Review: Cracker Jax
Hello friends!
Today's review is old, so forgive me as I try to remember things with a foggy memory.
I'd like to revisit this location soon, and if I can I'll add an update to this post.
Enjoy!
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My intial trip to Cracker Jax was on November 8th, 2014.
A quick Google search shows me that not only is the shop open, but that it also hasn't changed much. Which in this case I think is great!
Photo from Pablo Silva, Google Photos, October 2019I was still pretty new to the comm at the point this meetup had taken place, and new to Chicago in general, and to this date I'd have to say I don't think I've fallen quite so hard for another store since.
Cracker Jax is sort of a hodge podge of everything, but most of its wares are vintage and antique. The store caters to many different styles but features many feminine items, from clothing to accessories and more. Every single nook and cranny is packed to the brim, the owners making the most out of every inch of space in a way I've never seen done quite before.
As such, all items are unique and one of a kind, and from what I remember, priced VERY reasonably for what they are. At the time of our visit I didn't have much of a budget so I only bought a few things, but interestingly enough I still own every piece I purchased here and never got rid or tired of any. Including the sweaters for my cats.
The shop staff at the time were very sweet and complimented and gushed over our outfits, and were very receptive to a hoard of frilly vintage-thirsty beasts raiding their store. On a funny side note, on the left is one of my best friends Anna who I didn't know at all at the time. I met a lot of people at this meetup who became my close friends later on.
Unfortunately I've no idea if the lolita who hosted it is even in our comm anymore, I don't recall seeing her for quite some time, which makes me sad.
To get an idea of the kind of items sold here, both the pink vintage deer Christmas ornament and the pink chiffon scalloped bolero were purchased at Cracker Jax. Trust me there was so much more that I wanted to buy, but couldn't afford. I really need to go back.
Cracker Jax is located in a shopping square-like area where there are other shops and restaurants/cafes within a short walking distance. We had lunch at a nice cafe I don't remember the name of and also checked out the store Moxie, where I purchased the blouse on the right of the photo. Unfortunately Moxie has since permanently closed.
A photo of my coord that day. I was going for a winter hime lolita kind of look.
Cracker Jax had a very relaxing and soft atmosphere; the music was unoffensive and quiet, and the shop staff let us peruse the store without harrassing us asking for more photos past the initial first few common questions. We were in there for at least a good hour or two, even though the store itself doesn't have ample square footage, there was just that much to look at, and I'm certain I didn't see it all. I can't wait to go back.
TLDR:
-Friendly, relaxing environment.
-LOTS of fun stuff to buy that caters to lolitas of all substyles.
-Respectful staff.
-Not a whole lot of room for coord photos though, it is quite cramped.
Thank you for reading my review, and I'll catch y'all on the next one.