WHO Interior designer Trisha London, a 2005 graduate of the Harrington College of Design, named her dream shop after her great-grandmother. WHAT Eclectic, unexpected home accents that punch up even the blandest room WHERE 1444 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 773-276-1746, www.zellabrown.com

This unfussy shop stocks conversation pieces, such as curvy vertical shelving from Dust furniture ($1,105) that has through-the- looking-glass appeal.

London eschews stocking a single aesthetic, so styles range from pop art to art deco side tables to Old-Hollywood-inspired velvet chairs (pictured left, $1,725). Want something customized? No problem. Lead time runs four to six weeks on furniture. Lighting options from Slip can be specified as to both base and shade color.

Patagonia Trading Company can create any kind of piece, from beds to couches to a settee (pictured right, $2,249), from catalog pictures or a sketch.

Here, accessories don’t fade into the background; rather, items like a brightly colored retro telephone (pictured left, $285 to $395) perk up neutral surroundings.

 More Rare Than an 8EEEE

“I’m a patternmaker, a leather worker, and a woodcutter-all of these things,” says Erick Geer Wilcox, 31, of his solo status in a factory world. From his studio in a Near West Side incubator, Wilcox custom makes shoes using leather from a local tannery. At night, he teaches his craft at the Art Institute. “Pretty much my life revolves around shoes,” he says. From $250; riotgeer.com, 312-455-0064

Photography: Zella Brown by Matthew Gilson, Shoe courtesy of Erick Geer Wilcox

Sales Check

A roundup of this month’s sales, store openings, and shopping news
by Rebecca Little

Brilli Salon (3334 N. Ashland Ave.; 773-755-4247) hosts a class to demonstrate three types of curling techniques (including retro styles) on Feb. 9th from 6 to 8 p.m., in advance of Valentine’s Day. RSVP to 866-786-4020.

David Weinberg Collection (300 W. Superior St.; 312-529-5090), a new art gallery in River North, continues its Portraits of West Africa show in February. Proceeds benefit the Field Museum.

Jayson Home & Garden and Artists’ Frame Service (1885 N. Clybourn Ave.; 773-248-8180) hold a biannual Outlet Sale from Feb. 3rd through 25th. Shoppers receive an extra 10 percent off outlet prices and free delivery.

p.45 (1643 N. Damen Ave.; 773-862-4523) holds its fifth annual Girls Night Out event on Feb. 8th from 5 to 8 p.m., with snacks, cocktails, card games, and discounts.

Pump (1659 W. Division St.; 773-384-6750) hosts its third annual one-day Shoe-Per Bowl Party Sales event on Feb. 3rd. Take 41 percent off all items in honor of Super Bowl XLI.

Raizy (1944 N. Damen Ave.; 773-227-2221) offers 10 percent off all lingerie on Feb. 10th in honor of Valentine’s Day. Look for brands such as Myla, Chantelle, and Christine Vancouver.