When I was getting my mom a birthday present the other day at Urban Artifacts, owner Jon Walker told me a new fun new shop had opened a few doors down, so I made a mental note to stop in there this week. And today’s the mental day for that stop, so let’s hop on over to that shop, which is called, Hey Lola. See how easy this is?
Okay, here we are, Hey Lola is right down the block, sandwiched between Urban Artifacts and Broken Tree Coffee and near Main Statement and The Costume Trunk. There's so many fun places on and around this block, it's so cool to see this area developing the way it is.
And here we are, L-O-L-A...Lola. Hey Lola!
Let's go in and check this place out...
And it's safe to do so, because, yes, they are open.
It's a small space inside, but they've made the most of it. As you can see the front counter is bursting with cool jewelry and other fun items.
And here's the owner, Jessica, who decorated the store. This isn't Jessica's first venture in retail, she had a store on University previously and has had an online store for years. Hey Lola has only been open a couple of weeks and the official grand opening is coming up soon. But we're hear now, so let's take a look around.
Vintage clothing is racked up at the front of the shop. Jessica buys these items at thrift stores and garage sales, this isn't a consignment shop.
I love the dictionary design in here, the shop has a great look to it.
Check out the cool bags, you won't find items like this at the mall.
How much is that doggie in the t-shirt?
All the jewelry in the shop is handmade by Jessica and you can order customized items as well.
Blue Q quality gum. Their tagline is: "Cheap and chewy."
Jessica takes vintage magazines...
Cuts them up...
And magically turns them into these cool magnets for your refrigerator or favorite metallic surface.
We now pause for this obligatory dressing room mirror shot.
And now we're back, with magnets and push-pins!
Check it out, one buck postcards...
And there's a great selection hanging on the front counter.
I chose this one because I lived on Shame Street for many years and still visit it often.
Hey Lola and lots of the shops on and around the block are involved with Renaissance Park Community Garden, which is located nearby on Main Street.
Here's my items I picked out to purchase.
All bagged up and ready to roll.
I put the art supply box and stuck the push-pins into my bookcase in the front of MBIP headquarters.
I put the postcard on the fridge, right below Avanti's "Corporate" number.
I look at this every day and still am mystified over why you have to go through "Corporate" to take a picture of a fucking sandwich. I'll move on one of these days, but sadly not today. Okay, I'm going to obsess over this for awhile, we'll see you all tomorrow.
Hey Lola
933 Sheridan Road (Near Main Street)
Peoria
Further reading: Love Hey Lola, Twitter and facecrack.