This week in Barrington Street Style: If you love a laid-back look with an urban country vibe, there’s one man you have to meet in his must-stop shop here in Barrington. Grassroots Clothing and General Store owner Todd Rhodes has his own signature style and an eye for relaxed, easy pieces after more than two decades working in the apparel industry. Todd has been outfitting and hosting Barrington’s own since he opened Grassroots in January of 2011.
As an apparel sales rep, Todd was was selling Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus at age 26. His parents repped for Ralph Lauren and Echo scarves and, shortly after Todd got out of college, he began repping scarves as well. After that, Todd went on to rep Ralph Lauren, Duchamp London and his own men’s products. While living in New York City for eight years, he traveled often, selling to stores all around the country. When Todd moved back to Chicagoland, he was still repping. But his kids were little and he wanted to take his work out of the home. That’s when Grassroots was born.
When he worked as a rep, Todd wore nothing but suits and ties. Today, his personal style is urban, comfortable, casual and functional. He says he doesn’t want to look like anyone else and likes pockets, things that look shredded, color and prints. He collects Converse shoes and, with Grassroots, he’s created a store as unique as his own signature style.
Grassroots offers something for everyone as a functional lifestyle shop. Inside, you’ll find a skate shop, barber shop, apparel shop, music venue, a full bar, panini bar and more. They’re open late Thursday through Saturday, hosting many local and signed artists.
Todd says in his shop it’s more about people’s individual needs than their product. He could help a 6-year-old kid with a skateboard, help a gal out with some new boots, help a dad find a shirt, go pour a beer and make a sandwich, all in a day’s work.
Stay tuned for more to come from the mind of Todd Rhodes. He’s opening a second store coming in September. It’s a mix between American Pickers and Estate Sale, it will also offer games, coffee, pastries and more and we can’t wait to see what Todd has in store!
Want to be featured on Barrington Street Style? Send a note to Aimée at aimee@aimeemazzenga.com
About the Author
Aimée Mendez is a lifestyle photographer with a passion for capturing the beautiful and fleeting moments of life that are so easy to miss. She loves photographing people, events, interiors, food, landscapes and love. She studied photography at Columbia College and completed a psychology degree at North Park University. She currently resides in Chicago with her new husband, Jonny. For more about Aimee and to view her portfolio, visit www.aimeemazzenga.com
