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Vive La Femme
Categories: Shopping Fashion Women's Clothing Shopping Fashion Accessories Women's Clothing, Accessories [Edit]
2048 N Damen Ave(between Dickens Ave & Mclean Ave)
Chicago, IL 60647
Neighborhood: Bucktown
(773) 772-7429
Announcement
vive la femme will be closed Mon and Tue in Jan and Feb. End of season sales begin Wed jan 3rd, so stop by to snap up some great deals!
- Hours:
Wed-Fri 11 am - 7 pm
Sat-Sun 11 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
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$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
95 reviews for Vive La Femme
Review Highlights
95 reviews in English
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Review from Aimee M.
Updated - 12/3/2011
Trust Stephanie. Really.
Been back a couple of times now and I just need to tell Stephanie what I need and she will pull items out for me. They fit. They look great. Easy Peasy.
She knows her stuff. Even if the items are not my usual style, I will try them on and find that the items fit well and are very flattering. Boutique shopping made simple!
Recent needs--Jeans, a dress and a blouse. check, check and check. Throw in a hot jacket and on-site alterations to hem my jeans. This place is super cool.Listed in: Outside the Mall, All right Mr, Demille, I'm…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/9/2010
I love shopping but sometimes even the most avid shopper has those days where nothing on the rack… Read more »
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Review from Laura S.
Chicago, IL
12/11/2011
Stephanie is so fantastic, she deserves her own review. I recently visited for the first time to find a dress for the 12 Days event, and was immediately struck by Stephanie's warmth and upbeat demeanor. I particularly loved her honest opinions; I tend to make pretty quick judgments about how I look in a piece, and Stephanie could read my mind every time. She's also an expert at the well-placed ego boost.
With my current job, I'm not the richest gal on the block, and some items were sadly way out of my price range. Yes, my ass looked great in those jeans, but at $125 they were way out of my reach, even with the event discount. The dresses have a great range of prices - I walked out with an amazing black lace number for $80, and something more casual for $40. Also, I feel like I'm an in-between size - my chest is too large for some mainstream stores, but sometimes I drown in a 1X. While some pieces at the store definitely didn't work, when they did, I looked damn good ifIdosaysomyself!
In all honesty, I'm not entirely pleased to be shopping in a plus-size store, but that's my own issue. While I'm the size that I am, I might as well look fantastic and wear quality pieces. Vive La Femme is the place to go for high-quality denim and dresses. -
Review from Robin M.
7/24/2011
Took the bus over to Vive La Femme, because you know, I'm a femme and I am living! Amanda helped me. She was beyond fantastic. Asked me what I was looking for. I said: I will try just about anything. She said: there you go! I bought a cute little breezy easy skirt and tee shirt combo. Cute, not crazy expensive. Happy girl.
Then, came across a designer that I just fell in love with: Gayla Bentley. Like, angels singing fell in love love with. The line is shifting so not everything was out on the floor. Amanda proceeded to dig in boxes in the back and find me everything in my size. I found a black wrap pencil skirt that almost made me cry with happiness. Serious customer service like that, no hard sell on anything, made me want to buy everything I looked at. So I did. Will absolutely positively go back there on a regular basis. Thanks ladies and see you soon!Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Linda T.
Chicago, IL
11/8/2011
Good selection at full range of sizes. They have the eye for selecting dresses with the right amount of drape and heft without being bulky or baggy. Price point hovers just above $100, not including sales. Sales lady was extremely pleasant and helpful, engaged but not pushy. Nicely done!
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Review from Kelly C.
Chicago, IL
10/29/2011
I love this store. I wish I had more opportunities to wear the clothes they sell at this store. I like well made clothing that has structure, is flattering to my shape and doesnt look cheap. Vive nails it each time. My most recent purchase was a gorgeous black and silver dress. I ran into the store looking for a black blazer and nice pants, and saw this dress on the rack. I fell in love with it and had to have it.
The staff is super helpful and always willing to give an opinion on a garment and they know their merchandise. They know what is going to look good on their clients and are always willing to offer options when something isn't working. -
Review from Deborah E.
Chicago, IL
11/30/2010
With apologies to Doprah, here's "what I know for sure":
1. that we chubby women cannot wear cheap clothes. Dress cheap, look cheap. Yeah, those Sears/Kmart/JC Penney models look damn good but could WE wear that crap? No, uh, no, we couldn't.
