Uptown 'Girlz' Just Want to Have Fun

Fresh from its grand opening a week ago, Park Ridge's Uptown Girlz boutique is in immaculate order, with displays full of colorful spring dresses and handmade-looking jewelry and accessories.

The shop follows on the heels of the popular New Prospects boutique, which filled the space for many years. Allison Pappone, who bought the shop,wants to continue carrying much of the same merchandise, but also add her own twists and creativity.

"We'll still carry the brands (previous owner Amy DeGrazio) had, but we're expanding the size range to do some bigger sizes," Pappone said.

"And we're trying to change the price point. We're still carrying some Nordstrom brands and also bringing in some brands that are less expensive, so people can put together an outfit under $100."

The store is one of the few places in the area to carry brands such as North Face, Ugg, Liverpool Jeans, Kut (jeans), Joseph Ribkoff, Karen Kane and Cartise.

Pappone is carrying the jewelry and accessories DeGrazio sells in her wholesale business, so she says DeGrazio still has a presence, of sorts, in the place.

Pappone also kept all the staff members, and a full lineup of children's clothes and toys on the lower level.

The tale of how Pappone, who has worked in the commercial insurance industry for 30 years, came to acquire the boutique sounds like a "meant to be" story.

Six months ago, she was working for Aon on insurance for large accounts such as Carnival Cruise Lines and McGraw Hill.

And then a conversation--with Heather O'Grady, the boutique's then-and-now manager--changed her life. Pappone told the manager that if DeGrazio ever wanted to sell, to give her a call. Pappone was thinking this might happen three or four years down the road. Instead, things fell quickly into place, and within six months, she found herself at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Uptown Girlz.

That ceremony took place March 1st, and Pappone is embarking on a second career--one which will tap into her creative side as well as her business knowledge.

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