If you’re anywhere near Chicago’s Old Town area,
get thee to GREER.
If you’re not, it’s OK, I went there for you.
You’re welcome.
Don’t worry, I got you some stuff.
If you’re a regular at my blog,
a) I LIKE YOU, I REALLY LIKE YOU
b) you’ve read about the Paper Trail in upstate NY.
Can a store have a soulmate?
If so, PT’s soulmate is GREER.
The brainchild of one Ms. Chandra Greer,
it’s an exquisitely beautiful paper goods shop.
GREER is the embodiment of Chandra’s own personal style,
grace, wit, creativity, and intuitive eye.
Much like the logo for the shop which she designed,
the store has an elegant yet fanciful feel the minute you arrive.
Click on any photo to see details.
Gorgeous ribbon, sorted
with the most perfect flair.
I could have stared at these all day.
If I were designing a room, I’d use these combinations
for fabric inspiration and ideas.
Here are a few more:
Like to think of them as GREER deer.
any of these cards would make your message memorable.
Chicago’s roots are honored throughout the store.
Chandra showed me what was under the items.
The previous owner of the chair evidently
wanted there to be no mistake about its provenance.
Envelopes with beautiful unused vintage stamps,
for sending special notes.
Many unique brands, and cards designed right at GREER.
such as this antique dental cupboard.
(and calendars too, for when time really drags).
It’s Dorothee Maurer-Becker’s Wall-All from the 70’s.
I had one of these, in a smaller size.
My friend Steph and I bought them together in junior high.
It went with me to college, and maybe beyond.
I’m sad I don’t have it anymore, and seeing this was a blast.
That’s the kind of geek I really am.
making this the perfect place to buy a gift for anyone.
Stay tuned for a future interview with her.
Maybe I can even talk her into a guest post.
Specially commissioned poster for GREER, by Hammerpress.
GREER’s motto is from a speech by John F. Kennedy,
and is reflected in the customer service, personalized design,
and gracious welcome you’ll receive if you’re lucky enough to drop in.
If you can’t get there, the store’s website is full of great shopping and reading.
Kitty Sheehan 
Sigh. I knew I wanted to live at Chez Greer, and now you went and made it worse. I call shotgun in the card catalog!!
Karen
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This is one of, if not the most magnificent post about our business. You captured the heart, the spirit, the soul. Love this, love you.
Chandra
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Beautiful Photography! Having visited Greer for the first time, I was immediately in love. You did an incredible job capturing the spirit and sophistication of my favorite paper purveyors. Chandra's love of her boutique shines through in her exquisite attention to detail. Thank you for sharing this with the world.
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Thank you all for the generous comments. I hoped I could capture Ms. G's prolific attention to detail; I'm glad you could see it! It's dangerous for me to look back at the photos, that little shopaholic who lives on my shoulder keeps whispering to me about what I left behind.
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I'm about to take a road trip to Chicago just to hit up this shop, looks A-MAZING! {kate}
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Kate, You won't be disappointed! Be sure to report on your findings!
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i seriously think Chandra would have to call EMS if i was to visit her store. i just know i would pass out.
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Kathy, she may have someone standing by just in case — an awful lot of swooning goes on in there.
If not, for sure she'll have a card to mark the occasion of your collapse.
Thanks for the comment!
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Come ON now. How is a girl supposed to tolerate small town living in the face of this? I believe a pilgrimage is in order.
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