Connect

They have an idea of a good concept, when you go shop, be mindful that they might not be open when the sign and website say. Their return and exchange is sketchy… call before you go!

extremely limited selection of sizes here, and although the brands are well-​curated, the prices are almost always more marked up more than what you can find for normal resale online, especially the nau and icebreaker pieces.
the stock seems to change sparingly as i’ve had a groupon i’ve been trying to use for several months now but they never seem to have pants in waste sizes larger than 29.

Just got back from visiting Connect. What made me go was a Groupon, but what will keep me coming back is the awesome customer service (Mitch helped me) and great selection. They carry many other brands that I was unaware of, and now am a fan. A great selection of casual to hip weekend attire for those of us that like/​need to blur the lines between work and play.

Connect sells great things. They keep working the ‘environmental’ angle, but really they should work they «we sell soft shell jackets that don’t look stupid» angle. «soft shell» jackets are WONDERFUL things. They’re 80% as good as a proper winter ski jacket in the winter, but without the bulk and chruchyinessity. They work well in that 30 – 60 degree zone and in the wind, which is a season that lasts longer than summer and winter in Chicago. Most soft shell jackets look VERY stupid. You can’t wear them on a date or to work. Connect sells jackets that you can. It’s like a North Face jacket for grown ups.
I’ve walked in there a few times found stuff that was nice, but not worth my dollars. I’ve walk in again and found stuff that was worth my dollars but not my style. I’ve walked in again to find clothing worth both and every time I was treated in a relaxed, comfortable manner.

It caught my eye as I was on my way to Barneys COOP and I stopped in.
Although I did not buy anything today I know I will. The selection was really good. Prices seem good as well.
It’s a place that has alot of guys clothes. As apposed to the places that are 95% womens clothes.
There was even a cool dog there.
Give it a try

This is the future of clothing, with a store run by people that are forward-​thinking, enthusiastic, helpful, and cool as hell, which could be quite cool.
They sell sustainble clothing, that is both fashionable, and versatile for use outdoors, or indoors. Also, the clothing doesn’t have overstated labels, and look like all the other clothing that people seem to wear. The Nau brand is an example of this, where you don’t see a stupid name (although I like «Nau») stitched in massive bold print, like the too often seen «The North Face» or the Mountain Hardware Bolt, or Nike). This is the future, free of labels, of less waste, of sleeker, modern designs, that one can wear riding through the rain, or snowboarding down the hill, but show up in the same clothes to cocktail party.

Like this place a lot. the guys are great, and cute. The clothes, often too dark and monochrome for my taste, are really worth the money. I love my down coat made from recycled bottles and all the polos I’ve purchased here – nice cotton. and the parties here are great fun – get on the list. And buy something, let’s keep ‘em in business.

Do you ever think about what would happen if Prada mated with Patagonia? I never allowed myself to dream such a dream, but now I don’t need to because such a store exists: Connect. The people behind this store figured out how to integrate fashion into functionality and social and environmental awareness. A plus for me because sometimes I DO want to wear a fleece. .. . but I don’t want it to be boxy, light purple and fuzzy.
At Connect I found a fitted, aubergine, asymmetrical, sleek looking fleece that’s as fashionable as it is comfortable. I also found a stylish looking winter jacket that is totally wind and water proof but doesn’t look like you’re wearing a hefty bag, and a lightweight wind and water resistant dress with detachable sleeves and ruched collar (which I got a compliment on before leaving my apartment building).
ps. I was just there and every Nau piece was 50% off.

Well here i was a’walking up milwaukee when out of the corner of my eye I spotted the NAU sign in the window of Connect. holy crap! stopped me in my tracks. I have been following NAU for about a year now and finally I have the funds to afford their outerwear.
The transaction didn’t take long. I casually walked in and surveyed the store, checked out their bitchin’ hardshells– and just as i was about to leave, the friendly clerk asked me if i was looking for anything (which i was). Then i was in the fitting room trying on a luscious NAU softshell and damn, damn did i look good– fit and finish are superb. I walked outta there a few $$$ poorer, but warm, windproof and wicked. The price is worth the style, comfort and materials. Prove me wrong go here:
I rode last friday evening in the 30 degree weather, with two layers and arm warmers, and the softshell proved most effective, it breathes incredibly well while providing excellent windproof protection. And Sunday mornings crappy rain/​snow storm i remained completely dry. Best buy I’ve made in a long time.
I gotta give major pluses for connects staff, they were extremely friendly and i totally agree with Steven S’. comments that they gave «just enough help without being annoying».
I look forward to spring time weather and their new line of organic basics made in Portland, should give American apparel a run for it’s money… I’ll be back fo’ sho.

Update: I went back to Connect today and they had a good 30% off sale, so I bought a NAU coat I had my eye on. The salesperson gave me the background on the materials (made from recycled plastic bottles), how to clean it, and other details. He also helped me pick a color.
What I liked is that he gave me just enough help without being annoying. Hope other people find this place. It’s worth the trip to that end of Wicker Park.

I was intrigued by the clothes, including what may have been some interesting pants suitable for bicycling and several fine sweaters, though I was in a bit of a rush and stopped in only to look. I’ll definitely be back to look more closely — there was also a table of drinks and snacks for an event that was being prepared, and along with another reviewer mentioning social organizing I would wager there is something interesting going on here.

Nau closed on Halsted and now, Connect opens its door. They’re a retail showroom and very month they celebrate select Not for Profit organizations by supporting their causes through donation-​based events.
They even believe in a «one less car» philosophy so they offer FREE shipping and 10% off delivery of orders.
Connect developed a courier program that will deliver a «ship to you» order at your front door via a professional cyclist if you live within the city limits (of course, all other orders have the option of UPS)
for FREE!
The only downside is that they can be a bit pricey but I feel any purchase made here will last YEARS… So… think of it as an investment…
Check them out…