War Chest Boutique

The WAR Chest Boutique is the epoch of an ethical shop. By offering fair trade, direct trade, and items from domestic violence survivors, this niche boutique stands out for its stance against violence and injustice.
The staff are friendly. The store displays items in cute drawers, display mannequins and elevated tables. Around each area, you can find more amazing items that are a testament to its origin and the person who made it.
Many of the necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and purses are cute. While not everything is my style, there is always a great selection of items to glam up a simple outfit, enhance a look, or gift to friends and loved ones.
Check out this boutique, read the stories behind the people who make the items, and get to know the staff. You won’t be disappointed.

WAR Chest Boutique. Not-​For-​Profit Shop. Benefits Women At Risk (WAR).
Women At Risk International are set up in 31 different countries and known for their efforts against human trafficking as well as rehabilitating work with trafficking victims, among various other risk issues facing women and children today.
A Five-​Star cause, no doubt.
I’d first passed by this shop on Mother’s Day, but didn’t have a chance to stop in, so my first real visit was this past Saturday where I was greeted with open arms by a beautiful older woman who volunteers for the cause and gave me the 411 of what the shop was about, though I’d done a bit of research on my own and was definitely interested in learning more.
Everything in the shop is fair-​trade and responsibly made and/​or sourced by the very women the organizations works to helps. They create jobs, provide education for, and allow the women to put their skills to work in safe environment, giving them the opportunity to rise up from oppression, violence, and sexual abuse.
The items in the store are somewhat similar to what you might find in World Market, with the addition of current books on the cause at hand. Lots of world jewelry, home décor, beautiful scarves and more.
Most of the items weren’t really my style, per se, but they were beautiful nonetheless. I had my eye on this journal with a T-​Rex on it that was actually made of elephant dung, but totally sanitary. They sell the same kind of stuff at Brookfield Zoo and it’s really cool.
I’m excited that a store featuring such ethnically diverse goods has found a home in Naperville, especially given the decidedly white nature of the rest of the downtown area. The town needed a place like WAR Chest, and I’m hoping the trend to do something different and help others globally and locally continues.