Fantastic selection of cool clothing and the sales associate and manager who could not have been nicer and kept the store open for me to finish. They stock brands that are harder to find including Dries, Undercover, Sofie D'Hoore, Mantu, Marni etc., in addition to stalwarts like Bottega Veneta. The distinguishing factor here are the subtle styling suggestions that pushed me to items I would not normally consider that I absolutely loved once I put them on. read more

Terrible customer service and thinks all POC are going to steal. Save yourself the headache and go to Ikram instead

Pretentious and rude customer service. Got stared down by a woman who appeared to be working the floor upon walking in, another representative made a bit of a rude comment to me and my partner about larger sizes being in the back and where the sale rack was. Won't be back. read more

This is hands down the worst customer experience I have ever had while shopping. Prior to entering the store, the owner had a security guard greet and block the entrance as if I was there for a robbery. I had to be asked to be let in and that should have been my first sign to leave. After I entered the store, it was one condescending comment after another. Sure the inventory was lovely and I was prepared to purchase a Bottega bag but I refuse to give this disgusting staff a dollar of my money. Do not shop at this store. They are rudest and most prejudice people I have ever encountered. read more

If I ever win the lottery this will be one of my first stops. Gorgeous, unique clothing and accessories (boy would I love some of those shoes), but just a tad out of my price range. OK, a lot more than a tad... But if you've got some dough to spend or perhaps a really special occasion (I may have to find one just to justify spending $1300 on this one fabulous purple dress they have there now) Blake is so worth checking out! read more

Don't spend your money here. I've gone in here several times, bought stuff a few times and have rarely received good customer service. For a high-end boutique you would expect a better experience. Staff don't say hello when you walk in and straight up ignore you, they rarely ask if you need help, and if you want to try on something you always have to go find someone and ask. Some of the employees are straight up rude, pretentious and snotty, especially an older gentleman that works there. He is absolutely horrible. I was on my phone looking online at a piece I saw in store and one of the employees asked me why I was on my phone very rudely.. I responded I was looking something up and he didn't believe me. Manners and ettiquite aren't at this store. I'd rather spend my money elsewhere. Everyone else I talk to that has shopped here feels the same way. There are other boutiques in west loop I'd rather support who are actually nice and mannered to their clients. read more

I took my 30 year old daughter to Blake with the objective of introducing her to a whole new level of unique design. Blake did not disappoint. Dominick provided my daughter with exquisite care and she found an amazing outfit. The selection covers selections for young and mature clients. Dominick is skilled and very acquainted with how to interpret the styles of his clients. Very friendly no pressure atmosphere. read more

Their collection is fantastic. Great Designers,great cloth. Great Fashion great assortment beautiful store. Every time I have been in this store I was never given the time of day or been asked if I need any help. Leaving the store never a goodbye.Huge turnoff. Does not want to make me buy something there. read more

The staff at Blake has been awesome !! I have been traveling, attending business meetings, redoing my wardrobe and Blake has been right there beside me. One piece at a time or a complete outfit - whatever I need my new BFF Melissa has helped me along the way. My clothes are wearable and they work for day and night time events. Thanks so much everyone at the store.. you are the best !! read more

A pretty damned good collection. A bevy of accessories that are anything but pedestrian. At first the woman who buzzed me in was a bit aloof (read: stank) but I was in such a good mood I wasn't going to let faux snooty behavior stop me. I mean, after all I am a Midwestern gal. And if I can't win you over with my charm, I'll simply kick your ass. I went in search of Dries Van Noten cuffs. They didn't have the one I wanted, but I found one that was even better. Another dark haired tall beauty (Kelly I think??) helped me out and she could not have been nicer. She was way cool and understood my apprehension to drop so much money. But I was celebrating a special occasion. She even offered to ship the item for me to save $40 (because I live in LA and the sales tax is way cheaper). If forced to critique I'd say that after dropping all of that money, Blake could do a MUCH better job at supplying customers with chic bags. Seriously you drop a sh*tload of money, then they give you a wack ass bag? Seriously the bag looks like its from some Party store..no, the dollar store. If I'm dropping that kind of money, I want bells and whistles dammit. And I certainly don't mind being feted with tea and crumpets. Pay attention BLAKE. Just cuz you've been in the game a while don't mean sh*t won't turn on you... (not that I'm wishing any thing other than success). I like these girls. But I'll wait for the next bi-annual sell. Shopping at Blake does make you feel grown. Or broke. read more

