The Drama Behind Code of Conduct

Really, People? Really?

05/26/2010 9:45 PM

By Blagica Bottigliero

7 Comments - Add Your Comment


Code of Conduct

When I learned of the drama surrounding the opening of a tattoo and clothing boutique on 11th Street, I just about had it. I live directly across the street from Code of Conduct and was clued into the fact that many of my neighbors weren't too keen on anything "tattoo" opening near our condo. In addition to this, I learned that some residents were afraid of the sorts of patrons that may frequent such an establishment (yes, the word 'child molester' was used.)


Are you kidding me, folks? Do you think Alderman Fioretti would really approve a business that would attract child molesters?

Last week, I rolled into Code of Conduct and was pleasantly surprised to see how the space was designed. An open, airy place for folks to relax, watch TV, play video games and chat while their time came for the tattoo chair. A few stations are out in plain view for anyone to observe - a bonus for those of us that don't have tattoos and would like to see the craft in action. A clothing line, paintings and other stylish pieces are available for sale.

That's it, people. No crazy laser lights. No barking dogs. No lingering scary men with candy. Just an efficient space that celebrates tattoos and style. I chatted with Rebecca, one of the partners behind Code of Conduct. Ironically, she and I went to high school together, but I haven't seen her in 16 years! Rebecca has the business acumen in the fashion/music space that is well suited for this unique boutique - she worked for Pete Wentz' Clandestine Industries.

I moved to the South Loop to celebrate the diversity of its residents which included students, cops, retirees and new parents. Code of Conduct fits in well with the melting pot that is my neighborhood. To those neighbors that feel the boutique is cramping their style, perhaps you should think about the new faces that will be visiting the South Loop. These new faces could, in turn, become residents. This will help the density we need to incentivize retailers to open up shop here.

Then again, what do I know? I'm just a tax paying, condo dwelling wife and mother.


7 Comments - Add Your Comment



By Bob Wilson from South Loop
Posted: 06/04/2010 3:32 PM

It is really nice to see that Code of Conduct is finally open. I met the owners at a Greater South Loop Association meeting and found them to be pretty neat people. On the surface they don’t appear to have a lot to offer a sixty seven year old conservative guy that doesn’t like tattoos, but they really do. My wife and I moved to the South Loop because of the diversity and living with people that appear to be, but really aren’t different. Good luck to Code of Conduct, you are my kind of people.


By Chgohunt from South Loop
Posted: 05/28/2010 9:33 PM

Just one more sad reminder of how the South Loop comes pretty close to being the new Lincoln Park at times. Ignorance always presents itself in such amazing fears. I say way to go on the opening of Code of Conduct ... good to see some true diversity remain a part of the 'hood.


By Solo from Motor Row
Posted: 05/28/2010 9:16 AM

I was excited too hear they were opening. I can not speak for anyone else who was against a tatoo shop opening, but my own reservations about it were only for the aesthetics purposes and hoped it was not a run of the mill "currency exhange" looking store. I walked by last week and it is a fantastic addition the neighborhood. If you have been to South Miami Beach where there are literally 20 tattoo shops within 1 mile of eachother, having Code of Conduct is a perfect fit. Welcome !!!!


By MsAmberKing from Lincoln Park
Posted: 05/27/2010 9:55 AM

I find it amazing in this day & age people can continue to be so closed minded. This last semester in Consumer Behavior class we discussed trends & one of the larger ones is the over whelming acceptance of tattoos even in many professional settings. You'd be surprised at how many people have tattoos, it's becoming as widely accepted as getting your ears pierced! Excellent article Blagica!


By mike from south loop
Posted: 05/27/2010 9:18 AM

this is a really great article


By Dennis Beninato from South Loop
Posted: 05/27/2010 7:30 AM

Code of Conduct has brought a unique and special establishment to the south loop. Even if you aren't looking for a tat, go check it out. The space has such a cool design. Nice article sister B!


By Leticia from South Loop
Posted: 05/26/2010 10:33 PM

A tattoo shop close by? This is awesome! I need to check it out. I'm way overdue for a new one :-)