January 14, 2005

Foot Fetish

Stima Bleu shoe boutique

In Europe it’s all about the quaint specialty boutique dedicated to a single product. Teas, tatas, typewriters, taxidermy …

But on this side of the pond, we like it all thrown together. Our grocery stores have restaurants, our gyms have dry cleaners, and our shoe stores peddle everything from wallet chains to trench coats.

Tired of the more is more mantra? Head to Stima Bleu, a new shoe boutique in Highland Park owned by Renata Kukoc, wife of former Bulls star Tony.
The sole (yuk, yuk) focus of the shop is to dress your feet in style.

The dark hardwood floors, plush white couches, crystal chandelier, and faux-zebra rug set an appropriately dramatic scene for Kukoc’s posh lineup: beauties from Christian Lacroix, Marc Jacobs, Claudia Ciuti, Richard Tyler, and Hollywould, to name a few. Plus, she’s adding new lines to the mix for spring. But no matter how much the lineup changes, you can be sure the focus will stay the same: shoes, shoes, shoes.

And nary a wallet chain in sight.

Stima Bleu, 1815 St. Johns Avenue, between Laurel and Central Avenues, Highland Park (847-681-9577).