If you love shopping for beautiful clothes, jewelry and accessories, you can find it all in downtown Homewood at a new business in town, Maxine’s, located at 1938 Ridge Road.

It opened just a month ago, but its beautifully decorated store-front window, displaying gorgeous mannequins wearing haute coutré apparel, gives the impression it has been here much longer.

Actually, it is a well-known business in the south suburban area and has a loyal base of fans. Owner Brenda Livingston said that many of her customers are second generation, having grown up in families who shopped at Maxine’s. Her move to Homewood came after she had been located in the Flossmoor Commons plaza for four years. 

“I came to Homewood because I knew there would be more foot traffic,” she said. Prior to her store in Flossmoor, she had been located for 11 years in the Lincoln Mall in Matteson.

“We are small, but I am constantly looking for new styles, from edgy to professional, for women who like to dress in high fashion,” Livingston said. “We are the difference between dressed and well-dressed.” She added that the store carries women’s wear suitable for ages 30 to 60 plus. 

Maxine’s is named after her mother, who started the business 54 years ago and is still in the business, running her Maxine’s in Chicago at 1613 East 87th St. 

“Both my mom and dad are in the store every day. My dad retired from Ernie Banks Ford dealership in the ‘70s and partnered up with my mom in the store. They are quite a team,” Livingston said. She added that in the ‘80s they opened a second location in Hyde Park and ran that store for 15 years.

Livingston grew up in her mom’s business. 

“I was always helping in the store. After high school, I went to college, but on spring and summer breaks I came back to help in the store. When I graduated, I returned home and went right into the business. From the very beginning I have supported my family with this business.

 

“I have had a loyal following from customers who knew me from the Chicago store and when they began asking for a store in the suburbs I explored the idea and opened in Lincoln Mall in 2004 and was there until 2015.”

 

Maxine’s is well-known across the area and Livingston conducts annual fashion shows across the region for various organizations, including: Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra; Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago, which is held at the Drury Lane Theater in Oak Brook; The Chicago Teachers Guild and the Rich Township Food Pantry.

 

Livingston promises the “perfect dress” for every special occasion.

 

For further information on Maxine’s, visit the website Maxine’sBoutique.com or call 708-922-9700.