When Mimi Fron and Alyssa Fron Newcomb were young girls playing ‘hide and seek’ among the bridal gowns, and cleaning glass cases housing plumed pens and guest registry books at The Duchess Bridal Shop owned by their grandmother, they never dreamed they would become boutique owners themselves decades later. Their grandmother Mary Base, known as “Non,” opened the shop in Blue Island in 1949 where she created one-of-a kind bridal gowns, and their Mom, Normajeanne, and her sister Adrienne, handled the delicate beadwork and embellishing. But business and fashion sense are in their genes. The Fron sisters are the current owners of lollie, Evanston’s unique kids’ boutique located at 1312 Chicago Ave.

lollie (as in “pop”) features distinctive clothing, books, and accessories for boys and girls (newborn to size 8). Mimi and Alyssa purchased lollie from Kim Cohen, who opened the boutique in 2003. Since assuming ownership, they have not made dramatic changes but have added store hours and expanded their inventory to include more modest price points, without losing the unique sense of style lollie is known for. As baby gifts remain one of the strongest areas of sales, they have pumped up the clothing and accessories selection and added the Mustela line of body care products.

Mimi Fron has worked as an art director/graphic designer for over 15 years and now manages lollie’s day-to-day operations. She was immediately drawn to lollie’s serene and nostalgic vibe created by the robin’s egg blue walls, rehabbed thrift store furniture, and colorful jars of barley sugar lollipops, salt water taffy, wax lips, and pixie sticks. Her background in graphic design has enhanced lollie’s look. Mimi uses her astute design sense and creates colorful, unique window displays.

Alyssa Fron Newcomb is an attorney who handles the business management responsibilities as well as being lollie’s designated book buyer, inspired by her family of avid readers. Alyssa lives with her husband and three boys in Evanston, and welcomes the opportunity to “test-drive” the boy’s lines.

The Fron sisters are thrilled to continue bringing families unique, high-quality, fashion forward styles that are hard to find elsewhere. Most lollie customers say that they love our unique, one-of-a kind styles and often ask, “Does this come in my size?”