2. that we MUST give up the obsession with size. Take a deep breath and let it go. Besides, no one has to know what size(s) you wear. Get over it.
3. that one visit to Vive La Femme and you will be transformed. And I dare you to leave this fabulous store without a purchase. And not just any purchase, but a piece that does not make you feel absolutely striking and stylish.
Despite having been in business for 8 years, I just recently visited Vive La Femme for the first time - partly due to lack of funds caused by one too many layoffs and partly because I was afraid I would love it. Which I did. Now I am in trouble.
Skirts, shirts, sweaters, a spring coat, a Russian Duchess dress - yeah, you heard me - Duchess. Duchess Deborah. Has a nice ring to it, n'est pas?
Owner Stephanie S, manager Stephanie and staff are insanely helpful, courteous, funny (humor is required when trying on clothes unless you are Naomi Campbell) and utterly customer-focused, customer-driven. They are truly there to make sure you leave the store feeling beautiful like you just scored the coolest outfit - which you did. At least I did. Many outfits. Just ask my Visas.
I ask you - what store in this day and age has someone approach you enthusiastically, ask you what you are looking for and then, after sizing you up/down, proceeds to fill a dressing room for you without pressuring you to buy?
Larger women, unite! Go forth and prosper at Vive La Femme. -
Review from Carri A.
Chicago, IL
8/31/2010 1 Check-in Here
I came here on the recommendation of a good friend who used to be close to my size (she lost a lot of weight. bitch) and understood the precarious and disheartening notion of shopping for clothes as a larger lady.
We need Style. Flattering cuts. Comfortable fabric. And in our size please.
Vive La Femme has a lot to offer with plenty of chic pieces that suite almost every taste. It can be a bit expensive but no more than any other boutique in the city.
When I walked in I was a caught off guard because I was then the only customer in the store, so Stephanie whisked me around the store pulling dresses off the racks for me to try on. There were some really nice pieces but nothing that I really loved for the occasion I was shopping for. Good customer service but also came on a little strong. I dont like shopping in general so it was just a touch much for me to be taken care of like that. But it was also very nice of her to take such good care of me.
I look forward to coming back in the future and wish Stephanie the best! -
Review from Laner A.
Chicago, IL
8/5/2010
I cannot believe that I am writing this review, because I cannot believe that I am admitting publically for the first time that my size is in this range. Alas, here I am.
I. could. not. believe. it.!!!!! Whoever was working (medium length brunette hair, light complexion) was amazing. I was browsing, and let her know that I was just looking around for nothing in particular. Not much was catching my eye, to be honest. I don't want to dress in garish colors or wear items reminiscent of tents. She, however, picked out a few things and told me to try them on. Whatever, I figured. So, I try things on, and one after another they each look AMAZING! Things I wouldn't have chosen on my own. She explained that she is accustomed to seeing the inventory on so many different body types that she can tell what might look good on me after a quick (and unbeknownst to me) look-over.
I feel good in what I bought, and the prices were very reasonable. Now THIS is retail therapy :) -
Review from Joanne W.
Glen Ellyn, IL
4/8/2010
Oh. My. Gawd! If you are a curvy gal in need of a wardrobe update...look no further....don't pass go...stop right where you are because Vive La Femme is IT. This chic little boutique has practically everything one could want - great denim, variety of blouses, dresses....sigh...the dresses. So many great great pieces here that I had a hard time deciding what take home with me.
Are you a person who is never sure what to try on? Or what would look good on you? You don't have to worry about that at VLF....Stephanie and her team are fabulous and got that covered for you. The gals are super friendly and really know their stuff. They will pull pieces for you that you would never think to try on.....and I'll bet you that you'll walk out with something you never thought you would. That is the beauty of letting someone else pull items for you!
I walked away with this adorable black satin peasanty dress with some ultra cool panel work done on the front side. I also snagged a sleeveless polka dot blouse with a red belt and ruffle detailing - something I thought I looked cute but was not sure would look great on me...uhh guess what? It did!
Vive La Femme should be one of your go-to stores if you are curvy gal. Lets face it...our options are somewhat limited and we need all the help we can get. Thankfully we have stores like Vive La Femme to lend that helping hand. -
Review from Allison E.
