Presence
Categories: Accessories, Women's Clothing [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Andersonville, Edgewater5216 N Clark St
(between Farragut Ave & United States Highway 41)
Chicago, IL 60640 (773) 989-4420
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Sat 10:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Sun 11:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
32 reviews
Neighborhood: Bucktown
"I love this place. And I rate it for what it is, a boutique that carries plus size clothes that are fashionable, that full-figured…" read more »
44 Reviews for Presence
It's a local Andersonville shop so I'll give it 1 star for that. My best friend used to work here so I'll give it another star for that also.
However, the quality and selection is hit or miss here. They charge too much for "boho chic" that I can find at Goodwill for loads less and it's more authentic there. I hate walking down the street and seeing the same girl wear the exact same "one of a kind" dress with plastic bangles, a huge purse and leggings as the other one. It's been done, it's over and you just haven't caught up.
They do try to carry a selection of interesting sunglasses, cocktail jewelry and wallets so think of Urban Outfitters meets H&M. Cheap, but trying to look cool.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Great place. The white tank top that I bought here (that I did not need) looks great with the skirt (that I did not need) that I bought at Ann Taylor Loft (see review below). Same addiction, different store. Retail therapy, baby.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
After meeting Yelpers for the first time ever at Simon's we went to Hamburger Mary's and hung around Andersonville for a bit. The girl we dragged out spotted a dress in here and needed an outfit for her trip coming up. So we went in. Now let's make things clear: I loathe wearing skirts, dresses and pretty much anything too girly. But I loved some of the stuff in here. The prices were awesome and they were having a pretty sweet sale. All the sizes seemed kind of small though which was disconcerting to me but perhaps if I looked harder....
All in all I cannot wait to get back here and explore some more sometime soon! Just another Andersonville jewel!
I want to like this place more than I do.
The staff is always helpful, and I like the costume jewelry selection. The sunglasses are also usually worth a browse.
A few of the lines they occasionally carry (Tulle, BB Dakota) are pretty well-made, but most items are grossly overpriced considering the quality of the fabric and seams.
If you're in the neighborhood regularly, it's probably worth it to go in often since turnover can be quick, depending on which trends they've chosen to highlight.
It's unfortunate that the dumpy jersey sack look with giant plastic jewelry has such staying power.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (3)
Cool (1)
cool clothes, great neighborhood, friendly help. i don't live in chicago, but each time i visit i make it a point to stop by presence. haven't left empty handed yet...
my only complaint is that the clothes, although interesting, can be a little pricey. always check out the sales rack ;-)
What would I do without this store? It is THE place for summer dresses without breaking the bank. They also have jeans, t-shirts and casual clothes, night-out clothes, and some items that I can wear to work. One of the best parts is the jewelry, and even though I'm not big on wearing a lot of jewelry, I somehow always leave the store with a few necklaces. The staff is helpful, and since they are way more fashionable than me, and I can count on honest opinions from them.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
I love this store, and I'm so thankful that it's in my 'hood! Ever since I found it a year ago, I go there to buy almost all my clothing. They have a ton of boutique type of clothing at very reasonable prices. Think H&M meets small boutique. They also get things in almost weekly it seems, so there is always something to choose from. They have a ton of cool jewelry and accessories also. I buy something here at least twice a month. The staff is very nice and friendly, and they help out when you need it. Love this place!!!!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I love the clothes here and the prices are very reasonable too. The staff is really helpful too, which is great for me since I know what I like, but not necessarily what looks good on me or what to wear things with. Presence is an oasis for those of us who want to look good on a budget and need a little guidance!
I love Presence. They have really cute clothes and accessories. Super affordable too! Most shirts are no more than $30.
I like this store because it has trendy clothes and it won't break the piggy bank. Some of the stuff though, are pretty trashy (like towards the sale section) and I've only tried on clothes that are in the front of the store. They have a good selection of tops/sweaters, etc and almost always I find at least one thing I want to buy.
I love love love their accessories. They have the best bags (which are actually wearable and not tacky) and the bag I currently tote around is from there and was only $20! Very nice. They also have really cute jewlery and I've gotten some necklaces for only $10.
