FASHION CONFESSIONS: ALEXIS COZZINI Boutique Owner & Stylist

This Chicago native began her fashion career at the age of 15 working in a Lincoln Park store. Now 29, Alexis Cozzini, owns one of the City’s cutting-edge designer boutiques located in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast. During her ten years of fashion experience that includes working with luxury brands like Chanel, Intermix and Calvin Klein’s PR department, Alexis learned a few things about fashion retail. When she opened SARCA, Alexis knew she wanted it to be a place where you could find stylish, unique, high-quality pieces, from around the world. With collections from Markus Lupfer (Germany), Zimmermann (Australia), Pura Lopez (Spain), Coat People (Denmark) and Alice by Temperly (UK) –SARCA is a hot spot for Chicago’s fashionable jet setters.

WHAT’S YOUR FASHION ADDICTION?
Costume jewelry — I have so much of it it's not normal. Definitely qualifies as an addiction. I would rather spend money on jewelry than clothing. Not that I would ever not wear clothes...

HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE CHICAGO'S FASHION STYLE?
Chicago trends toward east coast style and life style. Woman and men here definitely know how to shop, know what they like, and know how to dress. We don't need to take it to an un-wearable extreme though. We're realistic about dressing, and we know how to look top notch.

WHOSE YOUR STYLE ICON?
I really love the way Olivia Palermo puts herself together. She can wear anything and it looks appropriate on her. Her style is on trend, she always looks impeccable, and nothing she wears is too over the top.

WHAT’S THE MOST PRIZED POSSESSION IN YOUR CLOSET?
All of my costume jewelry, I never part with any of it.

WHICH DESIGNERS DO YOU WORSHIP?
Marchesa, Alexander McQueen, and Rodarte. They have an extremely intricate and original aesthetic. They know how to make something incredible, make it a knock out, and make it wearable. The craftsmanship is unreal- and for that reason, the price tags for those designers make sense.

ONE THING YOU COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
Pasta and my doggies.

Photo: Stephanie Anderson

SARCA, 710 N Wabash Ave, 312-255-0900, shopsarca.com