Some nicknames are best kept secret (your boo’s body parts). Others are just plain mean (“Chunky” scarred you for life).

The fortunate few are
slick enough to slap on
the facade of a stylish boutique. Take Melissa Shipley, who christened
her new shop Lissa on Maxwell, per her
childhood moniker.

At the University Village store, pieces from up-and-coming designers are separated into alcoves, alleviating the time and stress of sorting through endless options.

Check out baby doll dresses with coconut-etched buttons from Augustine, Madison Marcus’s wide-leg trousers and lacy silver cocktail dresses, puff-sleeve jackets from Castle Starr, and Karen Zambos’s vintage fabric-lined trench coats. For a casual look, try the skinny jeans from Anlo and soft, foil-printed tees by Jarbo.

It’s enough to make Lissa your new favorite term of endearment.

Lissa on Maxwell, 729 West Maxwell Street, at Halsted Street (312-563-9470 or lissaonmaxwell.com).