The service is always good and the girls that work there are really helpful. The return policy is kinda annoying... it's 14 days to return/exchange and the only reason I think it's annoying is because it's not that close to my place.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (2)
You know when you find a $20 in an old pair of jeans' pocket and it's like the best feeling ever? Okay, that's comprable to how I feel when I walk out of Presence after buying an amazing jersey dress or awesome pair of earrings for less than that 20 spot in my jeans' pocket. Seriously- I am a HUGE fan of finding great bargains and my only complaint would be that it's almost too easy at Presence because I feel like you're guaranteed to find tons of amazing things in there for very little cashola.
I just love the clothes- they're really fun and stylish- I can buy a great top at Presence and use the extra money I would have spent for the designer version going out for Sushi across the street at Hama Matsu. Their accessories are also RIDICULOUS. Some of my favorite chunky bangle bracelets and chandelier earrings come from here.
All in all- I really love this spot. I haven't been in a while, but as soon as the weather is flip flop appropriate and I have a hankering for some new spring duds, this will be my first stop.
Presence is the type of store you walk by and you are immediately drawn in to check it out! They always have cute window displays and the dangling accessories on the wall are enticing.
I have bought a handful of items from here and I have drawn the conclusion that this place is more allure than substance. You can definitely find a cute top here and there! This is a great place to run to and pick up some cute earnings or top without heading downtown. However, this is place where you have to "treasure hunt" a little. A lot of the items are poor quality or you could buy the exact same thing at Forever 21 for 10 bucks less.
This being said, it is still very worth stopping in here and checking things out! I have a couple really unique tops/sweaters that have lasted and were great buys!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
This is the place for hip clothes, that doesn't cost a fortune. It's fun and I can always find something to buy, that will look great. As for the service, It could be better, remember you are not shopping at Nordstroms.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
It's a cute lil place where I'm always sure to find something to buy.
Lots of fun accessories, ie jewerly, purses, tights and scarves. They seem to have more dresses than your average women's wear store. And with a funky flare. Too bad they're usually 40-80 bucks, so I'm usually just raiding the clearance rack.
Friendly, not pushy staff that let you do your own thang.
It's true, the sizes do run small and I often feel like quite the porker when I can't fit myself into their cute clothes. Hmm, is it cause they're convienently located next to Cheetah Gym?
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Funny (3)
Cool (3)
I loved this store when i was 15. such fun and funky clothes, great accessories and just tons of stuff everywhere to look at. Now, ten years later, i've totally out grown it. The adorable window displays may try to lure me in, but there ain't much inside to keep me there. If you like clothes that aren't flammable and won't fall apart after 2-3 washings, this place isn't for you. IF, however, you are just looking for one cute trendy piece to spice up an outfit, this place could suffice. Also, if you need a last minute gift for someone, the jewelry selection is useful. If you are too lazy to make it down to H&M to save $20, head to Presence.
I love how cute and trendy this store is. What I do not love, is how everything I like seems to be offered in a juniors XS or S. I wouldnt even attempt to try on a pair of pants there. I also dislike how fast the merchandise turns over. If you dont buy it the day you see it, forget it. It will be gone and there is no way you can get it. I have made this mistake far too many times. Why dont they buy things in multiples, I will never know. But i do love going in there, getting fashion ideas and browsing around.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Funny (3)
Cool (4)
I love this place. I've bought about 10 items here in the last two years and they probably cost about $300 total. The perfect place to get trendy items that no one else has and its just down the street from Taste of Heaven so a nice post-brunch stop!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
A colorful store/boutique with a vintage vibe and low-low prices! My favorites are the wide selection of brightly colored funky dresses, shirts and miniskirts- most in decent quality, machine-washable cotton T-shirt fabric.
Great for the summer! You'll want to buy two of whatever you like- earrings, dresses- it's cheap enough in price that you will not notice a dent in your wallet.
They also have a broad assortment of trendy sunglasses ($10), handbags, wallets, headbands, jewelry and scarves.
There's fantastic sales too- I bought my niece a bitty "big girl purse" a miniature ($3.00 sale) Kelly bag! Hermes- here we come- by way of a midwest kindergardner! Yay!
A lot of fun, won't break the bank.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Funny (2)
Cool (3)
Great little shop in Andersonville...a browsing girl's dream. The motherload of dresses, perfect for summer. Many options, pretty good prices (a little more than I like to pay...but I make an exception for this boutique).
