By Brian Marchetti
Villager Contributor
A local woman has turned her passion for vintage items into a brand-new store serving our neighbors in Beverly/Morgan Park and beyond. Adorned by M has classic pieces for everyone. Inside, customers will find clothing, jewelry from more than half a century ago and fedoras that will add a touch of charm to anyone bold enough to wear one.
Founded by Chicago Public Schools teacher Melissa Matthews, the store had a soft opening on August 29 at 10045 S. Western Ave. While the brick-and-mortar boutique is in its infancy, Matthews has a long history of tracking down unique items for friends and clients.
“I love to thrift and shop,” Matthews said. “I go to estate sales and try to find unique items that no one else is going to have.”
Matthews began making beaded jewelry in 2003 as both a hobby and therapy for herself. Friends and family enjoyed her work, which led her to sell her creations at jewelry parties. In 2017, she started to venture into vintage items by selling her products at pop-up stores and out of her basement.
“I would offer private shopping at my home, but I needed to get it out of my house,” Matthews said. “I found a place in Beverly and turned it into a boutique.”
Adorned by M is not open full-time yet. Every Sunday, Matthews posts the store’s hours for the week. Customers can book private shopping appointments as well. The store has hosted bachelorette parties, ladies’ nights and themed events.
Inside, customers can discover crafted and classic items ranging in price from $5 to $200. Fedoras, jackets and other repurposed finds from Matthews’ treasure hunts fill the shelves and display cases.
“I love crafting. Hence the name Adorned by M,” Matthews said.
So far, the store has enjoyed quite a bit of success. Soon, Matthews hopes to have a grand opening, hire an employee or two and extend the boutique’s hours.
“The soft opening was amazing,” Matthews said. “It was more than I could have ever imagined. There was such a great outpouring of support from the neighborhood and from my friends and family.”
For more information regarding hours and the items one might discover in Adorned by M, check out the boutique’s Instagram or call them at 773-750-8303.