Chicago, IL
4/8/2010
It has been a week since I shopped here and I am still stunned by the awesomeness of my experience. I have never had copious amounts of money, and have sorta resigned myself to miserable shopping experiences picking through the plus size racks of hideously ugly mom jeans. Vive Le Femme has transformed me. My wallet is still hurting, but I am love with my new dress and the most expensive pair of jeans I have every purchased.
Stephanie and her crew pretty much gave me the Julia Roberts, Pretty Woman experience. I barely even touched the racks. I just told them what I was looking for and they filled up my dressing room. About 75% of what they brought me fit beautifully, was flattering, and looked amazing. And the ladies were not shy about giving an honest opinion, which I appreciated. If something didn't work, they told me so.
Extra bonus, they will hem pants if you are short like me, for an extra $10. I will need to save my money, but I will absolutely be back. -
Review from Emily D.
Chicago, IL
6/14/2009 ROTD 11/1/2009
Even though so much is going right for me, there's always that burr, crimp or thorn in my life parade. My weight. Approaching 30, I'm the happiest I've ever been, but I also happen to have gone up (gone back to) a couple sizes of late. I save most of my inner struggles for my therapy sessions, but damned if I don't start paying Stephanie and her staff extra for making me feel pretty and powerful in a dressing room.
And that's never happened. Not even at my thinnest.
Sure, a lot of it has to do with my head being in the right place, but the catering to whims, doting on the details and marveling at my fatter than usual self made me feel exceptional.
This is a one-of-a-kind place and truly a haven. A staycation of the most luxurious sort: with yourself, kindness and a staff that truly cares about its customers. I was lucky enough to buy a Redskew skirt (adorable) and meet the designer who was in-store that day, Amanda J. They are beautiful, beautiful people and might be single-handedly changing the way fabulous fat girls feel not having to march to the beat of Lane and other chains.
I dropped plenty of money (so what?) and walked out with a dress for my 30th birthday party, an occasion I had hoped to be slimmer for but now don't care. A shrug and a toss of the hair and I was far more Carrie Bradshaw than I've ever been.
Sincere thanks, vive crew!Listed in: ROTD, Beautified
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Review from Erin B.
5/13/2009 ROTD 7/29/2009
So, those of you who REALLY know me, know that I have about as much fashion sense as Mo Vaughn, or Cecil Fielder. I'm a jeans and T-shirt gal. T-shirts meaning that I have a billion Hawks, Bears, and Cub shirts, but nothing "nice" to wear out. Yeah. The tomboy in me is alive and well.
So, with the Yelp event coming up, and me feeling blah about finding a cutesy dress, Heidi H. took me here to look for some great finds. She kept raving about how awesome Stephanie and her team was, and how I'd love it there.
She was right.
We were greeted with warm hellos, and Stephanie went to work. Yes...she didn't even ask me my size, and just started grabbing stuff. How did she do that!? She knew exactly what size, and what would look great on me...again, how did she do that!?
I decided on a green dress which I refer to as my "boob" dress. Stephanie, team, and Heidi said it wasn't that bad, and I do trust there judgement. Just when you're used to wearing crew-neck T-shirts, it's weird to have the girls exposed! I also got a more modest black dress. Let's face it...girls love their blackdresses...even tomboys!
I'll be back for sure, for cute dresses, but also to expand my work wardrobe!Listed in: ROTD
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Review from Heidi H.
McHenry, IL
5/7/2009 ROTD 1/14/2010
If you are a curvy girl that loves to show off her curves and love fashion, Vive La Femme is definitely for you! There are just not enough words to describe Stephanie and her team. Once you enter the cute boutique Stephanie will ask you what you are looking for and then she will have at it. You do not even have to tell her your size because with one look at you she will be able to tell what will look great on you. She has an amazing eye and I love that I can trust her to make me look and feel sexy.
Today I decided that summer was around the corner, I have suddenly been thrown into the dating world again, and it was about time to get some dresses that showed off what my mama gave me. As soon as I walked into the boutique I was warmly greeted by Stephanie, given many styles of dresses and just enjoyed playing dress up for an hour. I especially like that you get great advice about what works for your body. I don't always know what works for me even though I think I have a decent sense of style, but having Stephanie there to give me the thumbs up helps so much!