Just bought the most beautiful and ethereal Racquel Allegra wrap here. Amazing taste, fabulous style and a collection of harder to find designers. I seldom make it in but when I do, I love this store. The owners are legendary here in Chicago. I am never a big buyer but they are always very friendly and accommodating. The store environment will be most appreciated by those who are serious fashionistas who know their style and have the funds to back it up. :) However , I think their is something for all and their sales are fabulous!!! The salespeople are very nice. I feel it is an urban legend that they are unfriendly. I just think they really appreciate people who are serious about fashion as they are. I too own a retail store and appreciate what they have here. Do come in to see them!!! And be yourself! And their sales are F-A-B!!!!!! XO B read more

I miss Blake ... haven't been in awhile and gotta get back asap with $$$. I always see something that blows my mind. I regret today...not buying a football purse from many years ago. To those who find the owners as 'delightful' .. their demeanor is something to find as similar to 'The Weiner Circle' in Lincoln Park ... you're just insulted on a more snobbish level....suck it up ..... but you gotta keep coming back ... it's a conquest to see if you can outsnob them...but ya can't :) . I like them ... my mom too. Tell them 'Lyn' says "Hi". The clothing in this boutique is like no other place you'd find such lifetime collectible clothing of art. A must experience. But expect to spend money ... save up .. it's worth it. read more

Highly satisfying, quite expensive, worth every cent. A cashmere necklace by Martin Margiela? Thomas Wylde bloomers? THE Balenciaga look for S/S 08? Yes, lovely, you are still in Chicago. Have a great time! See Also: Dunzo's well-crafted review. read more

I have consistently received only the best service and design that you cannot find anywhere else in the City. They are so low key and helpful and Rachel is a jewel! They have set up shopping protocols that make you feel very safe. read more

The store is lovely. It has lots of room, good merchandising and a very interesting collection. My fashionista daughter caught the attention of Marlo who was polite and helpful. I worked with Rachel who was lovely from the get-go. Both ladies get gold stars. One of the last dresses my daughter tried on was breathtaking... a long asymmetrical silken dream. I was ready to purchase... and then the price tag: $1106.00. I appreciate quality and design, however, a four-figure dress for 22-year old is off limits. After she took it off, and as I brought my own purchases to the owner, Dominic Marcheschi I said, "In the event that this dress comes down....." Without skipping a beat Mr. Marcheschi shot up and shouted, "NO! It will not come down in price. This is it! THIS IS IT." I said, "I am sorry I just can't justify spending this amount for a 22-year-old. I do have my husband to answer to...." What came next is something that I have never experienced in my life.... "Oh well, we can't upset the husband now, can we?" The irony: he and his staff missed the​ second markdown. The dress was $643.00. To sum things up the movie "Beauty and the Beast" comes to mind: beautiful clothing, nice staff and a ghastly owner who does not turn into a prince. read more

I had hands down the worst shopping experience of my life here, and beyond that a degrading and horrible experience. I purchased a pair of Balenciaga shoes and slacks here a few years ago, and it was so awful, worse than I thought anything that could happen in a clothing store could ever be, that I am only sharing it now. I attempted to pay with a Visa Bank Card, and the bank asked the sales girl to call them to verify, since it was a large purchase (around $3,000). The sales girl then told me to call them, even though they had given her a reference number -THIS WAS NOT A DECLINE, but a safety check as I was using a checking account/bank card rather than a credit card. She then asked to see my ID again, and hinted that it was fake and spent a long time staring at it and turning it around. SERIOUSLY. Unheard of. She then took it to another sales girl and said that she didn't think it was real-and was looking at me, and holding the ID up and saying that the address looked strange, like I was a con-woman - IN FRONT OF CUSTOMERS that they were waiting on. She was accusing me of trying to commit fraud in front of the other sales people and customers. Rather than calling she then suggested that I walk to B of A-IN THE SNOW!!! And yes, I walked in the snow many blocks and back, to find out why they asked for a security check, and to release the sale. The bank said all was well and that this is routine. I came back, and the bank asked her to call when she ran the card a second time. This time she called, after I asked her to please do so, and said she couldn't get through and hung up right away. So I called on my cell phone! SERIOUSLY on my cell phone since she wouldn't, and the B of A security people just asked for a number off of her credit card/debit card machine and put through the sale. She gave it to them, then pulled the phone away from her ear and write down the phone number that appeared on my phones caller ID to verify that it was not apart of a scam! Still implying that I was committing fraud. This had gone on for so long that being rung up had taken over an hour-including making me walk in the snow. Anyone else would have left, or attacked her, but I REALLY wanted the shoes, had wanted them since I saw them in Vogue the season before, and no other store in the US had them in my size. She then asked to see my ID a THIRD TIME!!! Showed it to her co-worker who told her it was fine - AGAIN- STILL A REAL ID. My state issued CA drivers license, and she just stared at it for minutes moving it around in her hand. THIS IS THE WORST OF THE WORST. LACKING IN ETIQUETTE, UNTRAINED, POORLY HIRED, UN-EDUCATED, UN-REFINED, ACCUSATORY, OFFENSIVE and INAPPROPRIATE staff. I have advised everyone I know not to go near this place, stylists, friends who lead fashion tours to out of town shoppers, and serious Chicago shoppers. I was accused of elaborate fraud in front of many people by this sales girl. It is crazy that this happened in a luxury retail environment-this isn't a swap meet. NOT A FUN PLACE TO BUY THINGS!!! It was a major purchase and instead of enjoying it I wanted to cry. read more

