2 Sisters Boutique A&L
33 S. Prosect Ave. in Park Ridge
Shop2SistersPR.com

Named after… Owner Natalie Amabile’s two daughters, Ava and Lily, both of whom work for her when they’re not busy in college and at Maine South. “It started off as a fashion project with my daughters,” Natalie tells us. “I always thought they would be part of it somehow. They help me with the buying and give me their thoughts on certain styles and trends. Lily does all the graphic design, and Ava does the website.”

A decade in the business: While Natalie has been involved in the fashion world for much longer (including as a buyer for Nordstrom’s), 2 Sisters is celebrating 10 years in business, including five at the current Prospect Avenue location.

“It’s been a lot of work, but it’s also been so self-satisfying to gain a level of confidence in the industry I didn’t always have at the beginning,” Natalie says. “I’m much more comfortable now picking out specific things for specific customers.”

Favorite cold-weather items in the store: All the rage this winter season are faux fur coats and the colors burgundy or chocolate brown (especially hats, scarves, sweaters and tops). And don’t forget anything that sparkles, like the collar on a gray sweater in stock or rhinestones sprinkled down the side of black jeans.

Don’t forget Brother J’s: With so many wide-ranging options for women, it’s easy to overlook Brother J’s, which is the men’s section toward the back of the store. But trust those of us with four or five Brother J’s items in our closet at home, it’s worth the stop to check out some stylish pullovers, vests, soft sweaters, plaid shirts, belts, even cologne and lotions.

One of the many traits that’s impossible not to notice on a visit to 2 Sisters is how Natalie and her staff take pride in helping you find exactly what you’re looking for. And providing honest opinions.

Honest feedback: One of the many traits that’s impossible not to notice on a visit to 2 Sisters is how Natalie and her staff take pride in helping you find exactly what you’re looking for. And providing honest opinions for questions like: “Would these jeans go best with flats or boots?” and “Would this top be appropriate for a date night in the city?”

“People have always appreciated that feedback we give them,” Natalie says. “I want people walking out of here looking and feeling their best, and if I think we can help with that, we will.”

“I’m very blessed to have a wonderful, hard-working staff. I could not be happier to work with these ladies on a daily basis. They make it easy to come to work — and actually leave work on time to tend to my family.”

The “fun” table: “I always have kitschy little things out on one table, but we have some really funny, creative stocking stuffers for people this year,” Natalie says. “I like anything with the F-word on it, but my mom gets mad at me for having them, even if they sell.” Especially perfect for the stocking this holiday season: makeup erasers, creative flasks you need to see for yourself, skincare sets, ornaments and more.

It’s always great when a store owner you trust changes the floor set every two weeks because you just know you’re going to find something you like.”

What to look forward to: On the men’s side, keep an eye out for more vintage graphic t-shirts coming in soon. For the ladies this spring, expect more florals, lots of bright colors (yellow, pink and florals), fun denim and lighter spring jackets.

On-site customer review: “Her inventory is just incredible, and it’s always fun and exciting to see what Natalie is bringing in. It’s always great when a store owner you trust changes the floor set every two weeks because you just know you’re going to find something you like.” — Sarah Walter