Chicago Artist + Vintage Shop Team Up to Offer New Vintage and Fashion-Inspired Sticker Collection
Logan Square artist Chelsie Tamms of Lettering Works collaborated with the local vintage shop owner Jennifer Kelly of Vintage Frills to develop a small vintage and thrift inspired sticker collection alongside some Sex and the City inspired designs to celebrate Vintage Frills’ upcoming vintage drop. These stickers will be available via Vintage Frills as well as for wholesale purchase via Lettering Works.
Photo provided by Jennifer Kelly via Vintage Frills website
Get to know Jennifer Kelly, the owner behind Vintage Frills, the first and only color-coordinated-cubby vintage shop in Chicago which was named one of TimeOut’s Top 10 Best Thrift Stores.
Tell me a little about yourself.
I am the owner of Vintage Frills, a store with color-coordinated cubbies that make vintage shopping a little bit more fun and seamless. I have a plethora of retail experience from a small Roseland Community retail store called “The Sleep Shop” where my mother worked and raised me from 12 years old to Old Navy, Forever 21, Coach, CHANEL, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, GUCCI, and Tiffany & Co.
What is your background that got you into vintage?
My background is in luxury retail. For years I bounced around the Magnificent Mile and even Oakstreet looking for what I deemed to be my 'dream job' or 'forever home.' What I kept seeing were endless glass ceilings which eventually burned me out. During the 2020 pandemic I took time to work on my business plan while in quarantine, asking myself how I could do 'luxury retail my way' and Vintage Frills was born.
Vintage Jacket Sticker
Vintage Lover Sticker
Must Love Thrift Stores Sticker
Peace Love Vintage Sticker
What led you to start your business, Vintage Frills?
In short, burnout. During a holiday season at the beautiful flagship Tiffany & Co. store, after helping what might've been my 20th person for the day, I said to myself "I can't do this anymore." In general, I always saw myself owning a vintage and resale boutique, I just thought it would be something I did after retirement to 'pass the time.' Boy was I wrong.
Why were you interested in collaborating with Lettering Works?
Chelsie and I met at a Logan Square Chamber of Commerce mixer and I saw the incredible high-quality stickers that were produced and a local, woman-ran business was the icing on the cake.
Chicago Martini Sticker
And just like that… Sticker
Chase Your Dreams High Heel Sticker
Lettering Works created a three “Sex and the City” inspired stickers based on suggestions from Jennifer to launch alongside a special event.
Which sticker from the Sex and The City designs is your favorite and why?
Probably "Chase Your Dreams" and the Chicago Martini because both are a reflection of my story and my city life!
Tell us more about the event that you have coming up!
We are doing a vintage drop of 75+ curated vintage garments based on the fashion of the iconic style of Carrie Bradshaw. Additionally, we’ll be previewing all of the looks at our Fashion Show at Chicago Vintage Festival on March 14th. You can find more information on the event here.
Why do you think small businesses should consider working with local artists?
It just makes sense. Hopefully we can be the trendsetters this city needs. It should be common but I feel like it’s not.