I really want to give this store more stars because their selection is unparallelled in Chicago but I just can't do it. Pro: If you're looking for ultra high-end gorgeous clothing this really is the place to come. More so than just stocking high end clothing they stock incredibly unique architectural pieces that I love. Con: You just have to go in with the lowest possible expectations of service. I didn't know you were supposed to ring the bell, so I pulled on the door handle and 3 people just stood there and gave me dirty looks before one finally buzzed me in. The one man that was working in there was hands down the rudest sales associate I have ever come across but, wouldn't you know it, the more stuff I tried on the nicer he was to me! Who would have thought. I finally settled in with a woman named Adrienne who came out of the woodwork and was absolutely wonderful to work with. She was friendly and helpful and made good suggestions but not in a pushy way. If you plan on shopping here I would call ahead, see when she is working and go when she is there. I hate places that act snooty because for some reason they either think they have the privilege or because they think it raises their appeal some how and unfortunately this store falls directly in that category. If I had not worked with Adrienne I would have bought my clothes and never returned but thankfully I had a positive enough experience with her to go back. Bottom line: If you're looking for some really amazing clothing, call ahead for Adrienne and then head to Blake. If she isn't there then just go in with your standards for service set at their lowest. read more

Yes, this is a swanky spot, with price tags and a shopping environment to match.This is not the local, welcoming boutique (aka my version of Cheers) where the shopgirl will gush over your outfit/hair/bag immediately when you walk in. Sometimes that is ok. After all, the designs at Blake are straight out of the latest magazines. Right off the bat, I can think of one specific Saint Laurent dress that I've seen on the pages of not one, not two, but three fashion publications this spring. I went in with the intent to look around and a strong desire to buy something beautiful to take the sting out of a neverending Chicago winter- still going strong as I write this. I walked out of here lighter in pocketbook than I'd care to admit, but ultimately satisfied with the Dries van Noten peep-toe shoes that I picked out. In fact, I am so satisfied that I've spent the last few days cataloging possible combinations and convincing myself that these heels elevate even the most quotidian pieces in my closet. Will I be back here every week, or even every quarter? Likely not. But, I am glad that this spot exists to provide inspiration and beauty, especially on a string of mundane, early spring days. read more

All of you one-star raters: I feel your pain. Blake has nice clothes (so do lots of stores) and occasionally pleasant sales people (ditto), but the RUDEST OWNERS in the city. Possibly any city. Including Paris. I had so many unpleasant experiences here that I finally stopped coming in. I feel so good whenever I spend my money somewhere else. read more

20 years ago on Lincoln Avenue this place used to be edgy but intermittently affordable, with a secondary emphasis on playful London street fashion. ("Those trousers have WORMS on them!" bleated my office mate. "If you look closely it's a hedge of thorny vines the way Beardsley would have drawn them," I told him patiently.) Now the store appears to have moved to an otherwise appealing block on Chicago Avenue and degenerated into a museum. And it no longer has its decennial sale, which is a pity, because the quality has always been such that the heavy-duty stuff I bought at said sale in 1995 that dated back as far as 1985 is still gorgeous and practical. All things go. read more