After having such a hard time choosing between 4 amazing dresses, I walked out with 2 that will be a great addition to my jeans/hoodie/concert and baseball t-shirt wardrobe! I guess a girl needs to look like a woman once and awhile and Vive La Femme really knows how to bring out that woman.
THANKS STEPHANIE! -
Review from Heidi M.
5/10/2011
I am glad that I go to check out this super cute store last time I was in Chicago. As far as plus size stores go this one is definately the most interesting and unique that I have ever been to. Just cause I got curves doesn't mean that I wanna dress like someone's Grandma, and this store gets that!!!
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Review from Jo W.
1/6/2009 ROTD 5/16/2009
Once again, you Yelpers have hit a home run in leading me to the light. And by the light, I mean Vive La Femme.
I made my way over here this morning and arrived just after 11am - right after they opened. As soon as I was inside Stephanie greeted me warmly and asked if it was my first time there. I told her it was, and she was genuinely excited I was there. She asked if I was looking for something specific, and I told her yes and gave her the rundown. She asked me some more questions, her eyes lit up, and she went to town pulling things for me. Soon I was in the fitting room trying on various tops and getting her honest feedback.
Here's what I love about Stephanie: If I was honest and said I wasn't in love with something, she would say "next!" I love that she didn't want to waste time with things I wasn't 100% in love with, rather than try to talk me into them even if she thought they looked good. And if something was too blah and too plain, she would tell me. She also pulled some things that I never would have tried on. In fact, what I ended up buying I never, ever would have given a second glance on the rack but as soon as I put it on, I was in love. And this is why she's awesome.
Throughout the experience, she was laughing and joking with me like we'd known each other for years. I felt 100% comfortable with her, and didn't mind her "groping" - oh, get your mind out of the gutter, I just mean her helping me navigate the ties on some wrap tops I tried on. ;-)
When I mentioned I'd be needing some clothes for job interviews soon, she was honest and said they didn't carry suits but showed me some other options. Is it wrong that I can't wait to get a job interview - not so I can have a paycheck again, but just so I can come back here and buy some cute things to wear?
I left the store and walked to the bus stop with a bounce in my step, because I think I just found my new happy place.Listed in: Apparently I think I'm…, You like me! You really like…
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Review from Christina R.
Chicago, IL
10/7/2007
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 fashionistas can't get everywhere else. Delia C. seems to want sedate clothing, but you can go to Lane Bryant or Macy's if you want something in that vein, but if you want a unique label to walk in, try on, and walk out with, Stephanie and Vive La Femme is there, and fabulous.
Moreover, Vive is more than just a store, it is the cornerstone of a community of amazing people. Steph hosts plus-size pilates, a knitting circle, and a networking dinner club all stemmed from the store, so it is more than just glitterama, it is about the people. Try getting that from Gap, or even from some of those boutiques over in the L-Park that hire the trixies that are down on their daddy's money.
As for the clothes, Steph tries to carry things for a lot of tastes, and denim that is to die for, no just for Shanda Leer, but for all Plus Size girls.
Stephanie is a character, so be prepared when you go in, but she has a great heart and if you have a sense of humor you will leave not only with a great new piece for your wardrobe, but with a little new laughter in your heart. -
Review from Mandi G.
Chicago, IL
4/3/2010
Such beautiful stuff,
Such a beautiful owner.
Yay for clothes that fit! -
Review from Jeannine H.
Chicago, IL
9/20/2009
Well I am new to writing yelp reviews even though I have been lurking on here for quite a while...but I cannot let time go by without writing a review for my very, very favorite shop in Chicago.
I have been with Ms. Stephanie and her glorious glamazons since the very beginning. It is now at the point that upwards of 70% of my wardrobe is from Vive La Femme. In most cases that would be wierd and boring to have so many things from the same store but in this case it is a very good thing. Their clothes are foxy, beautiful, and unique and fit like they were tailor made for my shape. Stephanie and Co are always finding great new lines and rotating the stock so it is quite literally never the same store twice.
What I LOVE most about the shop and all the girls is that they are insightful and can always manage to pull just the right outfit that will work for you. I also love their honesty and practicality...they will never try to sell you something you don't look utterly fabulous in just to make a sale. They have steered me away from a few personal fashion faux pas on more than one occasion.
