Mallory Ulaszek, cityblue

What inspired you to open your store?
"It wasn’t any one thing that inspired me, more so a life-long passion for clothing and styling.  I knew when I was young I wouldn’t be truly happy unless I did my own thing.  For me, doing what I love and what I am passionate about is directly related to my happiness because that’s what motivates me.  There was an opportunity in the market and I took it, it was that simple."

Who is the coolest customer you’ve ever had?
"I had the wonderful opportunity to work with DC Crenshaw of Game Time Dine on a few projects, which brought Taj Gibson into the store.  A lot of people forget that my business is half menswear.  Having Taj try on a Pink Floyd T-shirt made my day.  He’s such a down-to-earth, gem of a person."

cityblue, 1444 North Wells Street (between North Avenue and Schiller Street); 312-664-2222.


Photographed by Heather Talbert