As good as it gets for fashion. Ikram and Blake. Done. And Ask for Rachel. She is professional, easy going, not pushy and has excellent taste. read more

I walked into Blake for the second time in my life wearing workout clothes and was treated wonderfully. I worked with Rachel and ended up walking out with the most amazing Mary Katranzou dress. I won't go here everyday, but every single time I need an amazing dress! read more

A unique collection unlike anywhere else. I enjoy every visit, the sales consultants are wonderful. Always a delightful experience. read more

Great shop. Visited early December and there was a SALE! Lots available. All sales personnel were very nice to me. I find if i am nice and friendly to them, they are likewise nice to me. Great variety - yes $$ so that is why I love a sale. Interesting items and not all black! A bit off the beaten track but worth the visit if you are this sort of shopper. read more

As a personal shopper and stylist, I never review stores, good or bad! However, today, at the request of several clients, I ventured into the store. I was there less than a minute and never got to see any merchandise. However, what I did witness in that minute were the rudest and nastiest owners and sales people. My only question is how are they still in business? Especially when there are amazing rival stores in Chicago with great merchandise, great sales people and great owners! Seriously Yelp! I think it is time to allocate a ZERO STARS option! read more

WORST STORE I HAVE BEEN TO IN MY LIFE. I don't care how expensive your merchandise is. If you are rude to me for no reason and talk to me like I'm a child I will leave the store and never come back. I'm shocked Blake is still in business. I don't recommend going here. Take your business to Barney's or Neiman Marcus where they hire people that know how to sell. read more

Their selection is all fine and good as it's been since their days on Lincoln Ave. Serious clothes-I'll give them that. But if you also seek a pleasant shopping experience with gracious staff, stay away. Sure, the sales staff at times seem nice enough, but if you ever run into one or both of the husband-wife team, you'll be treated with indifference, a strange undercurrent of hostility, and a palpable social awkwardness that makes the Blake-vibe, well, a buzzkill. One might erroneously describe them as eccentric outsiders, but the Blake team should be so lucky. Their store simply isnt *cool* enough to be the brainchild of eccentric outsiders. Rather, they are simple, dispassionate people with poor social ettiquette who show contempt for the very customers who patronize their establishment. Intimidating they are NOT - its simply a case of pedestrian lack of refinement. And a drag. Case in point, on a recent snowy Chicago day (weeks before the blizzard), customers had to don blue scrub-booties on their feet upon entering the store. This might have been to protect the clothes, one guesses, or to keep the floor clean, but either way, it was an aggressive gesture that articulated their contempt towards their customers. The tile floor could have been easily mopped on occasion to rid it of any melting snow tracked in on boots, and as for protecting the clothes, the sales person could have simply asked each customer when entering the dressing rooms to remove their shoes. As far as their position on the fashion-radar screen, let's just say they're lucky they're in Chicago with few competitors (and, luckily we all know who they are - superior inventory & staff and no absurd blue scrub-booties) and not somewhere like NYC's lower east side - the Blake inventory and their quintessential killjoy attitudes would do them in. At a restaurant, customers come for the quality but come back for the service - Blake should heed this advice. Oh, and their gift boxes are as cheap as can be (a nice gift box is a "gift" to the customer, so to speak, and so it's not surprising that here again Blake falls short of showing any gratitude to its customers) and their "gift-wrapping" uses the cheapest of cheap gold *plastic* ribbon of dollar- store quality. This is what they provide a customer easily dropping 4 to 5 figures. Shameful. read more

While this boutique carries established brands, the sales staff are absolutely horrible. Why would anyone want to give business to a store that does not acknowledge or respect their customers? I will never walk in here again and will instead take my business to Barneys where you are at least treated with decency. read more

I really like the style and great pieces. Agree with attitudes that need to go but the collections are great. RM, Dries, Chloe, etc.

I loved going to Blake - their clothing is top notch and their sales are fantastic. HOWEVER, the owner of the store is so stand offish that he actually went up to me while I was contemplating a pair of shoes (at full price $$$) and asked me if I was going to buy them, because he could sell them to "the girl over there." I said, "Take them." Also, they have a certain salesgirl, who has been there a LONG TIME and is completely psychotic - she actually had a melt down on me in the store due to her own personal drama. Not only do I not shop there anymore, but I tell everyone who is thinking about shopping there not to. So many other ways to get the good stuff these days... read more