Even though I LOVE this store I have to limit my visits since I never manage to leave the store without a SERIOUS dent in the pocketbook...cause EVERYTHING IS JUST SO DAMM CUTE!!!....it's like Lay's potato chips...I can't buy just one.
I highly recommend this store to any big girl who wants to look fabulous for every occasion. -
Review from Carol J.
Chicago, IL
8/16/2007
I love this little store and Stephanie too. I love the fact that she has such beautiful things for girls of NORMAL size and I love the fact that she makes me feel like I am a valued customer, everytime I step foot in the store. Really, where else would the owner tell you to put the skirt away because it is the wrong cut for you? Rather than make the sale, she gained my trust and respect; How refreshing in this day and age.
I find the staff to be engaging and fashion forward but most of all sincere! And the clothes here are sophisticated and chic and very cute. I often think of taking a nap on the lush chocolate brown benches. An amazing alternative to chain and department store offerings! And they empower you with their great energy and confident attitude! Kudos -
Review from Kim J.
Chicago, IL
3/15/2009
Why, why, why did I wait so long to check out VLF? Probably because I'm scared of Trixies and scared of boutiques, and VLF is in the heart of Trixeland West, along a stretch of Damen filled with boutiques that would shun both me and my ample hips.
Lucky for me, VLF doesn't play by the rules. Stephanie is awesome and is so genuinely excited to be doing what she's doing. She won't BS you - if you don't like something, it's onto the next piece. If something looks eh on you, she'll tell you. But if something looks fabulous, she'll tell you that too ;)
And the clothes! My word, the clothes. I went in to get 1 sundress and left with 2 - plus some soft, summer-y tops and a great shrug to wear over my sundresses when the temp goes down!
I am not a fashionista by any means - but VLF may just change that. ;) -
Review from Ellen L.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 4/28/2010
I love this place so much.
I saw a cute skirt on their site/newsletter, so I dropped in. Though they had it in my size (and it fit like a dream!), I didn't care for the color, so they interrupted the seamstress in the basement (who handmakes these skirts) and had her come up and discuss skirt colors with me. Talk about stellar customer service.
While I was there, I asked (as I always do) about jeans with longer inseams. The last time or two I'd been there, it had been a bust (as most stores are). This time? They pulled a few pairs of jeans off the wall for me to try on... and they FIT! Not only did they fit, but my 6'1 self now owns a pair of jeans long enough to wear heels with. What?! This is positively unheard of! No muffin-top, no sagging through the thigh/butt area (I'm proportioned oddly), and... not flood pants!
These folks are miracle workers and they're just so much fun to chat with. Keep up the good work, ladies!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/7/2009
I wasn't sure what to expect. I'm a jeans and a t-shirt kind of gal most of the time, but I'd heard… Read more »
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Review from Maggie B.
Chicago, IL
11/3/2009
I was so disappointed after looking at the website and reading these reviews. I visited VLF yesterday looking for some pants and some separates that I could wear to work. The selection was not really seasonal since it was mostly modal fabrics that the front-facing associate showed me - everything seemed non-fall or winter.
Looking on the rack I found my dream dress for work. Unfortunately there was only one in my size, and it was not the color I wanted. When I asked about the label, a voice from the back called out "NO REORDERS" and then "SHE COULD GOOGLE IT I GUESS." Then something about brown shoes not being the worst thing in the world (I had said I avoid brown in my wardrobe so that I can always wear black shoes.) Then the sales associate gave me a card, and told me to sign up for their emails - even though they wouldn't help me find anything like the dress/style I wanted?
I was so disappointed! So I took the advice of the mystery voice and googled. I found a boutique in Rochester NY called black cat plus that carries the same label (Comfy USA) and within a few hours the owner had special-ordered the dress for me from Comfy. It only took her a phone call - one that the people at VLF didn't think I was worth making.
I would love to support a business like VLF but I was honestly just left flat by my experience there. Another reviewer said that they make you feel like a million dollars - I did not feel that way at all! Perhaps the fabulous Stephanie wasn't there that day? -
Review from Colleen J.
