Patricia Simmons has been a welder, a U.S. Marine and presently is the owner of a hat shop in Lake Forest. She has gone from the military to millinery, from rigid uniforms to the stylish accents of women`s fashion.
Just Nice Things opened in fall 1987, featuring coats, gloves, jewelry and hair accessories in addition to hats.
But how did she get from hup-two to hats? ”When I was 12 years old I received my first copy of Vogue Magazine. I found it absolutely spellbinding. Ever since then I knew one day I`d be in the fashion trade,” Simmons said.
She was born and raised in Newark, N.J., then joined the Marines in New York and later settled in northern Illinois. For 13 years she welded cars at American Motors in Kenosha, Wis.
She learned the hat business from Wreather Osorio, a milliner she met in Waukegan 25 years ago. ”I was fascinated by her artistry and dedication in making a hat. I started traveling with her all over the country. We sold hats at large conventions and other organizations where women gathered. At Just Nice Things, I still enjoy presenting hats for organizations and private parties.”
Simmons orders hats, coats and accessories from coast to coast, she said, with most of her better selections coming from New York. Once or twice a year she goes back east to buy high-quality hats and coats-and to visit her parents and siblings.
Simmons is looking to expand her customer base, but ”we don`t have trouble selling hats; rather, we have trouble obtaining them. ”Our location is ideal since we`re in Lake County, the third-wealthiest area in the country and the fastest-growing retail market. Plus, Lake Forest is one of the more affluent communities within Lake County.”
———-
Just Nice Things, 730 N. Western Ave., Lake Forest, is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Closed Sunday. Phone 708-234-7635.
