostly clothing with some accessories.

The larger part of Fortuna's goal will include building her own website that reaches a larger customer base, however that is still in the construction phases.

The store is located at 12331 Harlem Avenue, near and is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and Noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Fortuna is at the store everyday but does have one intern, Amanda Breen, who said she has learned a lot from the store's owner.

“It a great place to learn because [Fortuna] has been in every aspect of the industry,” Breen said. “I really look up to her.”