Lots of colors, patterns and accessories. Unique jewelry, well priced. I got some lovely brown amber earrings to match a brown dress...perfect!
The girl at the register was super sweet and helpful...very talkative. The store is clean, if not a little cluttered (I kind of like that). Wide variety.
Parking isn't GREAT. But further south on Clark there are usually meters open...and there are lots of other great shops to stop in on the way! :)
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Funny (1)
Cool (3)
I think that you get what you pay for when you come here. Really cute trendy clothes at affordable prices.
I think my view might be a little skewed because a good friend had a really bad experience with a dress. Before she'd even worn it, it had sprung a hole. After one wear, the strap broke. After two, another hole.
She took it back while I was with her and the sales lady claimed they had had some problems with that particular company - and that they were no longer carrying those clothes. They did give her some store credit for the return.
So, I'd have a hard time recommending the clothes just yet..but the accessories can't be beat!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Trendy, relatively inexpensive clothing and accessories. The quality depends on which brands you are looking at--and they carry a lot of brands), but certainly anything you buy here will last you through the season and keep you up-to-date without breaking the bank. Certain labels they carry, like Tulle, always seem to catch my eye.
The sales staff are nice and generally avoid hovering. My one complaint is that some items were ridiculously small in scale (I generally wear an XS and I had to buy a L once), so this may slim down the selection for larger women.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
I agree - the clothing is not appropriate for my age/size, BUT the selection of accessories and costume jewelry can't be beat! Great sales, nice staff, funny "message" buttons in a basket by the cashier, and of course all the freebies (Reader, Onion, handbills for upcoming events, etc.) by the front door! This is one of the great charms of Andersonville and a prime example of why it's important to support local businesses.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Wow man. Can't believe Presence is still around. I shopped at the original store further down on Clark St. about 30+ years ago. 4 Stars just for surviving, like me.
Groovy.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Funny (6)
Cool (4)
I love Presence. For Christmas my old roommate and I both unknowingly got each other gift certificates ! Best gift ever. They have funky, unique clothes and accessories ,which includes some of the best headbands ever. People always ask where I get them from. More recently, they sold out of a dress I really wanted and the sales chick took it off the mannequin for me! Now thats awesome service.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
I absolutely adore Presence. They have some of the cutest clothing around. I love their unique taste and style. Their prints are to die for. I can never leave this place empty-handed. Also they have a pretty good selection of accessories. I always find something to go with the outfit I just picked out. They have a 14-day return policy. The staff is very friendly and helpful.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
Such a cute store. I love going here and shopping for my accessories and I always get compliments. I would have to agree with one of the other reviews in that it is kind of similar to Urban Outfitters. I give it 3 stars because they don't carry my size. :( Tho I haven't been there since I lost weight so I may be able to squeeze into a size large. Ooo that would be wonderful!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
you do get what you pay for here.....i stopped going once everything looked bulk produced and cheap! They use to have cute accessories but everything they carry is found elsewhere if you want it cheaper...i like boutiquey style clothing and accessories that you cant find everywhere and this just isnt it! Im sad...they have been around for a long time and im very over it!
This place caught my eye because at first glance I thought it was a very neat and organized thrift store...score right up my alley. But it wasn't a thrift store, it was a shop filled with cutesy bric a brac, and frilly tops and jackets with oversized buttons, still up my alley. My companion who is probably thrilled to go into a girlie girlie store just as much as I would be excited to go underwear shopping for him even noticed "hey this store is very you" that's true. I would like to come back here sometime, but perhaps with my ladies in tow.
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
I am always at this store. Unique clothing that I always receive compliments on. Funky patterns, lots of accessories. Salesgirls are always really helpful and nice. I hate Urban Outfitters, which is for people who are trying too hard, plus it is overpriced. This is nothing like that place. They also do not carry the hootchie stretchy clothes here either & that is sooo refreshing.
