What It's Like to Own a Boutique

Every stylish Chicago girl fantasizes about owning her own boutique (or is that just me?), but Brinton Coxe actually lives the dream. The New Trier and Tulane grad has been obsessed with fashion for as long as she can remember, but it was just a few years ago that she bought neighborhood staple shop Handle With Care (1706 N. Wells St., 312-751-2929), which has been in business for more than 30 years. Since Coxe took over, the shop has been better than ever, featuring a huge range of apparel from everyday items to outfits perfect for a big night out. So is the boutique-owner life as good as your fantasies? If a day in Coxe's life is any indication: totally.