PHOTOS: Matt Boltz, Engineer, Chicago Cubs Radio - Wordspecs

Two other Uptown fixtures that recently underwent expansion are in the
set-back mall on First Street, just north of Central Avenue.
Over the Top, Ltd., at 1866 First Street, 847-433-3150, was
founded by Lynn and Gene Brodsky in 1989 to be, Lynn says, “the best top
store possible.” From the beginning, the 1,000-square-foot boutique
specializing in blouses, jackets, shirts and sweaters saw steady growth as a
family place. “We offer service to our customers, including custom knit
pieces. We’re happy to special order for them.”
Recently, when the shop next door became vacant, Over the Top
removed a wall and added 50 percent to its retail space. This means new
lines, including more sportswear, accessories (purses, bags, belts and some
fashion jewelry), and even some skirts. Lines of note include One Girl Who
(“Their line is versatile in fit and style, for any age”) and Margaret O’Leary.
The store continues, however, to concentrate on tops and maintain its
traditional boutique role. “We’re not corporate,” says Lynn, who has lived
in Highland Park for 35-years and whose dog, Zoey, keeps her company or
spends time visiting with Campus Colors’ poodle, Wrigley, at 1860 First
Street. “This is a specialty town. That keeps Highland Park charming.”
and football jerseys. Returning with $250 worth of sweatshirts, jerseys,
t-shirts and shorts, Neil thought, “If my kids want this stuff so badly, other
kids do, too.” Once the Highland Park store was solidly established, the
family added locations in Hinsdale, Naperville and Water Tower Place.
Son Jon joined the business in 2002.
The two businesses differ. Pro demand is more seasonal, and more
localized—two-thirds for Chicago teams—while campuses nationwide are
popular. Pro clothing is player driven. Current stars’ names and numbers
are in demand. “We carry nostalgic items, and we can special order for
players like Satchel Paige and Cal Rifkin. Walter Payton and Ron Santo t-
shirts are popular,” says Jon. Supplier Mitchell & Ness produces a limited
line of jerseys with the exact construction and materials of vintage
uniforms. It also has throwback offerings in baseball, basketball and football.
Novelties—mugs, pillows, pennants, wallets, alarm clocks, mouse
pads—are increasingly popular. Says Jon: “Anything with a logo.”
b. Flirty at the Shops on Elm, on the west end of the center at 607 Elm
Place, the clothing boutique specializes in “fun and flirty” fashions,
according to owner Andrea Petrungaro. She’s catering to mothers and
daughters, having brought in new contemporary clothing lines for younger
women while retaining core brands that appeal to long-term customers of
Fibers, formerly in that location.
“Clothing can be sexy and conservative at the same time,” Andrea says.
Fashions include sports and casual wear, office apparel and weekend attire
for day and night. Among brands she carries are Gavin Pants, Green
Dragon (casual wear), Bordeaux and Anac (tops), and 525 America
(sweaters). You can contact b. Flirty at 847-433-3666.
Another niche business run by long-time Highland Park residents is
Campus Colors (1860 First Street, 847-433-2300). They’ve opened
Pro Colors next door, to meet the demand for professional-team goods.
The idea for Campus Colors took root in of 1989. Neil and Barbara
Rubenstein and their two sons were on a driving vacation. The boys
wanted to stop in Ann Arbor so they could get official UMich sweatshirts
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Fall 2007 / 23