COVER STORY | Rachel May of Boutique Poppy in Downtown Naperville

Rachel May on Her Love for Fashion & the Latest Spring Trends

NAPERVILLE–Fashion has always been a way for Rachel to express herself.  Growing up with four sisters, clothes were her way to differentiating herself from her sisters.  As social media grew, creating Pinterest fashion boards became one of her favorite pastimes which inspired the opening of her brick-and-mortar storefront, Boutique Poppy in Naperville, in 2023.

“I have definitely gone through phases of different styles but there’s always been a consistent trend of elevated basics and staples in my closet; so as different styles and trends emerge, I just add a piece here and there,” Rachel says.  “I knew that that is what I wanted my store to be about. We have great basics and high-quality denim, but we also have some trends filtered throughout the store that perfectly spice your wardrobe for any season, such as bows this season!”

As Spring turns to Summer, she anticipates seeing red everywhere and her personal favorite way to incorporate color trends, like red, is through accessories like shoes, purses, and jewelry.

“It’s a great way to add that color into your look and get more wear with a trend, without needing to purchase multiple clothing pieces that you might only wear a few times,” Rachel adds.  “It can really elevate any outfit and it can be so stylized and personal, layering and mixing metals, stacking multiple rings on a finger, or combining a gold chain with a silver pendant.  There really is no wrong way to play with jewelry!”

Launching weekly new arrivals, monthly events, and more pop ups, are ways Rachel includes and engages with the community.  She also loves supporting other local businesses in the Downtown Naperville community through partnership events with Lena Rose Holistic Spa, Baesthetic, Face Foundrie, The Bar Above, as well as many local artisan jewelry and ceramics. 

-Kristen Kucharski, Photos by Ruta Drulia