for the retailers who are no longer
For some reason last night, Contempo Casuals came to mind. You remember Contempo Casuals, early '90s purveyor of apparel that was simultaneously trendy, skanky and affordable. It's since morphed into Wet Seal, but it will never be the same. Of course, thinking about Contempo Casuals on the first floor of Lincolnwood Town Center, I couldn't help but reminisce on another retail establishment that had once occupied LTC's first floor--Madigans. Back in the day, Madigans was one of my favorites. But if you wanted to go to Madigans, the best place was Harlem-Irving Plaza, where there was not just one Madigans, but THREE. (Gals, can I get an "Amen!") Madigans for Juniors was the best, with its stylish, neon-blue sign and black-and-mirrors interior, I felt like I was in the place to be, the mecca of fashion--parachute pants, Swatches, lacy fingerless gloves. If that wasn't enough, they also carried Sanrio items, shelved near the back wall.
Anyway, before I get too teary-eyed, just wanted to share an interesting site. There's an amusing article on the Brickyard here too--ah...Chess King...Rave...Spencers....
deadmalls.com
Anyway, before I get too teary-eyed, just wanted to share an interesting site. There's an amusing article on the Brickyard here too--ah...Chess King...Rave...Spencers....
deadmalls.com
posted by jesca at 4:01 PM
3 Comments:
Oh, how I loved Contempo Casuals!
Who remembers Le Chateau at Century? It was like a "high-end" Contempo Casuals - trendy and skanky, but not as affordable, hahaha.
Oh I remember Le Chateau! Which reminds me of an amusing story involving a "highbrow" store-gone-by at the Century. One summer day, the love of my life Lenny Cicero and I went over to the Century just to browse and hang out. Naturally, at one point we walked right past Cignal--remember CIGNAL?! I heard someone call my name, and lo and behold, there stood Danny Plata, my longtime grade school unrequited love, all decked out in a swanky Cignal ensemble, looking taller, darker and handsomer than I had ever remembered--very GQ-sharp in a shiny, steel-gray suit and skinny, black leather tie. Of course I assumed the "I'm cool here with my man" posture, giving off vibes that I'd long since shed the girlish infatuations of youth and had found the soulmate that kept me from even a glance at other suitors. Yet there I was, doing more than glancing. After a bit of small talk, he asked how long L and I had been dating. I proudly announced that we'd recently celebrated one year together. Without skipping a beat, Danny calmly raised an eyebrow, looked over at L like he was a bug, and said, "That's one year too long." Then he flashed me a smile and handed me his card--yes, Cignal sales associates apparently had business cards--and said that I should give him a call sometime to get together and catch up. As my heart skipped beats, I tried to contain the flush that was creeping up my neck and cheeks. Again, playing it cool, I pocketed the card, said goodbye and walked away. I'm quite sure I said something to L about there being no way I'd call him. And I actually didn't. WHAT AN IDIOT! I held onto that card for a while too--had the Cignal logo on it and everything. Ah, Danny...were are you now? Maybe hanging out with Jaime Camarena?! :D
I was JUST ABOUT to post a comment about Cignal!!! I bought my high school graduation outfit from there (but the one at Old Orchard, I think)!
I love it: "very GQ-sharp in a shiny, steel-gray suit and skinny, black leather tie". What a great look. =)
Ah, I can see them now, Danny and Jamie, hanging out, thinking longingly of the two of us, the ones that got away...
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