Chicago, IL
2/21/2011
I say this with hesitation because it sounds just so dumb but I'm kind of a plus size clothing expert. Having said that, I can confidently say that if you're a woman of size, you need to get to Vive. The owner Stephanie is a firecracker and her staff is friendly and knowledgeable. I don't come here more than a few times a year because I'd go absolutely broke but if I had limitless cash, I'd be here every couple of WEEKS to see what's new. And don't think that if you're on the bigger end of plus size that you won't find anything because you absolutely will.
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Review from Erin J.
Chicago, IL
5/29/2007
This place is great if you need something fancy and funky and have hips. I have been coming back to VLF when I need to play dress up.
The owner, Stephanie is a great lady. She loves her shop and gives great feedback on how something looks. The store has great selection of evening wear ranging from simple dinner party dresses to all night rave attire.
Stephanie's big mouth and no nonsense attitude is another reason why I go back. It is so refreshing to see someone who doesn't play games or bullshit with you. (If something doesn't look good, she will let you know.) I know this may sound odd, but she gives me hope and makes me feel like you can speak your mind and don't have to compromise who you are or conform to get by in the world. If a boutique can give you hope, then by all means it must be a wonderful place.
When I go in to VLF I know that they will have my size and that is comforting. Stephanie will let other ladies who pop in that appear to be smaller than the sizes she carries know that she can't accommodate them and it's funny to see little ladies leave in a huff. Sometimes being there is like a bizzarro world where everything fits me perfectly and size 0 people can't get a break. -
Review from Amy M.
Chicago, IL
4/18/2006
Let me say it loud: I love Vive La Femme! This is the place to go if you're a plus-size fashionista. Stephanie, the owner, is smart and sassy with a great sense of style. She gives great advice on fit and flattery, and how to work a new piece into your existing wardrobe. If an item doesn't look good on you, she'll tell you, and if it looks fabulous on you, she'll let you know in no uncertain terms that you need it.
Prices are a bit more than what you'd pay at a chain store, but they have great sales. (Be sure to sign up for the mailing list at the website.) In addition, it's worth a few extra dollars to have an item that won't be seen on every other big girl in town.
If you're fat and fashionable, this is the place to shop.Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Shannon B.
Chicago, IL
12/21/2008
Stephanie, Andrea and Stephanie,
Thank you for helping me find the perfect dress for my fiance's holiday party. On top of helping me look great, you gals made me feel great. It is so wonderful to walk out of a store with something that looks hip and fits right, rather then depressed about all the cute stuff you couldn't wear. For the first time in a long time I had choices and that was awesome.
Great clothes and feeling sexy in them is better than a Prozac cocktail. These ladies have stellar taste and really make you feel comfortable. I will be dropping a lot of change here and suggest you do the same! -
Review from tristin m.
Chicago, IL
4/9/2009
I'm rewriting this review because the boutique has changed in a great way!
Still 5 stars of course.
What's different though you ask? well... Aside from the awesome exclusive discount that my personal shopping/styling readers and clients get, the merchandise has a wonderful new price point range of $35 - $175!!
Stephanie and her team of fabulous femmes are still awesome as always! They wear clothing from the store and look great all the time.
As a personal shopper, I'd even say you needn't book me if this store will be your only destination because the staff will take good care of you here. They are excited to dress you and get excited when something looks great but aren't pushy. -
Review from Julie M.
Chicago, IL
1/27/2009
I love going here, because I never what to pull together for myself or what might look good on me. You can go in there and they will grab items for you and as you try them on, you decide together if it works or not. And if it something doesn't work, they TELL you and they know the store inventory and go directly to other pieces that would work.
It's a lot of attention in an area I am clueless in, and I appreciate it! You feel just like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman - after Richard Gere tells the store owner he is going to be spending an obscene amount of money. And Stephanie and staff do it wonderfully and without me having to be obscene (with the money I spend). -
Review from xenia b.
Chicago, IL
5/22/2010
My first time shopping at Vive la Femme, and I gotta say the clothes were out of this world. I passed the neighborhood many times and didn't even know this store existed until today when my friend mentioned it. I always thought it was like the other boutiques down the street with their small sizes.
The customer service at Vive la Femme was phenomenal. I did not expect to be catered to. The staff was very friendly and helped me pick out cute tops I wouldn't even consider looking at. Finally, I bought a purple top that looked amazing. Its on the pricey side. My wallet is still crying. Even though this wouldn't be my go to store, we all need to splurge once in awhile. At the end of the day, its worth it when you look and feel good.
