Chicago - July 29, 2009

The Pickup Artist

New Clothing Lines at Chalk

Hey, baby, are you an overdue book? Because you’ve got fine written all over you.

Pickup lines don’t work.

Unless you’re Sharon Watrous. After spotting Carrie Kane at Chanel, Watrous threw a few words her way. (“Are you a pirate? Cuz I want yo’ booty.*”)

The rest is history. Today they co-own Chalk, a new, impeccably edited Evanston boutique brimming with exquisite designer finds. Watrous and Kane are attracted to well-made, functional pieces: Elaine Kim’s leather-meets-silk chiffon jackets, Ranjana Khan’s reversible fringe necklaces, Hache’s beautifully constructed wool dresses.

There’s more: The Row for men, Ever jeans, Stella McCartney bags, and Brochu Walker knits.

And still to come: Rag & Bone and Boy for fall, Chris Benz for resort.

Sounds like the perfect pick-you-up.

Chalk, 2611 Prairie Avenue, at Central Street, Evanston (847-424-0011 or chalkofevanston.com).

*Dialogue has been changed for irony’s sake.