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 VELVET GRACE 4025 U.S. Route 34, Oswego 630-636-6570 www.velvetgrace.net

You ’ l l f i n d o n e - o f - a - k i n d g i f t s , h o m e d e c o r, je w e l r y a n d m o re at Ve l v e t G r a c e i n O s w e g o

By Chris Walker Photos provided by Velvet Grace and by Locked In Photography

Nestled in two charming, historic log cabins near the entrance of downtown Oswego, Velvet Grace is a destination. “You look at these towns like Glen Ellyn and downtown Wheaton and their cute little shops and those are destinations,” says Kendall County resident Misti Fredstrom. “People want to go there. Velvet Grace can be that. It’s very cool, especially in a little town.”

Since opening in 2015, Velvet Grace has won over countless customers with its combination of unexpected home decor, trendy women’s apparel, stunning jewelry, fashion accessories and a unique mix of gifts that you likely will not find elsewhere. Velvet Grace is also a proud retailer of the easy-to-use Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, and staff can guide you with your first project. Co-owners Mary Blanchflower and Nicole Menard have spent much of their lives in Oswego and are committed to enriching those of their customers, helping beautify their homes, find new outfits and accessorize as well as unearth the niftiest gifts that overjoy their lucky recipients.

“People are encouraged to touch, feel and experience our products as opposed to searching pictures online and getting a box at their front door,” Blanchflower says. “We take pride in our superb customer service and product knowledge. In addition, we offer one-on-one, in-store design services. Bring in your measurements and a few pictures of the area you are working on, and we will play and create right in the store.”

With the holidays approaching, many will be on the prowl for gifts. It’s never too early to get started. “Currently, the boutique is set up with fall decor, but soon it will turn into a winter wonderland,” Blanchflower says. “With just the right amount of sparkle!”

Are you ready for curling on the couch with a soft throw, flannel shirts, cozy sweaters and the soothing scents of the holidays? Velvet Grace celebrates the beginning of the holiday season with its sixth annual Holiday Open House, scheduled Oct. 28-30. The boutique will be dancing with rich color schemes, natural textures and the essence of a comfy home. The Velvet Grace Studio will feature brand-new winter apparel, which will combine classic, trendy, elegant and cozy with sizes ranging from small to 3X! The jewelry is a stunning ensemble of mixed metals and gemstones that create the perfect accessory for any outfit.

Fogarty is reminded of days gone by. She recalls when her adult sons were just little boys whose eyes seemingly popped out of their heads at FAO Schwarz and Toys R Us. Today, that’s her at Velvet Grace.

“That’s how I feel whenever I go there,” she says. “It smells so good and they’re so friendly and authentic. It’s not salesy at all. It feels like home to me.”

Recently, when Fogarty needed gifts for three coworkers, she knew exactly where she was headed.

“One is 70 (years old), the other is 32 and another is 20 so they’re all different,” she says. “It’s so easy. Velvet Grace is your one-stop shop and the pricing is great that there’s something in your budget. You can spend a lot or a little and there’s something for everybody.”

Oswego’s Kathy Mickelberg says Velvet Grace pours the talents of its owners as well as staff into every aspect of the shop and boutique. It’s apparent as they wow visitors with revolving merchandise and displays, offering a warm, comfy environment where you truly feel at home, hanging out with a bunch of your friends.

“Shopping at Velvet Grace is very fulfilling because these ladies know their craft and it fulfills my heart that I can support their dream,” Mickelberg says. “My home has a plethora of Velvet Grace decor for every season. A few statement pieces are transitional into a few seasons, which I love.”

There’s no doubt that the way people can shop has changed because of technology. Of course, some of the opportunities are beneficial, but as for jewelry, apparel, home decor and gifts, there is no substitute other than strolling into Velvet Grace and perusing.

“I think people need to get back to small, boutique shopping because online shopping can be junk with no personality and no warmth,” Fredstrom says. “People will come to my house and say ‘Where’d you get that?’ and that’s another thing I like about Velvet Grace because besides the welcoming atmosphere they have some unique pieces that not everyone is going to have.”

Not everyone goes gaga over aromatherapy, but many do, and Velvet Grace boasts a fine collection of candles for soothing ambiance.

“One of our big sellers, especially during the holidays, is our scented candles, and we carry popular brands such as Capri Blue and Rewined,” Menard says. “I have always had a love for beautifully scented candles, and we continue to reorder them because people keep coming back for more.”

Coming back is a common trend for those who grace Velvet Grace with their presence.

“Everybody leaves with a little grace,” Blanchflower says.