Frances Heffernan opened its doors in 1932 in Winnetka, Illinois, an upscale village on the shores of Lake Michigan 20 miles from downtown Chicago. It quickly became the quintessential fine women's clothier serving the surrounding North Shore communities. Ms. Heffernan, the grande dame and arbiter of the local fashion scene, provided couture clothing in a luxurious setting for a well-heeled clientele. Dressing rooms resembled living rooms with comfortable sofas and art-bedecked walls. The finest gowns from Pauline Trigere, Bill Blass and Oscar de la Renta were kept in the back room and delivered to the dressing room for private consideration. Fashion conversation was shaped by the likes of Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O. With Ms. Heffernan's passing in 1981, the store was bequeathed to her niece and nephew. Soon after, the store was purchased by Maggie Barrett. Over the years, Ms. Barrett has transformed Frances Heffernan into a stunning fashion showplace with over 4500 square feet of display space featuring an exotic mix of international designers unmatched by any area retailer: Rena Lange, Bogner, Lida Baday, Carmen Mark Valvo, Réne Lezard, Piazza Sempione, Charles Chang Lima, Akris Black Label and others. In the spring of 2005, discerning women of style were re-introduced to Frannie, in 3800 square feet of fashion adjacent to the store on Elm street. Ms. Barrett explains, "Frannie is the result of people liking what you do and wanting you to do more. There are younger people moving into the North Shore who need access to fresh thinking, a bit more casual, and at a lower price point. Because I've been listening to my customers, I think I know what they want."