I was told this store is different. I found some cute high quality clothing here. Nice summer outfits. I love to go to Anthropologie and they are too expensive. This is not the same but has unusual choices. I can buy a whole outfit including jewelry w/out leaving the store
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
You pretty much have to know what you're looking for, to not spend atleast an hour in this store. Presence is best if you're looking for something fun, a new addition or accessory, not for a long-term quality piece. I think a girl needs both, so please try not to get too attached, there's always new things back at the store! Make sure you try everything you've chosen out on. Definitely more of a cutesy, not sexy, store.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Cute stuff especially the accessories, affordable, eclectic trinkets here and there...
the only issue would have to be parking in the area...
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
I love Presence -- cute, totally unique clothes at mostly reasonable prices. I've spent many a lunch break expanding my wardrobe here. Adorable summer dresses, crazy patterns, something in every color of the rainbow. There are tons of accessories as well, and this is my go-to place for really cute earrings. There is always a clearance rack and some kind of sale going on. Clothes seem to rotate in and out quickly. Sizes run a little small, from what I can tell. I'm usually a size small but have gone to medium or large here (not that there's any reason to girls' sizes!). They have a 2 week return policy. Check this place out if you're shopping in Andersonville.
I love this store--- every time I drive by I just have to go through their racks. Unique clothes everyone will compliment, fun jewelery and very trendy. Kinda like an Urban Outfitters style, but I think cheaper. Skirts are about $35/40, tanks $15, dressier tops $30, necklaces $20. Also, they were really kind about my returns, which was nice of them.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
GREAT styles, fun window displays, nice sales assistance, and unbelievably amazing jewelry. Their only problem is their sizes. They only sell "regular" sizes that fit up to a size 10 or 12. I have big issues with this. Especially since I know that they make that label in larger sizes. Disheartening.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (1)
a bit overpriced for the brands and type of clothes they carry ... but fun to shop at. I used to have a Presence in Lincoln Park 100 feet from my (former) apartment, until it became a bank. does that seem to be happening to a lot of businesses lately?
anyway, their clothes are pretty fun (all fairly casual ... no dressy items) but the best part are the jewelry and accessories. they have the cutest, most unique stuff and it's pretty reasonably price. which is good for me cause i got tons of inexpensive accessories!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
House of Cheap Crap - but I love it!
This is not where you go to find well made, long lasting, classic fashion - it's where you go to find hip, ethnic or trendy pieces to mix in and give you style, baby. The clothing is slightly disposable (however a few pieces I've gotten here have been suprisingly durable) and some of it doesn't fit very well, but you can find interesting stuff here - gotta look at everything. The purses are fantastic - sort of knockoff versions of the more expensive designer gear. I've found fabulous scarves here and a pair of earrings so cool that I plan to get my ears pierced just so I can wear them.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
I love Presence. The sales girls are very helpful and never push me into buying something. I've found some of my favorite earring here.
This store has a great selection and gets new things in all the time.
The staff here is friendly and helpful. They'll offer to start a dressing room for you, but won't follow you around the store watching your every move.
I think that most of their merchandise runs a little higher price-wise than comparable items do at Kohl's, Target, etc., but for that trade off, you get more unique clothing and accessories.
The space itself is big and is laid out well. The window displays always catch my eyes, and like today, the sign advertising "big, big sale" sucked me in.
NB: The majority of their summer stuff is like 50% off right now.. lots of cute stuff left!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
This store is loaded with style. It can be tempting to walk away with a new wardrobe after setting foot there. They have great colors and cuts to their clothes and the quality seems pretty decent as well. The store is laid out very well.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Fun jewelry and accessories, but sometimes a chubby girl needs more than a good necklace. The ambiance is nice and inviting and the sales staff is always friendly.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...
Related Lists
-
Andersonville represent!
Some of my favorite Andersonville gems. I love my… -
My old stomping grounds.
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Edgewater and… -
My Neighborhood
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,… -
Hello Mr. Anderson-ville
Oh and thanks for becoming so swank AFTER I move… -
Retail Therapy
Whoever said money can't buy happiness simply…
Hot and New
- Angelina Ristorante
84 reviews
Neighborhood: Lakeview
- Kuma's Corner
413 reviews
Neighborhood: Avondale
- The Pain Stop Massage Therapy
13 reviews
Neighborhood: Wicker Park
- C-House
6 reviews
Neighborhood: Near North Side
- Veerasway
21 reviews
Neighborhood: Near West Side