You'll be seeing me there in the future. -
Review from Anne C.
Chicago, IL
10/18/2007
Vive La Femme is a great shop for those of us who are not a size 2 and need to find some jeans that fit!! Their selection is unique and their jeans collection is fabulous.
Stephanie (the owner) is bright, funny and very honest about what fits and what does not. This is a boutique which is unique but not snobby. I highly recommend it. -
Review from Jessica D.
Chicago, IL
5/5/2010
I have something of a backlog of businesses to review, over 100 to be exact because I plan on reviewing all of those businesses I frequented in the small southern towns of my youth. But this, this is my first review after my brief hiatus.
Vive La Femme is a fantastic store of fantasticness staffed by fabulous and wonderful women. Now, I'm not rich enough to make this my go to store. Someday, when I am happily upper middle class and can give money to charity every month and have memberships to the MCA and the Field Museum, all of my clothes will come from this store. For now, I have to be careful about which items I select.
But don't let that deter you from going in. It isn't that everything is ridiculously expensive. It's definitely not the cheapest place to shop, but I'm also not the richest girl in town. Items tend to range from $30-100 with a few items at either end of that scale. If you can buy full price at Lane Bryant, you can upgrade your closet to Vive La Femme. Plus, there are always great basics on sale in the back.
Go in frequently (I'm learning my lesson here) because new shipments often sell out before the end of the week. They're that popular. Also, check out the Redskew skirts designed by employee Amanda - you can get 1x and 2x sizes in store or get custom colors or larger sizes made. Awesome.
Finally, I have to thank them again for hosting an amazing evening last month with discounted shopping and an extremely low cost pinup shoot with Heather of Vavoom Pinups (check out my new pics). The evening was fabulous and filled with goodies from Lil Guys and Luscious Layers, great hair accessories from Love, Lulu Mae, and I found some great new clothes on sale. -
Review from Elaine L.
Daly City, CA
5/25/2008
Great selection of trendy clothes for fat fashionistas - the young and young-at-heart ones, that is. Stephanie, the owner, is a bundle of manic energy, and she makes shopping there a fun and exciting experience. If vive la femme had been around when I lived in Chicago, I might never have moved away.
So the clothes are a bit pricey - not sure if that's the "fat tax" seems to be added to the price tags of all plus size clothing, or the fact that this is a hip and trendy boutique with quality designer duds. And, the one time I visited the store, it didn't seem to be very well stocked (lots of empty space on the sales floor). However, what the store did have was spot on in terms of what's hip and stylish, and Stephanie is constantly getting new shipments in. Finally, it would be great if vive la femme could carry clothing beyond a size 3X and size 24. Supersized fat chicks want to look sexy too!
If you're looking for conservative styles or interview suits, you should skip this place and head over to Nordstrom or Bloomingdale's (or Macy's or Lane Bryant). However, if you're a fat chick who's sexy and confident and wants clothes help you show off her fabulous style, vive la femme is the place to go!
Stephanie also gets kudos for providing fun events for fat chicks - like social dinners in local restaurants, and plus size yoga classes. She's a great resource for the plus size women of Chicago! I will definitely make time to stop in the next time I'm in town. -
Review from Mary G.
Farmington, MI
4/6/2009
If you are a plus size woman who wants to look fashionable and feel GORGEOUS, then Vive la Femme is the place to go!!! Stephanie is absolutely AMAZING at picking out what will look best on you! She will also be your best personal cheerleader ever as she reminds you of what a beautiful woman you are every time she returns to the fitting room with new choices.
If you need jeans, try the Not Your Daughter's Jeans line -- THE most comfortable jeans EVER! And Comfy's line of clothing is not only beautiful, but true to their lable -- COMFY!
Be prepared to spend a bit of money, but recognize that you are buying CLASSIC pieces that will last a long time. However, there are some GREAT sales and Stephanie will be more than happy to tell you all about them, so you might be able to get out of the store with some STEALS!
This is the best shopping experience in the world. Go to Vive la Femme and come out feeling like you own the world [and gorgeous clothing!]!! -
Review from Citizen K.
Chicago, IL
3/7/2011
So...I went to Vive La Femme as therapy from mall related department store trauma. You know how it is...you walk through the departments for smaller, narrower people, full of cute, flirtatious, colorful clothes...and keep walking. And walking. To that place upstairs, behind the pots and pans, or next to the sheets. To that Island of Dr. Moreau called the plus size department. The depression that ensues from terrible fabrics, granny prints and oddly box-shaped garments sent me to Vive La
Femme.
Can I just say I LOVE THIS PLACE?
The clothes, Stephanie, the whole vibe made me feel happy. The clothes were cute. Yes, I bought the most awesome skirt in the world, and no, you can't have it because I'm wearing right now.
Seriously, though, seriously. This is one of the only places I've ever shopped where great clothes and body acceptance could be said to go together. I had fun, and I'm going back. SOON. -
Review from Kristina B.
Chicago, IL
10/19/2006
The owner is super nice, and the clothes are uber (yah, bilingual!) cute. This is a great place to go if you're looking for unique pieces. They aren't a chain, so you're not going to see 50 girls in one day, wearing the exact same outfit (which is nice!).
The new location is awesome (it's not THAT much farther from the originaly spot) and the inside of the store looks great!
It loses a star b/c it IS pricey. I know, I know...style is expensive and you're paying for quality. But...this is my review, so I'll do what I want with it.
If ya have a bit of extra cash, I highly recomment checking this place out. You won't be disappointed. You'll look tres chic (or perhaps...trilingual?!) by the time you're shopping experience is complete! -
Review from Jessica S.
Chicago, IL
9/18/2008
Viva La Femme is by far one of the most fantastic boutiques in Bucktown! Not only does Stephanie have impeccable taste, but they have clothes for women who aren't on the Atkins diet.
Coming into Stephanie's Viva La Femme is like a breath of fresh air compaired to the high end boutiques downtown and in Lincoln Park. Stephanie and her employees are genuinely sweet and share honest opinions with you, urging you to not buy everything at once, but buy the things that you really love.
I adore this store, I think it is very reasonably priced and everytime I leave Viva La Femme I feel fantastic! Thanks so much, and please keep up the good work! -
Review from Anne S.
4/5/2010
Stephanie and her team made shopping fun! I have never had a personal shopper, but I would imagine it would be something like the team at Vive Le Femme. They helped me pick out several things to try on. If I said I liked the cut of something, but not the color, they would bring me something similar in a different print.
I got a very cute dress, and I am super excited to wear it! -
Review from Ralonda M.
Chicago, IL
10/6/2008
I came to Vive Le Femme, Unaware of how wonderful this store really was. I wound up staying for over an hour. If you are a bigger girl, like myself, this is a great place to fine what you need for a night out with friends, or business casual work clothes. I didn't make a purchase because, foolishly, I underestimated what I would find, and came unprepared.
The clothing are all extremely well made. The service was great-- attentive without being overbearing. Stephanie and Stephanie were pretty awesome, too. I completely intend on coming back here. -
Review from Juanita G.
5/14/2009
Viva La Femme is the place to go for unique pieces for curvy ladies. Let's face it, we, curvy ladies have such limited choices to shop. If we are ladies with style it's even harder. Stephanie always has some amazing clothes in her shop and they always have new pieces from Casual to Dressy. She has really made it such a warm environment for women. I find clothes for the weekend and office clothes here. I also have luck finding things proportioned for me. It always seems like plus size clothes makers assume you are 5'-10"
All of the pieces I've bought were American made. I think that may say something about why the quality of the tailoring and fabric is so much better. That said the prices are reasonable. One of my favorite dresses is just so beautifully cut. It's a wrap dress but it has it's own unique touches like a cute sleeve, unique neckline, and a dark copper snake buckle that makes me feel like a Telenovela character but it's so subtle.
I'm LONG overdue for a visit for warm weather clothes. I'll be there this weekend to celebrate their anniversary. -
Review from Michelle S.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 11/23/2009
I still like this store but they always get me to spend more than I came to!! Damn them!
The upside is I always get lots of compliments on the club shirts I buy from there. In fact I have on a viva la feeme shirt on my profile pic. You can't see the whole thing but oh well. It's cute. Trust me.Listed in: Born to Shop
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6/16/2008
I really like Stephanie. She is friggin hilarious.
I went in there to spend $70 an spent $252, so… Read more »
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