Starr Couture

While feeling good comes from the inside out, looking good starts with what one wears. Starr Couture in Barrington, Illinois, in the far northwest suburbs of Chicago, is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind fabulous couture clothes that take one's breath away. Catering to the rich and not so famous of Chicagoland and its suburbs, Starr (her real name) is a tiny dynamo of fashion, not only selling beautiful Italian and French clothing, accessories, and fabulous shoes, discussed here, but also style and confidence. Not for the faint of heart or pocketbook, retail prices are similar to those of Neiman Marcus. Nothing at Starr's is inexpensive, but then neither is a BMW or a Bentley. Everything at Starr's is fabulous.

Many items in my closet have landed there after a short stint at Starr's. Each item makes a statement by itself, but with Starr's fashion expertise, each piece is dressed with perfect one-of-a-kind accessories to pull the whole ensemble together. Walking into a room wearing anything from Starr Couture turns heads and creates a stir. A longish black wool cardigan sweater with green fox trim and black slacks, a perfectly fitted purple wool suit with black and purple mink, tailored French-cuff blouses, skirts, slacks, outerwear, everything from Starr Couture creates pleasure for the wearer and makes an impressive fashion statement. Selling European styles in a small boutique environment, shopping at Starr's began with a friend at an after-Christmas sale and has continued with each new season. Customer service gets five stars at this boutique. While Starr only hires employees who know fashion, Starr personally helps one uncover their own style over a series of two hour shopping adventures, and mine is being revealed on a regular basis.

Starr's service is that of a personal shopper. With over 30 years in retail behind her, in an instant Starr can take a customer from a nicely dressed professional to a confident and distinctive look at a much higher level. If clothes make the man, then Starr really helps make the woman. Personally chosen accessories added to a black cashmere pullover sweater turns it into a work of art. While other personal shoppers charge by the hour in addition to the cost of the clothing, Starr's exquisite vision is available, with an appointment, for no additional fee. Returning to the car after a three hour visit with Starr is renovating for the soul and good for the attitude. Not so good for the pocketbook, however.

What do I know now I didn't know before shopping with Starr? I can wear purple. Fur is an interesting addition to an item. Black is the new black. While I will always be a pink girl, green is also good. Camel colors really compliment blonde hair. Short skirts and tights are hot. Small waists should be displayed. Cashmere is always elegant. Jewelry is the finishing piece to any outfit. Scarves, whether silk or velvet, are a beautiful element to throw on, like the French, complete with lessons on how to tie or "toss" a scarf. Each piece can be worn multiple ways. Belts are really in. Never gain any weight or nothing will fit.

Starr Couture in Barrington gets five stars for quality, consideration, customer service, sense of humor and sparkling water. It's definitely worth the trip to Barrington but pack a sandwich. They'll provide the bubbly.
Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus