Your husband is just jealous and wants a bomber just like that. Don't let him take it from you!

That sounds SO scary. But the feeling of accomplishment overwhelms those seemingly never ending feelings of dread and hatred towards the person suggesting these brilliant ideas.

We should do a BrandHabit bonding trip, like climbing Half-Dome. (more Troop Beverly Hills than Wilderness Girls).

Check out the The Beautiful Fall by Alicia Drake. It chronicles YSL and Karl Lagerfeld's heyday in the 70s.

But they still have Issac Mizrahi who has been getting it right since day one. Rogan, a favorite of hipsters, launched their new Target line on May 18. According to New York Magazine, "Rogan stays true to the brand. . .Target again signals that it appreciates style by choosing a smart young name and letting it get creative." And by creative I hope they don't mean something similar to the crap you describe by Jovovich-Hawk!

I love wide leg pants. Skinny jeans are fun and chic, but wide leg pants look are so versatile. Dress down with a cute pair of Pumas or Tretorns, perhaps some flats or dress up with some pointy flats or open toe wedges. High waisted wide legs are my favorite. With a black turtle neck and red pointy patent leather flats with gold hardware from BCBG, I'm classy broad.

i want this bag!!!!!!!!!!!!

the gladiator sandal has grown on me, not that i can pull it off, but i find some of them to be lovely.

espadrilles, however, have never grown on me and im not sure they ever will.

http://www.bluefly.com/pages/products/detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=2067057589&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=6612785&CAWELAID=147056228&cm_mmc=ca_froogle-_-na-_-womens_shoes-_-2116472&referer=ca_froogle

how can you deny these?

Tabloids are speculating if Katie Holmes is preggers while I'm wondering where she got those adorable jeans? This is a look I definitely want to try to pull off, I just need the jeans.

Thoughts?

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 08/06/08 22:08 PM

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Buyer’s remorse? Feeling guilty about spending your money on baubles and not bills? There’s no better place to channel your feelings of guilt with some retail therapy at Gilt. Perpetuate a vicious cycle? Or purchase a vicious clutch? Feelings of remorse will glide out of your head and you’ll suddenly realize you need everything Gilt has got.

Clear bra straps? Yes. The last thing anyone should need to deal with is unleashing the girls without a permission slip. And for those of you without girls, like me, the ladies at Gilt sell chicken cutlets (technical term: silicon bra inserts) by the Hollywood Fashion Tape line. There should be no shame in enhancing what little you might have with some slabs of plastic that look like they came from the Purdue chicken farm. No one will be tempted to call you Chicken Little! The Hollywood Fashion tape line makes a slew of other fun and necessary fashion items most boutiques don’t carry like nipple concealers, underarm protectors, and oil blotting sheets.

But the array of fashion garment necessities is not the only unique wares that Gilt has to offer. Once you’ve deterred nipple-itis with the Hollywood Fashion Tape it’s time to use your chest to show off some other accessories. Gilt offers custom designed fashion jewelry by Chau Phan as well as Pilgrim designer jewelry.

Not wanting to accessorize yourself in gilt? Gilt has other means of accessorizing than gold and silver. Lodi purses and wallets and Toms shoes are two other ways to enhance an outfit.

Make your way over to Gilt to find the missing pieces to add sparkle to your lackluster outfits.

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 08/06/08 22:08 PM

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Misery loves company, but Missouri loves shoes. That is, Joplin, Missouri loves shoes.
Sophie’s Shoes will only be a year old on July 30th has the “Show Me State” saying “Show Me More!”

Owner Ashley Rush, a 2006 Missouri State University graduate, grew up in the area aware of the lack of fashionable footwear. Post graduation did not consist of backpacking across Europe or applying for graduate school, instead Ms. Rush was flying across the country researching products and creating a business plan. Last July Ms. Rush opened her doors to a community full of women in dire need of fresh fashions for feet.

Adrienne Vittadini, Charles David, and Oh Deer line the shelves of the petit shop. But the list of must have designers doesn’t end there. Think Jessica Simpson is only good for dating hunky men and wearing Daisy Dukes? Think again. Her handbags are affordable and cute! And think Ms. Simpson is the only one who can sing and design affordable fashion pieces? Think again. . .again. Carlos Santana is smooth and sexy enough to croon his way into a women’s heart, but if he lost his voice and his sex appeal I’d still hang with him courtesy of his ability to designer a killer wedge. Oh the “Evil Ways” you could walk all over a man’s heart in those shoes, you “Black Magic Woman”.

Poetic License, Restricted and Jeffery Campbell (who doesn’t love fuschia flats?!) line the walls. Handbags by Elliot Lucca, Rampage and Miss Mak & Due Fratelli make leaving room in your closet an impossible feat. Fortunately Sophie’s Boutique is currently running a promotion that allows customers to bring gently worn shoes to donate for Soles4Souls, a charity that donates shoes to persons in need. Each pair of shoes donated through Soles4Souls at Sophie’s will garner you 5% off each pair of shoes in the boutique (up to 5 pairs!).

The United States bought Missouri from France in 1803 thanks in part to the Louisiana Purchase. Your purchase at Sophie in Joplin, Missouri shouldn’t exceed $1,803, but if it does, YOU GO GIRL!

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 07/20/08 23:07 PM

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I’m a huge fan of Dave Sedaris. In his most recent book of essays he writes about his time living in Japan for three months. He aptly describes the way residents in his new, very foreign, neighborhood dress.
“Are the people wealthy? Middle class? A woman can wear a tattered dress over two pairs of pants, and it looks to me like Comme des Garcons, last season maybe, but still smart and expensive.”
This description applies to my current situation living situation. As a full-blooded east coaster living in the alternate universe known as Berkeley, I am aghast and perplexed by the fashion, or lack of, I am subjected to daily. My friends and I play a game, homeless or hipster. We can never figure out whether the ill fitting clothes and raggedy shoes are the new “it” item. And since it’s so endemic I’m not sure if I’m the one out of style.
So, where do I go when I wake up during the middle of the night in a cold sweat thanks to the fashion duress Berkeley puts me through daily? Manhattanite.com. Immediately I click on JetSetter to see what items I would wear en route to NYC when I have finally reached the last straw of fashion ridiculousness in the East Bay. Passport panties? Well. . .who said fashion had to be practical??
As soon as I sign on to Manhattanite.com I ignore the Shopping Bag total I have let accumulate. $1,000 worth of merchandise I have not yet “checked out”. . .um, I’ waiting for the right time. But instead of letting my grand total deter me from any further web surfing, I usually browse the Look Book to see what is up and coming or what I can buy (or could potentially buy if I had a better credit rating) on pre-sale, before it hits most boutique floors.
Most recently I found a favorite of Nicky Hilton and Hillary Duff; an adorable ruffle keyhole tank by Nu Collective . Won’t find something that adorable between the homeless park I live next to, which, by the way, doesn’t have a pool to wear a cute little Shoshanna bandeau bikini .
Buuuuut, fall is quickly approaching so bathing suits aren’t the first thing on my list. A cute little vintage inspired bolero by Voom by Jon Han and patent pumps by Laura Brandon definitely are, however.
Before I know it, the sun is rising and my eyes are glazed over from staring at fun accessories (for women, babies and even puppies!) and I’m nodding off to sleep, dreaming of a more fashionable Berkeley courtesy of Manhattanite.com.

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 07/16/08 22:07 PM

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A good friend of mine believes that instead of drafting people to serve in the war on terror, people should be drafted in the war that is retail. If you have ever worked retail then you can empathize with her and me. It’s a mentally and physically grueling job that will leave you with life skills no other job will afford you the opportunity to learn. Think working behind a desk will teach you how to deal with people? Think again. Only on the front lines of the Christmas holiday season will you learn the true nature of people who we retail associates refer to as customers.

Customers do a lot of things that are irksome. They don’t check the hours on the door, they ruin piles of neatly folded shirts, they try to return stained items and they ask a lot of questions. There are a lot of questions that I hear daily, but the one I hear the most and hate more than any other is, “Does this look good?”

Because you are wearing the item you need to decide what that answer is. Wearing clothing is not just about how something hangs on you, but how you feel in it. I’ve seen people wear hideous things with a big smile on their faces. Especially when it comes to ill fitting jeans.

Tom and Amanda Simon and Jennifer Mumford noticed the poor fit phenomenon too, but decided to do something about it instead of cringing. They designed, patented and trademarked a Butt Cam. No more craning your neck to see your hiney or twisting in the mirror to see how your denim fits. Even better, no more bugging the sales associate for her opinion.

Not that Tom, Amanda or Jennifer would mind. The three owners are eager to assist all customers in finding the perfect trends. They are “serious about [their] business but they try not to take [themselves] so serious.” But just because they have modest personalities doesn’t mean they carry subtle styles. Hub carries hard to find lines like Modern Amusement, Mighty Fine (too bad about those Lakers) and G-Star, plus an extensive collection of denim, such as Diesel.

In addition to the apparel, Hub has great jewelry and accessory lines like Maren & Ruby and Treesje.

And in addition to the accessories and clothing. . .the Butt Cam, ladies, the Butt Cam.

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 07/13/08 22:07 PM

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My first reaction to this NYTimes slide show was awe. The second envy. The third desperation. The fourth anger. I'll never wear any of the couture displayed.

But alas, one must appreciate the design prowess of Dior and Chanel.

Enjoy!

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/07/02/fashion/0703-PARIS_index.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 07/02/08 20:07 PM

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My favorite scene from The Wedding Singer is when Drew Barrymore’s character is auditioning a wedding singer for her upcoming nuptials since Adam Sandler’s character recently retired from the wedding singer profession due to a broken heart. The man viewers see auditioning? An extremely sleazy Jon Lovitz crooning Ladies Night, crudely inappropriate for a wedding audition, but dreadfully appropriate for comedic purposes.

How does Jon Lovitz’s slimy rendition of Ladies Night relate to shopping? Actually, it doesn’t, but whenever I see a Ladies Night advertised Mr. Lovitz’s seedy version of Kool and The Gang’s 1979 jam gets stuck in my head. So when I saw San Mateo’s Lulu Boutique advertising Ladies Night Out every first Wednesday of the month I immediately thought of Jon Lovitz. Fortunately the other aspects of Lulu’s Boutique droned out the crooning of one of the most infamous Saturday Night Live cast members.

New co-owner, Jamie Sears, has no affiliation with the slimy and seedy Mr. Lovitz. Instead she’s taken the helm of a formerly denim focused boutique and turned it into a pleasant mish-mash of vintage and contemporary trends, as well as high-end denim. The former Barney’s New York buyer has her finger on the pulse of fashion.

Up and coming designer Jenny Han and eternally classic DvF and Keoni rest next to FS/NY shoes and Citizen for Humanity Jeans and Humanity Knits.

Now combine all those designers, plus more, and a glass of wine or a cocktail of your choice on a Wednesday night, and I assure you’ll leave Lulu with a few other things than an old funk hit echoing through your brain!

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 07/01/08 18:07 PM

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As a single woman living the life of a Sister in a convent I find lingerie shopping about as much fun as going to 10 am mass on a Sunday morning after a big night out in the city (read: hangovers and the Blood of Christ do not mix).

But imagine if you found a house of worship filled with breath taking and sensual lingerie complete with a helpful staff providing impeccable knowledge of how to fit your curves. Then lingerie wouldn’t merely be an undergarment for purposes of modesty and hygiene, but a vessel of seduction and mystery. Oh behave!

Gitti’s in Palo Alto is the where anyone on a vessel of seduction and mystery should fuel up. Lejaby with their sweet and sexy bustiers , Cotton Club’s risqué little suspenders , and Ritratti’s black lace shirt and fun-dies set makes the well known Wolford undergarment essentials almost look dull !

The ten year old boutique owned by Rachel Kassar is the leading provider of exquisite lingerie from US and European designers as well as hosiery in Silicon Valley and the Bay Area. Worried you won’t find your size? Gitti’s carries sizes ranging from a 32A to a 44F. If you’ve got a little more to offer than that (please share some with me) Gitti’s track record of exceptional customer service shows they would go above and beyond to find a way to fit your frame!

If you’re looking for modest underwear for church or if you’re looking to commit a few sins, Gitti’s is going to get it done!

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 06/25/08 22:06 PM

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G. Dubya still hasn’t sent me my $600 stimulus check. As more time elapses before I receive my check, the more things I add to my list that I “need” to buy with that money. Somehow $600 is equivalent to a new suit, new black purse, new sunglasses, new jeans, new running shoes, a facial, a massage, a. . pair of Manolos?

I hope my mom isn’t reading this. She knows my list of bills is longer than the runways at Bryant Park during Fashion Week. But 600 extra clams? A pair of Louboutins? A pair of Manolos? A pair of Jimmy Choos.

Why be practical in times of financial duress, I ask you. . .

Ok, ok, let’s say I wanted to be practical and wanted to INVEST in a great new pair of shoes with a label that wouldn’t make my mother fly over from the east coast and pistol whip me with her tennis racquet, where would I go?

A cozy, little boutique in West Seattle, naturally. Linda Walsh’s nook of shoes, Clementine, houses footwear that is practical in the financial sense and deliciously fantastical in the design sense.

The Brazilian brand Melissa is reminiscent of the uber-popular Croc brand slip-ons, except Melissa’s shoes are not only comfortable and eco-friendly (made of recycled materials), they are stylish. Who ever heard of red plastic wedges? Amazing and at a practical $88 I deserve to find a few other pairs!

Sticking with the wedge theme, Kaju has a pair that is only a hundred dollars more for a stacked wooden heel veiled with robin’s egg blue. They’re stunning and fabulous and I wish I had a pair to wear before summer’s end.

Modern Vintage, Repetto and Espace are among the other labels sold in the store. The stock is always changing but to keep up with it check out the frequently updated blog, http://clementinewestseattle.blogspot.com/, where Ms. Walsh posts about her boutique’s fresh arrivals. The latest post features a picture of the “Karen” purse by Chemical Wedding . All of Chemical Wedding’s designs use “recycled, post-industrial scrap, factory seconds, and new leathers” AND are one of a kind. Each design is a work of art worth investing in.

Ms. Walsh, who opened the boutique three years ago, was quoted in Seattle local paper saying, “Everyone has their freak out price point for shoes and [$400] is mine, after all you’re going to wear them in the street and in dirt.” With that practical advice I feel it my civic duty to spend my government check on a pair of Kaju wedges and a Chemical Wedding bag to stimulate the economy.

Mom, put the racquet down.

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 06/25/08 00:06 AM

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In 1992 the gentrification of the Lower East Side of Manhattan was ten years away. The creative vibe of the area was still potent cultivated an inspiring home for many artists. Terri Gillis was already taking advantage of the creative vibe throbbing in the area, but decided to take it a step further turning her studio into a store where she and fellow artists would be able to sell their designs. TG-170 became the first boutique on the Lower East Side.

The direction of TG-170 is not steered by mass market trends, but instead fosters burgeoning designers which later end up in chain stores, like Cheap Mondays, a Stockholm based denim company now featured in stores like Urban Outfitters and the Swiss made Freitag bags, popularized by hipsters and bike messengers worldwide.

Though Freitag and Cheap Monday are draws to the boutique whose white exterior is embellished with graffiti, the real draw is the stark white interior with man-o-war chandeliers floating from the ceiling and unique, exciting, fresh designs from independent craftsmen and women.

Gills was the first to carry Built by Wendy, a Chicago native who makes a killer pair of straight leg corduroys. Los Angeles based designer Pade Vavra is taking the Lower East Side by storm with her unique jewelry pieces. Sretsis, the label from Parsons School of Design genius, Pim Sukhahtua, is a treasure of whimsy and modernity.

The stock at TG-170 is always changing, just like New York neighborhoods, but the authentic appeal and genuineness are just like New Yorkers; constant.

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 06/17/08 23:06 PM

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Los Angeles is almost 6,000 miles from Paris, France. Step inside Nathalie Seaver’s quaint boutique on trendy West Third Street in L.A. and you wonder if you’ve been transported overseas. Self-proclaimed Francophile, Seaver, is the owner of the ten year old boutique which features her unique clothing designs as well as other fun trinkets that celebrities like Paris Hilton, Diane Lane and Christina Aguilera covet.

While Seaver’s mom, well-known chef Jeanette Seaver, concocted recipes in their New York City kitchen, adolescent Nathalie sewed her own skirts and dresses. Though one might think a budding designer would jump immediately into fashion design, Nathalie dabbled in television where she was a director of programming for the Showtime television network.

But there was a certain “je ne sais crois” about her work that left her dissatisfied. Seaver decided it was time to make a living making clothes. So far the results have been, how do you say. . .maqnifique!

The Deb Dress is at the top of two of my lists which include “Must Buy to Seduce Men” and “Must Buy to Wear While Moseying in Paris.” Yes, those lists can be combined, but one is exclusively for the next time I visit Paris. While the shape is innocent and gently caresses the body, the fabric exudes sex appeal and curiosity about the femme fatale wearing it. Seaver’s line is extremely feminine and flirty without going over the top.

Some might consider the other items in her store over the top, but I think they’re just fun and fabulous! Figurine cheese graters and funky cufflinks? S’il vous plait!!

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 06/15/08 23:06 PM

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I’ve never worn much jewelry. When I was younger I collected Swatch watches and wore those three to four at a time. I grew out of the bold colored watch phase and began wearing big earrings made of crazy materials in crazy shapes. After I chopped my hair off while studying abroad in Italy I replaced big earrings with subtle studs. I usually pair a diamond studs with a silver pendant with my initials engraved on it.

My pendant is small, flat and round. It garners a lot of attention because it is simple, but with unique scripture. In almost every picture I take I am donning this necklace my late grandmother had made for me. It is a special piece of jewelry I am privileged to wear, yet lately I’ve been trying to expand my jewelry horizons.

Jessica Hicks is the proprietor of Nantucket’s Posh Boutique. After studying at the Worcester Center for Crafts as well as University of Massachusetts, Hicks opened her own boutique after finding success selling her jewelry pieces independently.

Though her boutique is small and far from fashion hubs like Los Angeles and New York City, Hicks designs are frequently featured in magazines like US Weekly, Lucky, and In Style.

After perusing Hick’s website I realized I only have one ring and should probably buy myself another before I receive one from my Prince Charming (who seems to be lost considering I haven’t seen him ever). Her Large Opal ring is one of the many pieces I have an eye on. The ring, set in gold, would highlight the gold in the Paisley necklace.

Though Hick’s boutique is to showcase her designs she does carry a few other labels, like handbag designer, Tucker Paisley. The Julia bag would coordinate so well with Hick’s Paisley necklace.

And now just to find a cute clutch to match the opal ring. . .

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 06/11/08 22:06 PM

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I decided I need a new black bag. After I finished typing that sentence I realized I don’t even have a black bag, purse, satchel, or clutch. Most of my carrying cases are bold, bright, and rich colors like mustard, mahogany or coral. I can’t believe it just dawned on me today that I don’t have a black bag.

Surfing the web I found a big, huge Calleen Cordero bag in black. It doesn’t have any bells or whistles, just a simple bow, which I like. This does not end my search. The quest for the perfect black bag is as difficult as searching for the perfect black dress. Sure, there are options that will suffice, but I want something that will more than appease me. My black purse will essentially be an extension of myself. An attempt to fit the most important and portable objects of my life into a mobile piece of fashion.

Please do not judge me on my lack of a black purse. I realize the absence of this fashion fixture lessens my credibility as a fashionista. Believe me when I write, I have an arsenal of little black dresses! And yes, I realize that a black purse is not a pressing fashion need for summer, but this is kind of an emergency, don’t you think? My intention was to do another boutique column tonight, but the realization that I am without a black purse is paralyzing.

I found an Ananas black leather purse, which would be practical for going out at night, but for day I need something super-sized to fit my lip gloss, lotion, bottled water, notepad and books. Foley & Corinna have me drooling over two bags. The Jet Setter Junior bag is sophisticated and practical, but their Desert Messenger is slouchy, casual and chic.

Really, I could rattle off a bevy of bag names and styles to you, but it would be to no avail. This new pursuit to find the perfect bag trumps my previous search to find the perfect man. At least I have faith there is a perfect bag out there to hold on to. . .the man, well, I’m sure he’s a one season wonder.

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 06/03/08 23:06 PM

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Though I could live in jeans and flats there are days when assembling an outfit to celebrate my femininity brings out the best in me. There are so many burgeoning boutiques, yet many of them seem to carry high-priced wardrobe staples like James Perse tee-shirts, Splendid tanks, Ella Moss jumpers and Citizens for Humanity jeans. These boutiques are an answered prayer in the world of chain stores and department stores, but what about the woman who wants to dress like a lady?

Valerie Werder, owner of Blush Boutique in Sacramento, has given women the opportunity to be beautiful, feminine and fresh since 2004.

Anna Sui, Nanette Lepore and 3.1 Phillip Lim are just a few of the top labels Blush features. In addition Blush carries some harder to find labels like Casch Copenhagen, Tucker by Gaby (who makes that cute little silk button up) and Rozae Nichols (created that citrus inspired sleeveless dress) .

Despite the array of options allowing me to step out of my jeans and flats, if for some reason I ever decided that’s the way I want to dress my entire life, Blush still has options for me. Genetic Denim and Tory Burch flats for all!

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 06/01/08 23:06 PM

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Gurus are spiritual teachers in eastern religions like Buddhism and Hinduism, as well as new religious movements. The only new religious movement I’m familiar with did not derive from Asia, but is blossoming in the Dinkytown section of Minneapolis. Since 2006 Stacy Larson, owner of Covered, has been schooling the masses in the art of finding the perfect jean that will lead them to denim nirvana.

Ms. Larson has been in the business for only a few years, but her sixth sense of how denim should lengthen your legs and define your derriere is enviable by any denim doyenne. If you don’t trust her intuition and need more encouragement navigate through the tiny boutique towards the fitting room where the associates have created an inspiration board with the latest fashion trends and tricks. If you worry the Serfontaine jeans won’t match anything in your wardrobe, check the inspiration board for advice on how to wear them! And if all else fails to persuade you to buy those jeans throw on a pair of the heels the ladies keep in the fitting rooms to show you how you can really rock those William Rasts savoy white jeans. Too expensive for your taste? Don’t worry, Covered carries the best quality at decent prices. Women shopping for denim should remember that a $100 pair of denim is an investment piece.

Though Larson has an arsenal of denim for every body type, she also vends Hanky Panky underwear like thongs to avoid panty lines with your tushy hugging Joe’s Jeans. Additionally she stocks LA Made, Splendid and Ella Moss apparel to coordinate with Dole Vita shoes and Hudson jeans.

If the Dinkytown location can’t quench your thirst for fashion, then check out the newly opened Covered Uptown in Minneapolis which features mens apparel as well.

If True Religions have been your only religious experience, do some soul searching at Covered where you’re sure to find a denim deity at Stacy Larson’s boutique!

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 05/30/08 00:05 AM

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Though boutiques provide a niche for lesser known designers it is still possible for these designers to catch on quickly. Take Tory Burch or Genetic Jeans, both brands started small, but were aided by celebrities in becoming popular with the masses thus infiltrating nationwide department stores.

So where do you go when you are craving something different, something innovative that no one else will have, no one else will know about? Look below ground.

Impulse, a Seattle, Washington boutique run by Jill Wenger, is an underground vault of modern, innovative, and progressive, but incredibly wearable fashion. Cultures in Between, a website dedicated to “social discourse of contemporary culture” wrote that Impulse “[curates] highly distinctive womenswear. . .for the discerning, culturally aware and intelligent woman.”

I consider myself all of the above and then some, yet I have never been exposed to a boutique with such an eclectic and obscure list of designers. It is fitting that this difficult to find below ground boutique features hard to find designers.

A.P.C, Acne, Junya Watanabe, and Future Classic are just a few of the designers and label that are carried in small quantities at Impulse. If you prefer to check out the designers before heading to the subterranean shop Impulse has a blog and a Flickr account both updated frequently to inform shoppers of new items and different ways to wear them.

Recently featured on the Flickr account was a fierce Caviar colored dress by Acne which I know would suit my small but tall frame. I’m not sure how this blouse would fit on me, still, the design and execution of this piece is breathtaking . Even if this blouse did fit me I would probably have to take out a loan in order to afford it. $500 is a bit steep and though the name of the boutique implies lack of control on the part of the shopper, I’m pretty sure there is little impulse buying occurring.

But if you have the urge to find a boutique that carries high quality unique pieces then check out Impulse, a boutique with a promote clothing as an expression of beauty, wit and confidence!

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 05/27/08 22:05 PM

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Even though everyone and their mother, sister and daughter have a pair of Tory Burch flats, I still kind of want to join the club. Usually I am vehemently against following a trend endemic to all, especially accessories and purses graffiti-ed with labels from Coach to Louis Vuitton, but what’s not to like about Tory Burch’s simple, yet sophisticated and classic flats? The “Reva” flat is her most popular, which I’d prefer in Leopard print . But I also have my eyes on her new “Sterling” ballerina flat in brown and also her “Harrison” loafer.

However, summer is fast approaching, especially with the help of global warming, and loafers don’t seem so appropriate for the sporadic end of spring heat waves. Fortunately an oasis awaits shoe seekers in Larkspur, California. Item Shoes, owned by Joy Goldberg, is a retreat for shoe connoisseurs in the Bay Area, where much of the shoe market is dominated by clog emporiums or outdoorsy footwear stores. Style and fashion are two essential components at Item, which carries moderately priced shoes like Dolce Vita, Havianas and Sam Edelman but also high end names like Tory Burch, Michael Kors and Sigerson Morrison.

According to Ms. Goldberg, metallics and patents are still hot, as well as gladiators sandals. Siegerson Morrison makes a great flat metallic thong sandal, but I’m still wary of the gladiator sandal because I have noticed they include a depressing side affect: cankles. Instead of gladiators, try a sexy wedge heel by Korkease, which has a vast array of colors and heel heights . But if high heels give you sea legs then try a pair of classis Sperry Top Siders which look great on the yacht or in the paddle boat .

Make a trip to Larkspur and you’ll look cool in whatever footwear your purchase this summer. Though the store is called Item, I’m sure you’ll leave with more than one singular item.

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 05/20/08 23:05 PM

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When I was twenty-one I was still an aimless college student deciding what major to choose. Lucy Straus was finishing finals at the Fashion Institute of Technology and opening a boutique in Saratoga Springs, New York. Her training at FIT was not the only influencing factor pushing her towards opening a boutique.

Lucia has only been open for two years, but Ms. Straus is a young business owner who has a head start on the education of running a business. Straus’ parents have owned Mabou, a store that sells “furnishings for the well traveled”, for over 35 years. From a young age Ms. Straus was exposed all aspects of owning and operating a business, including assisting her mother in buying jewelry and accessories at trade shows.

Her home grown education combined with her instruction at FIT has allowed Ms. Straus to run a business that with “the atmosphere, along with the products, makes a shopping experience at Lucia different from any other.” Lucia makes an effort to carry as many eco-friendly and domestically made clothing and accessories as well as vintage.

Eco-friendly fashion may sound like a trend as bland as tofu, but Lucia’s carries a great line called Sworn Virgins. The garments are primarily 95% bamboo and 5% spandex and look amazing! Go green in that emerald dress!

If eco-friendly fashion isn’t making you green with envy Lucia’s Boutique still has plenty to offer. Everyone needs great cotton basic t-shirt in their life and Lucia’s has it. Flux Nouveau makes 100% combed cotton basic tees which feel great and flatter every body type.

And why not accessorize your basic tee with some new jewelry by AVMax. I love it because it’s delicate and simple, but it’s also colorful enough to make a subtle statement.

Which is the exact reason you should head over to Lucy Straus' young enterprise. It's colorful, feminine and thoughtful which will provide your wardrobe with subtle fashion statements.

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 05/17/08 17:05 PM

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Chicago has some of the greatest architectural structures America has to offer. The Marina Building, Sears Tower and Millennium Park are just a few must-see constructs for those interested in aesthetic treats.

Concerned Chicago is just bricks, pillars, asps and modernism? For those seeking a sanctuary Samantha Mittelman’s boutique is a haven for women building a sturdy and stylish wardrobe, as well as appreciation for wearable aesthetic gifts.

The primarily white and black interior gets a jolt of color from pink lampshades and shag rugs. A little dog prances around the boutique while shoppers, including Lindsay Lohan and Ashley Simpson, mill about searching for the newest addition to their wardrobe.
Since 2004 Samantha has erected a reputation for selling chic and trendy styles on the Gold Coast. Genetic Denim, Viv and Ingrid, and Lauren Moffat are a few of the well known labels Samantha stocks. Ya-Ya, an Amsterdam based label (with a pair of modal capris I’m yearning for) and Primp, a casual wear line (with an adorable sailor hoodie to coordinate with those capris), are two of the lesser known labels that make Samantha a standout spot.

There’s no reason not to head into Samantha’s when you make a trip to Chicago. Though Ms. Mittelman’s boutique is a young attraction in a town full of historic national design treasures, it has already made its mark as a landmark for fashionistas everywhere.

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 05/15/08 06:05 AM

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I grew up 40 miles from New York City and Philadelphia. I’ve lived in moderate sized cities like Syracuse, Charleston and Providence for portions of my life. I even spent a semester in Florence, Italy. Now I reside 20 minutes outside of San Francisco. Though I don’t dwell in the crux of the fashion world I am not living under a rock.

But what do you do when you live over two hours away from the nearest big city? Are you relegated to the sometimes inconvenient online and catalogue shopping?

The answer is no! BrandHabit is an essential tool for fashion forward shoppers all over the map. That’s how I found out about Bella Jules in West Reading, PA.

West Reading has something going for it besides Bella Jules, but whatever it is doesn’t shine as bright as Juli Cleaver’s 3 year young boutique. Instead of offering strip mall standards, Bella Jules offers stylish and trendy boutique wares that aren’t native to the Southeastern Pennsylvania region.

One of my favorite lines Bella Jules carries is Alice & Trixie. How cute is their flouncey new paisley number? Ms. Cleaver’s past experience as a buyer for a major department store has sharpened her eye and given her the edge that West Reading needs to keep up to speed with NYC and LA.

Mac & Jac brings couture to the modern day women, if the modern day woman can find the label. These cute ankle length pants are Mac & Jac necessities I can’t seem to find in my neck of the woods, but Cleaver’s customers are privy to this label which is actually affiliated with Kensie and Liz Claiborne.

Other fun labels include Sweetees, French Connection, Robert Graham and Splendid. JoJo jewelry feature Swarovski crystals. This jewerly line is colorful and versatile and I can only seem to locate it at Bella Jule which seems to be a diamond in the rough.

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 05/13/08 08:05 AM

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San Francisco has Miette while New York has Magnolia. But where in New Mexico do you satiate your appetite for cupcakes?

I don’t know, actually. There is, however, a fabulous little boutique in Santa Fe called Cupcake Clothing. Owner Kate Kruger carries quality lines that appeal to those with a casual lifestyle and a modest budget but still have refined taste.

Cashmere Magashoni and low key Billy Blues Bermuda shorts reflect the fun and mellow vibe of some of the other labels in the store, like Lily McNeal and HAvaiana flip flops.

But let’s say the cute little Kensie button-down you bought in the shop doesn’t go with anything in your wardrobe at home? The customer approval option at Cupcake Clothing allows you to take something home and see if it works. If it doesn’t return it with no hassle.

Returns are not accepted, however, for the “Cupcake for a Cause” tee which benefits No More Victims, an organization that sponsors medical treatment for war-injured Iraqi children while simultaneously bridging their communities with the US communities. The t-shirt is cute, but the cause is urgent.

Even a double fudge chocolate cupcake isn’t a sweeter treat than a fashionable boutique donating to a good cause, now is it?

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 05/12/08 06:05 AM

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If your mom is anything like mine, she will tell you all she wants to receive on Mother’s Day is the assurance that her children are healthy and happy. That request has saved many last minute shoppers from embarrassing themselves in front of their considerate siblings (who, unlike you, are wielding thoughtful gifts) when throwing in the towel at the last frustrated minute and buying mom another unnecessary potholder.

However, I question the sincerity behind that Mother’s Day request of just seeing your children content. Plus, how many years can you use that same excuse? So, I’m here with some suggestions to mend last minute shoppers’ agony. First, stop shopping at strip malls and big stores advertising massive Mother’s Day sales. Your mom didn’t birth you at a strip mall and she didn’t pick a discounted doctor to deliver you. Go the extra mile and seek out unique boutiques with distinctive merchandise. Mothers everywhere deserve a medal for going through an excruciating procedure known as child birth which involves something the size of a watermelon trying to make it’s way through something the size of--- well, all I’m trying to say is mom deserves a medal. Or something made of metal. . .or gold or leather!

How about finding mom some Bo J.C. Inc. jewelry? The mother and two daughter trio design sapphire and opal encrusted bangles, charms and earrings which are “dainty but bold.” Desirable pieces for deserving mothers everywhere. My favorite find on http://brandhabit.partners.thefind.com/query.php?query=Bo+J.C.+Inc.&cobrand=brandhabit was definitely a triple strand garnet and topaz necklace. Another jewelry designer mom will adore is Rebecca Norman. Her designs are simple and timeless, which is great because when mom develops arthritis and can’t wear the Rebecca Norman wrap ring you will be first in line to the classic piece! If rings aren’t her fancy, try Ms. Norman’s simple hoop earrings or silver bangles at http://brandhabit.partners.thefind.com/query.php?query=Rebecca+Norman+Inc&cobrand=brandhabit . Both are treasures for the woman who found so many “treasures” in your dirty diapers so many years ago.

Speaking of diapers, your poor mother had to carry around a diaper bag. Unfortunately, Kate Spade was a wee child when my mom was toting around my supplies, therefore she didn’t have the luxury of carrying the sleek diaper bags hip mothers wear nowadays. Rectify those unfashionable years of mom lugging a Gerber spit stained shoulder destructor with a Henry Beguelin crocodile-embossed leather tote. Any Henry Beguelin leather good you lay your eyes on at http://brandhabit.partners.thefind.com/query.php?query=Henry+Beguelin&cobrand=brandhabit will be a welcome replacement for the twenty-ton sack mom used to have to lug.

If you want to splurge on mom, get her a sleek new sack along with some new shades. Oliver Peoples has a variety of shapes, sizes and colors for all those in need of fashionable eye protection. http://brandhabit.partners.thefind.com/query.php?query=Oliver+Peoples&cobrand=brandhabit has some of the hottest Oliver Peoples shades, like the oversized “Harlot” shades. My suggestion: you and mom get matching pairs!

Whatever you do for Mother’s Day, whether it’s a phone call, some flowers or a fantastic cashmere sweater, just be sure to let your mom know how grateful you are for having her (and all her fabulous hand-me-downs) in your life!!

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 05/07/08 07:05 AM

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I interrupt this regularly scheduled boutique post for some red carpet ruminations.

Today I really wanted to go to yoga after work. As soon as I got home my roommate gave me two options: Sangria or Sangria. Since it is Cinco de Mayo and I pledge allegiance to all holidays whether I am a card holding group member or not, I had to abandon my sorry attempt to contort into a downward facing dog and instead held an extended pitcher pour pose (recommended for the most professional of sangria drinkers). Two hours later with red stained teeth and guacamole breath we stumbled home to laze around the house. I found myself on www.celebrity-gossip.net envying all the gown clad stunners at the Costume Institute’s annual gala hosted by Vogue at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Day to day dressing becomes so pedestrian, so when I see stars and models wear, I mean really wear, high fashion I get giddy. Instead of seeing stars schlep around in leggings and oversized t-shirts, we them at events like this modeling intricate and highly crafted designs from style icons.

Though Claire Danes keeps a low profile it doesn’t mean she has low fashion standards. In fact her dress was my favorite. Though I worry about wearing too much black and not expanding my color palate, it just gets the job done!

My least favorite was Mischa Barton. While Claire Danes wore her dress, this “frock” wore Mischa Barton. She looked like a taffeta factory exploded.

I was most confused by Cristina Ricci’s. . .ensemble? Since it is for the Costume Institute I will afford her interesting “costume” leniency when conducting measurements on the “offensive” scale.

And per usual Julia Roberts radiated. She could wear a freakin’ paper bag and she’d still look stellar thanks to her killer smile!

I would have been there on the red carpet this year wearing something stunning and fabulous but you know, I had a date with my roommate at the dive bar down the street. Next year I’ll be there minus the sangria, guacamole breath and tattered sweatpants.

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 05/06/08 06:05 AM

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You need a new pair of denim to replace that pair you spilled Chianti on last night. But you also need something swank for that black tie event next week. Both items of clothing are necessary to your wardrobe, but you can’t seem to find the motivation to venture out to a bazillion different stores in search of both items. Especially when the sun is shining and all you want to do is lay outside with an Arnold Palmer.

Fear not weary shoppers. E.B. Pepper in Pittsburgh is your destination for both items (and more)! Rich and Skinny to amend your denim dilemma and Black Halo to remedy your black tie befuddlement.

If the idea of not having to search through a bazillion different stores for two must haves doesn’t excite you, then what knowing that a bazillion other people won’t be wearing what you’re wearing? E. B. Pepper, who has been the owner of the boutique the 20 years it has been open, tries to keep only one of each size of merchandise so everyone in town isn’t wearing what you’re wearing.

However, most of the lines are unique and tough to find, but E. B Pepper has them! A.B.S gowns, Leatherock accessories, Botkier handbags and Milly resort wear.

This one stop shopping destination will make it difficult to stop shopping!

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 05/05/08 06:05 AM

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Though I love shopping, I prefer a trip to a beautiful beach over a boutique any day. However, any beach trip requires a break, either to a Starbucks for an ice cold frappicino or an air conditioned sojourn to a beach side boutique.

When in Maui skip the calorie laden frozen treat for a pricier, more worthwhile delicacy: a jaunt through Sisters and Co. boutique and salon.

Need to rinse that sea salt out of your hair for a night on the town with that local surfer you picked up at the beach earlier that day? Skip the hotel showers and have a deep conditioning routine or specialty scalp treatment before indulging in a pedicure and manicure.

The four Krysen sisters and their mother were genius to mesh a salon and boutique in Hawaii. Paradise, no?

The family originally from Canada put their heads together and created a warm environ where "sisters love helping sisters be beautiful."

With designers like Da-Nang linen cargo pants and XCVI burnout shirts you're ready for a low-key luxury on the island.

If you want something less casual the sisters carry French Connection and fabulous jewelry by Sophia and Chloe , a favorite of actress Jane Seymour.

Unfortunately, adding Sisters and Co. to your list of Hawaii destinations will be more reason you'll want to stay and luxuriate under the palms with the sea at your toes and Sisters and Co. at your wallet's whim.

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 04/30/08 06:04 AM

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You know what magazine I love to read? SkyMall. Where else can you find a 6 foot by 7 foot crossword puzzle and a germ eliminating travel toothbrush sanitizer? I mean, really, the Sharper Image has nothing on this 100+ page catalogue of superfluous necessities. Thousands of feet in the air I have the urge to nudge a fellow passenger and wonder out loud how can there really be such a thing as an anti-bark collar for your dog??!

Shopping at The Paperdoll in Bellingham, Washington is a similar experience to leafing through a SkyMall, except with product that is exponentially cooler. Shultzie Fay’s petite store is full of wonderment and unbelievable artistic merchandise, so unique you wish to have someone next to you so you can wonder out loud, do they really have a chocolate colored yoga mat with chocolate written all over it? YES, yes they do!

But if you really want that chocolate covered (I mean colored, a girl can dream) yoga mat don’t leave the store without eating, I mean, purchasing it! The Paperdoll according to Ms. Fay “is committed to featuring up and coming designers who push the envelope of fashion and design.” Most of these artists are difficult to find and many hand make their products therefore limiting the amount of products made while enhancing the quality of the merchandise sold. Ms. Fay picks particular designers for her boutique only if they mesh with the store’s “whimsical yet practical vibe.” In less than two years the boutique has featured more than 250 indie artists AND continues to recruit 2-4 new artists weekly!

Though the boutique carries unusual items which might not necessitate your wardrobe needs, such as Tatty Popcorn Box earrings (though I love those because I used to be a concession cutie) there are some wardrobe essentials with some flare. Take for example Judi Rosen Elephant Bells. These denim dynamos take the current high waisted trend to an entirely new level. . .and width. Just look how big those flares are! And your hiney? Yes, your highness, it is royaaaaaaaal!

Fernworks is a jewelry line The Paperdoll carries. Items are captured under resin and made into beautiful jewelry. But more than Fernworks jewelry, I want Fancy’s Unwedding ring!

Worried about following trends? That’s easy in Bellingham. Hoodies are a must-have. But Shultzie Fay’s strategy for customers is not to push trends on them, but is something else entirely. Instead it’s admirable and enviable. When asked how she keeps her customers coming back for me Ms. Fay responded by saying “we give 1 on 1 attention to all of our shoppers, and try to listen to their needs while expanding their horizons.” Shopping for clothes should not be like shopping for groceries. Instead of replenishing the basics time and time again why not try a t-shirt with a print, like those from Nooworks or SheBible for a hat?!

Next time you fly, make sure you’re flying to Bellingham with an issue of SkyMall to satiate your wonderment until you arrive at The Paperdoll!

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 04/29/08 06:04 AM

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If you are a fan of the TV show The Office then you are probably hooked on the crazy antics in the workplace but thankful you don’t have to sport the dowdy attire the cast does. The head offices of Dunder-Mifflin are located in Scranton, PA, a quick ½ ride from Shavertown home of Buka Boutique. Can’t Pam, Angela and Kelly head over to Joanna Siegel’s cute little boutique for a quick wardrobe fix?

Siegel’s boutique is quaint, fun, warm and inviting. It’s casual but luxurious carrying young and hip labels and a bevy of designer denim. One of my favorite lines Buka carries is Three Dots. Clean lines and simple patterns make Three Dots a lasting wardrobe staple, withstanding different seasons. But they also have the ability to shake it up. Get a load of that giraffe print skirt! A label Buka carries that I’ve recently become enamored with is Sanctuary. Once you try on a pair of Sanctuary trousers you’ll be amazed at what they can do for your curves or lack of!

Buka stocks Paige Premium Denim, Hanky Panky, and Great White Tee Company among other necessary wardrobe items. So stay stylish and avoid the dowdy fumes from the Scranton Dunder-Mifflin office gals!

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 04/26/08 06:04 AM

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In case you didn’t read this Thursday’s New York Time’s Fashion Diary by Guy Trebay, I’ll give you a one sentence summary: The dress is dead. Actually, let me rephrase that. According to Anne Slowey of Elle Magazine, the dress will be dead in August. After August pants, trousers and slacks will be the “it” item.

Whether you follow trends religiously or not, realize they affect the merchandise in stores, so whether we like it or not, we’ll be affected by the imminent demise of the dress trend. Though I love great fitting trousers and pants, you can’t twirl in them. Twirling and wearing pants are mutually exclusive events.

And what about Ms. Diane Von Furstenberg? Her name is synonymous with dresses, especially the jersey wrap dress which spurred her to fame.

What would Sherri McMullen, proprietor of McMullen Boutique, think of this? Would she stop carrying Diane Von Furstenberg because of this anti-dress sentiment? No, because at McMullen Boutique they “believe in buying clothes and accessories that are stylish and versatile.” McMullen, though a supporter of up and coming designers, does not follow trends like a chain store. Ms. McMullen, who has significant retail buying experience, knows that “service is everything” and can use that to her advantage by keeping DVF’s dresses in stock for her twirling customers.

McMullen doesn’t just carry DVF. Rag and Bone, Inhabit, Gryphon, Dana Kellin and more. But it’s not just what is in the store, it’s who is in the store. McMullen Boutique has an in-house tailor once a week to make alterations, which is sometimes so essential for making an ensemble as stellar as it can be. Two more exciting services McMullen offers include personal shopping for fashionistas on the go and even better closet consultations. McMullen will come to your house and assess your wardrobe!

If she came to my closet what would she tell me. . .more pants? Or more dresses?

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 04/25/08 06:04 AM

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We’re all friends here, so that’s why it’s ok for me to make a confession.

I really don’t like The Beatles. I find Wings more tolerable, actually. The only thing worthwhile to evolve from The Beatles isn’t even musical, its fashion related.

Sir Paul McCartney created a fashion genius in Stella McCartney. Her genius is evident to boutiques and brands alike. Adidas commissioned Stella to design a line for Yoga, running and my favorite, tennis. Unfortunately the tennis dress I yearn for is not available in the United States so I guess I will have to wait for when I make my big move to Europe (do you hear that too, someone’s telling me to wake up).

But what is available from Stella in the United States is better than a tennis dress it’s her other collaboration! Stella McCartney for LeSportSac ! Sister boutiques Dressed and Ready adjacent to each other in the Montecito section of Santa Barbara have something better than tennis dresses and yoga mats, they have Stella McCartney bags!

Though Stella McCartney is the search that initially drew me to Dressed and Ready, there is so much more to delve into besides designer LeSportSac. Herve Leger, Pierre Hardy, Lanvin and Pucci are a few designers that Dressed carries, while next door Ready houses fashions from Alexander Wang, Rag & Bone, and Kooba Clothing (like that cute little pink dress!) . Owner Susan Pitcher keeps an eclectic array of designers in order to “enourage the mix master in all of us.” Pitcher’s boutiques send out a New York vibe, garnished with SoCal sophistication.

And since we're all friends here, You Can’t Buy Me Love there, but you can buy me everything else in Dressed and Ready!

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 04/22/08 05:04 AM

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You know what I have a thing for?

Yes, it is true I have a thing for tall, lanky Italian men but that’s not what I’m going to gush about at the moment.

There is another man I want to gush about: James Perse.

I’m not sure if he’s tall or lanky or if he has any Italian blood in him, but everything I don’t know about him doesn’t stop me from loving him and every item of clothing he produces which is dubbed on his website as “low maintenance high fashion.” It’s breezy.

Which is exactly the feeling I got from Iniam, an airy and spacious boutique on the cusp of Berkeley and Oakland. The boutique’s interior was clean and simple allowing the important stuff to stick out. From the table of shoes from designers like Chie Mihara to the racks of Theory against the perimeter of the boutique I was lead to a corner with a rack of James Perse basics. Unfortunately they were out of the extra long short sleeve crew necks but the sales associate ,who understood my anguish over not finding the wardrobe staple I desired, assured me James Perse was always replenished and to check back soon. She also encouraged me to try on an adorable little (and I mean little) hot pink belted Theory strapless mini-dress I admired on a hanger. I laughed and said no, patting myself for resisting the urge to buy something I would never wear unless I had a tall lanky Italian man to whisk me away to Isola d’Ebla.

Among other items of desire I found a pair of robin’s egg blue Philp Lim 3.1 wide leg pants which would compliment any sort of James Perse basic, like the button down linen short sleeved shirt I eyed for a long time and deemed unnecessary for my wardrobe at the moment.

The only thing I could do at that point was to throw myself onto one of the two couches in the center of the boutique and languish over my lack of funds for everything in the store. Eventually I would probably be escorted out by the friendly staff onto the street as I crooned along with Amy Winehouse played softly in the store, feeling as though she was channeling her sympathy for the budget I live on.

See what sort of dramatic thoughts enter my brain when I am denied my James Perse basics and must be taunted by unnecessary desires?

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 04/20/08 21:04 PM

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I won't lie. My favorite line of underwear is from Target. Cherokee has the most comfortable cotton black briefs. They're plain, simple and sexy. Marie Claire even did a a full page article on the hidden gems.

Though some say, or uh sing, "you're never fully dressed without a smile" I disagree. You're never fully dressed without amazing under garments. From boy shorts to thongs to hose, underwear has the potential to steer your outfit and moods direction. If you feel sexy in your unmentionables it will radiate to all you encounter.

For 18 years Jane Adams has been enabling women in Portland, Oregon the opportunity to radiate confidence and sexiness with the stunning merchandise at her lingerie boutique, Jane's Vanity.

Ms. Adams carries popular labels like Wolfard and La Perla but it's the lesser known architects of seduction that shoppers will lust over. Simone Perele 's colorful bras are perfect for a fun and flirty summer night. She also carries Myla nighties for an evening at home with a loved one or just to prance around in alone while wearing heels and carrying a bottle of white wine .

Knowledgeable associates give tasteful advice to the woman looking for something sexy or for the man looking for something to bring out the latent sexiness always present in the woman of his life.

The lusty power of my Cherokees from Target is brief, while the lasting sultriness from the "wearable art" at Jane's Vanity is timeless.

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 04/19/08 06:04 AM

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My younger sister and I have completely opposite taste in style. She is boho chic (sometimes minus the chic courtesy of her time spent at University of Vermont) while I tend to lean towards classic and casual structured pieces. She loves audacious, eclectic jewelry while I shy away from accessories. And her idea of shopping is raiding my closet or suitcases for items that I neglect or mean to donate.

It’s not that she doesn’t enjoy spending money, because like her big sis, she has receipt sized trophies wadded in her wallet lauding her spending ability, but it’s her apprehension about shopping that curtails any ability to procure a decent wardrobe.

I can’t diagnose my sister’s aversion to boutique shopping. Yes, yes, I understand her apprehension about spending $48 on a Splendid t-shirt when she could simply run to Target and pick up one for more than half the price. Many people share the same affliction that she suffers from and in today’s consumer run society I am sure there will soon be a way to diagnose and treat people who cower in the doorways of boutiques. For now they are relegated to department stores.

Fear not! All is not lost. Lester’s, with four locations in NYC, has been a family owned and operated business since 1948. I’m hesitant to put a label on it because it’s not a big chain or a warehouse flooded with fluorescent lights and linoleum, yet it’s not a tiny boutique.

What I love about Lester’s is that is a completely accessible store for those who are intimidated by the perception of boutiques as high end, buzz in only, museum like boutiques. It’s a bridge for people like my sister, who have the potential to shop well, but are slightly intimidated by designer labels and brands.

Lester’s carries Ella Moss, Splendid, Ted Baker, Joe’s Jeans, Robert Rodriguez, and Danang. For the whole family. Who ever stepped into a boutique and expected to walk away with stuff for the kids and hubby? Though the function of Lester’s serves busy moms and dads who need one stop shopping, it’s still definitely more fashion than function. Stepping into Lester’s should not be confused with taking a family trip to Wal-Mart or Sears at all. It still vends high quality fashion with impeccable customer service, just like boutiques.

If you’re still not convinced, check out Lester’s warehouse with incredible markdowns and sales.

The only way you get good at shopping is by doing it often, this I know for sure. And with four locations and a warehouse, Lester’s is the perfect place to tone and strengthen your shopping muscles!

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 04/15/08 04:04 AM

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My dad picked me up from the airport the other day and grilled me on the latest in fashion during our drive home. As a creative director at an exhibit design firm he likes to keep up on what is "hip" at the moment. As a man who has a "shoe guy" and a "suit guy" call him from Nordstroms when something exciting shows up he just has a general interest in fashion.

"So, what's big this season?"

I mulled over the possible answers I could give him. The staying power of skinny jeans? The return of the gladiator sandal? Khaki and olive green taking cues from safari chic?

All of these trends are prevalent but what is truly "it" for the stylish many off the runway are wide leg and high waisted denim.

Momentarily dad confused high waited with the notoriously unflattering "mom jeans" that continue to plague women across the country. After I calmed him down and reminded him that crimes of fashion needn't cause him to veer off the road.

I think the topic made him a little emotional because the rest of the ride was silent which allowed me plenty of time to think of high waisted denim in all it's stylish and fashionable glory. It's not a trend for all to run out of the house with on, but for those who can pull it off, they should take advantage of it. High waisted shorts, high waisted pencil skirts, high waisted trousers!

I can't wait to return home to San Francisco and check out The Blues Jean Bar. And when I do I will be sure to fill you in on all things denim!

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 04/12/08 05:04 AM

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Punky Brewster was a fashion inspiration to me when I was younger. Ms. Brewster never failed to show her true colors on her tights, with her mismatched boots and her layered cardigans coordinating with her bold patterned skirts. My fashion cues were taken directly from her wardrobe. I had colored Big Bird yellow leg-warmers, magenta stir-ups and Robin’s Egg blue tunics. . . .all which I wore together. The only difference between Punky and me is that Punky wore mismatched suede boots while I wore a pair of cobalt blue Doc Martens until they fell apart in about 8th grade. After that pair passed on to a better place (some Jersey landfill) I owned a pair of Doc Marten boots and some oxfords, but they didn’t have the same soul power as the other pair.

Then I stopped wearing Doc Marten’s because I realized they didn’t really do anything for my gambs. I could chronicle my shoe phases for you right now, but I will spare you the oh so thrilling details of my penchant for all things uncomfortable, colorful, expensive, and unnecessary for another time. Instead I will tell you of a fear consuming me at the moment caused by the recent adverts of Doc Marten’s imbuing the pages of magazine on newsstands everywhere. My fear is that Doc Martin’s are coming back in style and I might actually be excited about it. . .

I haven’t found any boutiques that carry Doc Marten’s yet ( should I be embarrassed that I was looking?) but I do know a boutique that carries a great selection of shoes. Diavolina in Los Angeles is a boutique I would love to have sandwiched between my apartment and a coffee shop. Run down to get a large red-eye and then head over to the boutique to pick out my day’s ensemble. This is if I can wedge my way through the leopard print themed boutique known to vend to superstars like Jennifer Lopez (who bought a Philip Lim dress and Meghan butterfly belt according to TMZ.com)!

Owner Evelyn Ungvari’s Robertson Boulevard location does not cater just to superstars but to those who can afford a pair of this season’s must have Dolce Vita gladiator sandals for $124.

Ungvari’s second location in Los Angeles on La Brea Avenue carries just as many labels, like Chloe and Marc Jacobs. But it’s not the labels that attract the customers, but Ungvari’s sixth sense for what the next “it” item is in fashion.

I’ll have to call her and tell her about my Doc Marten prediction. . .

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 04/11/08 05:04 AM

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I'm heading to the east coast for a visit. I was born there, went to school there and wore some of my most memorable ensembles there. I love the east coast for all of it's memories (except walking to class up hill, both ways, in a foot of snow. word to the wise, stay away from Western New York) and for all of it's shopping.

If I have time between tennis drills and couch time with my dog, Maggie, I will be figuring out what I can afford to take back to California with me. Fortunately for me (and unfortunately for my wallet) I have four prime boutiques within walking distance from my house.

There won't be any peeking, just unadulterated perusing. And I'm going to tell you all about it!

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 04/09/08 06:04 AM

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Shopping at boutiques has the addicting tendency to be a luxurious and indulgent experience. Small but alluring spaces with knowledgeable associates providing clients with not only great customer service, but style and fashion expertise are reasons why I choose boutiques over big, impersonal department stores. Fiona Stone in Hartford, CT embodies all those reasons with two bonuses: wine and chocolate for perusing patrons!

But Fiona Stone isn’t a boutique to check out for the free wine and chocolate. The 6 year young boutique opened by Tamara Curling is noteworthy because of her passion for keeping her boutique stocked with unique brands for sophisticated women (including Mariah Carey, Bette Midler and Cher!) and building relationships with clients. Curling says , “Clients start out as customers and we become friends. I’m a psychologist and a friend at the same time almost like a bartender, I listen. People feel really comfortable talking about personal things with us!” She compares it to Vegas; what happens at Fiona Stone stays at Fiona Stone!

Unlike Vegas, however, you won’t be gambling with a trip to Fiona Stone. The boutique strays from carrying one season wonders and instead carries eclectic designs from Europe that are timeless and sophisticated. Curling just began carrying Deibon Rondon, an up and coming designer with an emphasis on wearable couture. I’m fixin’ for this black and white number for an early summer evening outing.

Fiona Stone is for women who steer away from trends and want their closets to reflect a sense of style, confidence and creativity. Curling carries lines like the Japanese label Glad News, Bow and Arrow and even Lauren Conrad of MTV’s The Hills Fame . Whatever designer or combination of designers you choose at Fiona Stone, Curling wants customers to come in and “let Fiona Stone define your style, we are the definition of style.”

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 04/08/08 15:04 PM

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Evelyn Knuckles opened EveyK in 2005 hoping to inject her native Los Angeles panache into Denver, a city not typically know for its fluency in fashion. Knuckles, who used to do choreography and PR for the NFL in L.A., decided to conduct research before jumping into the boutique business in an area where clogs, fleece jackets and flannels rule the fashion roost. Conducting trunk shows in her own living room Knuckles realized that Denver area women were ready and excited to give their drowsy and droopy Levis a rest and slip into a saucy and sassy pair of Genetic Denim.

Knuckles boutique is successful because of her dedication to her clients. She is not selfish with her love for fashion, instead she seeks to share her knowledge of new and exciting designers and labels with her customers. This dedication along with superior customer service will span to her new boutique opening at the luxe Pura Vida Spa in Cherry Creek on April 15th! Knuckles will bring her exceptional one on one customer service to this new boutique that will not only feature women’s clothing, but men’s also!


Hale Bob dresses, Sir Alistair Rai scarves and Lyric Culture tee shirts are hot sellers. EveyK is excited to present new designers like Small Town Jeans (a favorite of Hilary Duff!) and Eugenia Kim hats .

The merchandise at EveyK is eclectic and fresh. Evelyn wants clients to leave the boutique with great fitting clothes and “know they’re as fashion-forward as anyone, anywhere.” Customers shouldn’t have to scour the internet or wait until they make a once a year trip to NYC or LA to indulge their fashion whims, needs and desires. That’s why EveyK carries some of the best and most exciting new trends (like this seasons must have wide leg denim), labels (Small Town Jeans) and designers (no one can get enough of Nanette Lepore!).

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 04/02/08 05:04 AM

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When I shop I prefer to stay away from things with audacious labels and designs on clothing. I don’t abhor prints or suggest shoppers stay away from embellishments, but I prefer to keep it simple. It makes it easier to mix and match and more importantly it makes it easier to disguise when you might be wearing the same thing as someone else. You and your friend show up at lunch wearing the same James Pearse black v-neck t-shirt? Easy solution for me is to throw a fun scarf around my neck and pull on my vintage Levis denim jacket. Similarly she can throw on a chic blazer or a belt to further confuse those adept eyes that might detect us friends wearing the same shirt.

I know what you’re thinking. “Who would carry a scarf and have an extra belt with them?” Me. Always. You never know who you will meet.

That is why I love Sugar boutique in Nashville, Tennessee. Being a small city with limited fashion resources Sugar’s owner, Jennie Ader, prides herself in keeping a directory of who buys what. So, let’s say I buy that Salanida white polka dot dress for a fairly popular local event someone else going to that same event will be strongly discouraged from buying the same dress for that same event. They will even be dissuaded from buying a similar Transit dress.

Then how do you end up buying anything? Ader, who was born in Germany but has divided her time between New York and LA as an adult, carries such an eclectic mix of up and coming designers as well as eccentric household names like Anna Sui, Alexander McQueen and Plein Sud, that you can’t help but find something that no one else has; your own flare for style!

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 04/01/08 05:04 AM

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By the time my younger sister was able to talk, it was clear she was misnamed. Instead of being named Mackenzie my parents agreed they should have named her “Anita.” Somehow Mackenzie found that she always needed something when we went shopping. “I need those red shoes!” “I need those sneakers!” “I need that computer!”

A-n-i-t-a. I need a____

Oh and how she would fill in the blank with a variety of unnecessary material items!

Lately feelings of need have resonated within me and I begin to think of my sister 3,000 miles away in need of a lot of things, mostly a Swiss Bank Account. But like Anit-, I mean Mackenzie, I have found myself needing stuff.

Mostly more jewelry. I like to keep my attire simple, clean and sophisticated. Jewelry intimidates me and I normally wear diamond studs and a silver pendant. Something has ignited a desire to start wearing hoop earrings and rings.

Haven at 3209 Paces Ferry Place in Atlanta, Georgia carries clothing and accessories, and also subtle and elegant jewelry. Beth Ordun has taken an edgy twist on a normally modest pearl necklace. Instead of a simple string of pearls, it’s black leather. Want it! As for hoops I wonder if I should go for something with a little more weight, like the St. Kilda Rose Gold hoops or dainty Gretchen Comly dangles .

The wants don’t stop at the jewelry though. Haven carries lesser known but still utterly fabulous designers like Gary Graham and better known labels like Puella. I think I’ve decided that I want everything Gary Graham designs, by the way. Especially this little shirt dress .

Shopping at Haven is calming and peaceful. The store is clean, bright and airy, just like the merchandise. I want it all! I want it! Just call me Want-nita!


Anita and Juanita. . .two sisters no one should ever shop with!

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 03/29/08 06:03 AM

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Just because I love shopping does not warrant me the right to spend money at my every whim. Culprits of the bane of my financial existence, Sally and Fannie Mae and their student loan “business”, have been maliciously shirking my ability to afford the ultimate essentials in every girl’s wardrobe. Specifically, those sisters have put a hold on my dreams of owning a pair of Christian Louboutin Yasmine wedges .

Ah, but a girl can dream, though you don’t need to sleep to dream. Just head to Walnut Street in Philadelphia and pop into Joan Shepp for luxe reverie. Chloe, Stella McCartney, Dries Van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester are a few of the designers that awaken your fashion senses and contribute to an emotional fashion experience. If you are a lover of high fashion, this boutique is your dream-scape.

Shoppers should not be intimidated by the 22 foot ceilings and large windows showing off the merchandise that is difficult to find outside of New York City or large retailers like Neiman Marcus (which my dad affectionately calls Needless Markups). Instead shoppers should be prepared for a luxurious and wardrobe inspiring experience. When else will you be able to browse through a rack of Balenciaga skinny jeans and try on a White + Warren dress and have it altered by in-house dressmaker, Irina Segal?

What I love about boutiques, especially high end boutiques like Joan Shepp, is their ability to generate passion and excitement for fashion. The second floor loft is appropriately titled Glamour Girls and is dedicated to unique vintage pieces. In addition to high end contemporary and vintage designers, Joan Shepp also carries eco-friendly fashion like Linda Loudermilk. The boutique even donates 10% of sales to charities in need. Whether you browse or buy at Joan Shepp you leave feeling invigorated, ready to dress to passionately and fashionably live your dreams!

My dream? Write Sally and Fannie Mae their fat check with a tube of Chanel Rouge Allure lipstick while I stand in those Yasmie wedges. Ah, but a girl can dream.

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 03/27/08 05:03 AM

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Many years ago I saw a bumper sticker that read “If the answer to a question is Florida, it must have been a stupid question.” In no way do I intend to offend readers from Florida or those with special sentiments attached to Florida, but goodness, that quote reverberates through my head when I hear even a mention of Florida. But when you think about it Florida has so many negatives; scary weather, scary tourist traps, scary voting results, scary sharks and scary alligators. Seriously Florida, what have you done for anyone lately?

Sweet Stalhi boutique is what they have done. Move over Mickey Mouse, Stalhi is Florida’s new, 2 years young, tourist destination. Never mind family road trips to see that big mouse (who has been wearing the same damn thing for how many seasons?!), this is a destination for serious shoppers. And if you have to pick up a Disney souvenir while you’re there, but don’t want to head over to an “amusement” park, Stalhi carries Disney Couture.

Though Stalhi supplies a wide array of labels traditionally geared towards the younger set, such as Disney Couture, Juicy, Ed Hardy and Lauren Conrad, Stalhi also has a heavy stock of sophisticated attire. Lacoste, Free People, French Connection, Nanette Lepore (need that strapless dress!) , Sanctuary and Seychelles fill the racks of Stalhi.

The list of labels Stalhi carries is almost as dizzying as Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. But owners Gregg Hill and Stephanie Hite, both with merchandising, buying and designing experience manage to create a shopping experience as pleasant as the wind in the willows. The bright white store with green and pink accents has various themed sections. From Boho chic like Drew Barrymore to sophisticated Anne Hathaway, Stalhi’s got a theme for everyone. Stylists and fashionistas to the core, the sales associates at Stalhi know who in the public eye is wearing what this season, last season and what they will be wearing next season. Celebrity style, sometimes fortunately sometimes not, sets the pace for the way average American women shop. Stalhi urges shoppers to become “famous for your style” whether you’re in the movies or just taking a detour on your way to the Universal Studios Theme Park.

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 03/26/08 05:03 AM

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Today at work my friend and I were drooling over the new “it” designer for our twenty-something age bracket. Sister to the popular musicians Mark and Samantha Ronson, Charlotte Ronson is bringing more fame to the family name through another creative outlet; fashion design. As we shirked our duties to decide when and where we might don our Charlotte Ronson designs we wondered outloud if we were really going to have to pay shipping for her Mariner wedges. Those things are sexy, but they look a little on the heavy side.

Fortunately for my friend and me (and the UPS man who won’t need a dolly to get those wedges up my stairs) we live close to Magnet boutique in Berkeley, California. Though Berkeley is a tough town to comprehend when you’re from a very fast paced area on the East Coast (my life has been a modern day Green Acres since I’ve moved here. . .think Stacey London from TLC’s What Not to Wear moves to Hippie-ville, USA) I commend the area shops for their dedication to local designers and manufacturers which is something the East Coast neglects to think about. Owner of Magnet, Camille Mason, is another Berkeley shop owner who is excited to vend local designers like Black Label SF and Corey Lynn Calter (check out that dress by Ms. Calter!! Maybe with those Ronson wedges?!) Mason also sells products from Zooey, a designer label that meshes with Berkeley’s altruism. Zooey donates profits from her line to Healthy Child Healthy World .

Mason has been quoted saying “True style transcends fashion” a sentiment her boutique embodies completely. Instead of bulking her store with over-priced luxury items, she carries an assembly of affordable basics like t-shirts. Mason says, “The higher end pieces need to be versatile.”

Mason is a boutique owner who clearly knows what she is doing. She saw a need for a boutique in a fashion deprived town. Not only has she created a boutique that caters to the local vibe which is to embrace the community by supporting its artists and values, she has infused her own panache by selling exciting pieces that she is excited and proud to offer to her customers. This boutique clearly conducts business with magnetic personality and merchandise.

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 03/25/08 06:03 AM

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Last night I somehow found myself at an English Beat concert. My friends wanted to see the opening band and after they rocked the house we decided to stay for the 80s ska band’s set. It turned out to be a pretty amazing dance party that we stumbled upon. Post dance-a-palooza one of my friends commended my dance abilities while wearing heels. Shrugging with a smile I accepted her compliment but explained that my fashion needs to be functional not uncomfortable. Most of my outfits go through a few dry runs in my room in front of my mirror with some music blasting. Movement is key!

Luna Boston on 205 Newbury Street in Boston has one of the best shoe selections I’ve seen in a while. It’s not the amount of shoes but the variety. Luna Boston prides itself in featuring designers and styles that won’t be seen on every other woman. How many women do you have to see wearing Coach flats before you want to gauge out your eyes with a rusty spoon?

I really want the Godfreddo Fantini open toe sandals in blue . Not only will I be able to dance in them, but I’m pretty sure they’ll coordinate with the Matt & Nat shoulder tote that Luna Boston sells too . Have you ever heard of these designers before? I hadn’t either until I stepped into Luna Boston (and because of that I have an unhealthy obsession with Matt & Nat currently). The boutique employs stellar buyers who venture into designer showrooms, scour street fairs and research independent labels in order to promote the most unique and distinctive styles.

Luna Boston carries popular designers like Cynthia Rowley, Tusk and Badgley Mischka, but set themselves apart from other boutiques in the tourist heavy Newbury section of Boston by carrying just accessories, bags and shoes and relying on the quality of their merchandise. The prince ranges are varied but the caliber and uniquness of the merchandise is second to none.

Just like my dance moves.

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 03/24/08 06:03 AM

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I have an ex-boyfriend who used to scour the internet for useless information. Maybe I should rephrase that so it won’t seem as if my old boyfriend was a loser, because he wasn’t, but he just had a weird penchant for spending time on Wikipedia and not on me. . .I should remind myself this is not Dear Abby, this is fashion! And nobody puts fashion in the corner!

Anyways, back to the subject at hand. My old boyfriend, the lover of all things Wiki, once told me where the word “denim” comes from. The fabric of jeans once was actually called Serge, from a region in France called Nimes. Thus, the fabric was named serge de Nimes eventually shortened to Denim.

And oh how we love denim these days! And oh if my old boyfriend could see me now in my new Joes Jeans Honey from Leaf and Petal he would have wished he didn’t spend so much time on the internet!

Leaf and Petal is an adorable boutique located in Old Town Palo Alto. It’s a cozy boutique with a warm staff that hasn’t had much turnover. Customers know their favorite sales associates by name just as the sales associates know their regulars. Much of the product on the floor, including designers such as Diane Von Furstenburg, Trina Turk, Vivienne Tam, and Elie Tahari is organized by color. The boutique doesn’t often carry designers like Betsy Johnson or Anna Sui and I would be surprised if they did considering they are geared towards a more mature and sophisticated crowd. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t hip! Leaf and Petal carries LaRok (who currently has a hippie inspired tie-dyed dress I’m yearning for) , an edgy division of the denim company, 7 For All Mankind. Plus, the boutique is a favorite among shoppers because they tend to carry new designers before department stores giving consumers the fashion upper-hand. That’s something I look for as a trend setter.

And as for looking for a new boyfriend. . .I’m not sure I see internet addicts fitting into any upcoming seasons.

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 03/22/08 06:03 AM

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“And I can’t fight this feeling anymoreeeee,” croons REO Speedwagon. This song reminds me of a Theory jacket I recently tried on. The next line in the classic 80s song is “I’ve forgotten what I’ve been fighting for.” This does not remind me of the Theory pants I recently tried on. Believe me, I will continue fighting for these pants. And I think I’ve found just the place that will “bring this ship back into the shore.” My “ship” being the most adorable pair of cropped stretch knit black pants.

A few weeks ago I tried these Josan Stadium Lite by Theory on at a department store and left without making the purchase because I was in a rush, per usual. I never should have turned my back on those pants because they’ve been haunting me every since I abandoned them.

Though it’s mid-March and I should be concerned with inundating my wardrobe with bright florals and the various shades of safari khakis that were runway hits for Spring 2008, I can’t help but assert that these Theory pants should be a staple in my wardrobe. Despite being emphatic about integrating color into my wardrobe I find black to be sleek, sexy and necessary.

And what better place to buy black than NYC? Being from the tri-state area myself I am fluent in all shades of black and the myriad ways of wearing black. Lucky for me NYC is home to four Montmartre boutiques! Just because there are four located in NYC does not mean it has a chain store feel. The Montmartre boutiques in NYC are not intimidating in size and have a staff of kind and knowledgeable staff. Each boutique has a team of in house stylists who are on hand to enhance your shopping experience. While boutique shopping usually affords customers stellar customer service, imagine having a stylist assist in your wardrobe acquisition? Customer service truly exists in this family of NYC boutiques which features a wide array of contemporary, classic, eclectic designers.

When I finally buy those Josan Stadium Lite cropped pants I will be sure to ask my stylist at Montmartre if I should choose a cropped L.A.M.B jacket or a Robert Rodriguez green bowneck top is more appropriate. If they’re my kind of stylist, they’ll say both!

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 03/20/08 05:03 AM

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When I tell people I went to college in New York their eyes light up and they take me for a big city gal. “WOW, you’re so lucky to go to college in the city!” Before I can respond with the unfortunate news that I went to school in Western New York, an artic tundra void of any entertainment but making snow angels, they’ve already rattled off five billion questions about big city life.
Most girl-friends gush about the shopping I must have participated in. It’s unfortunate but outside of New York City shopping in New York State is rather dismal and non-existent. Unless you like to go to the mall.

Fortunately there are a few glimmers of hope concerning the state of fashion in the separate entity that is New York State (NY State is reminiscent of Area 51 FYI). Kingston, New York is nestled on the Hudson River two hours from New York City. But Next Boutique Ltd. has managed to bring the big city to the small town.

NextBoutique Ltd.’s emphasizes that “all the world’s a stage” and they want to make you “the Next star.” How are they going to do that in Kingston, NY? Well, they’re (the ladies who work there will be just excited to be there as you are, trust me! They want to outfit you like a star!) going to provide you with impeccable customer service and outfit you in brands like James Perse, Hudson Jeans, Hobo and Free People. They even carry my new favorite, Julie Haus.

I so desperately want her new ethereal capped sleeve white dress that when I fly home next month I might have to make a trek to Kingston, New York to try that dress on. But the window displays and merchandising make all their merchandise necessary. Especially the jewelry Next carries. That dress and a sweet Crislu sterling platinum bracelet with two rows of Bezel stones. . .

And who said you had to go to the Big Apple for big time fashion?

Oh. . .I think that was me. . .

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 03/18/08 23:03 PM

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My mother is a wonderful shopping partner. Not only is she fun to go with, but she's good at it too. My favorite trick of the trade is when she dons a new pair of boots and my father does a double take, asking with furrowed brows, "Where and when did you get those?" Her expert reply, "These? I've had these forever." No more questions asked.

But imagine your mom as not only a shopping partner, but a business partner. Imagine you and your mom owning two boutiques in Connecticut! For my mom and me I'm sure we'd sink our profit right back into our own wardrobes. But as Alisha Pavacich says of her business partner, "we compliment each other so well. . . she hits an older classy customer and I am drawn to the trendier and bolder lines."

Alisha gushes that the new Lauren Conrad line (yes, that chick from that "reality" show) has been "selling amazing" and the dresses are "flying out of the store." Another new line she loves that has been named one of Lucky Magazine's 2008 must watch designers is Dolan. The boutique also carries Betsy Johnson, Bread and Butter, Juicy Couture, Seven and Voom to name a few.

Shopping at Bella Fuchsia is like being invited to Alisha and Rochelle's to have a girl's day. It's got a homey, warm feeling. TVs play Clueless and Sixteen Candles, they'll even throw in cartoons to distract a youngster while you sift through the racks. Most importantly Alisha and her mom live by a golden rule: always tell the truth. If something doesn't work on your body, they'll let you know, but they'll also go above and beyond to find something perfect for your body. That perfect something you can tell your dad or husband that you've had forever.

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 03/15/08 07:03 AM

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I was on my feet all day in vintage boots. My cobbler (yes I have a cobbler and no my name is not Oliver Twist) recommended I put insoles in my shoes but I never have time to heed anyone’s advice. Pain is beauty. Or is it beauty is pain? Regardless, I looked good and now my feet hurt. I’m dying for Lalicious Sugar Scrub to massage the side affects of looking good. But does that mean I need to go all the way to 1410 Larmier Street in Denver to Loft 22?

Not that I should complain about making a trip to Loft 22. Hip, unique and eclectic are probably the best words to describe the refurbished loft. Though familiar designers and labels fill the racks, there are lesser known, yet completely noteworthy designers like Butterfly Dropout and Green Dragon. They even have that Laclicious Sugar Scrub my aches currently have a hankering for. . .

I wish all cities had a boutique like Loft 22 because it’s the perfect stepping stone into the boutique world for novice boutique shoppers. Brittin and Kristin Asbury, the sisters who opened the boutique in late 2006, simultaneously offer an unpretentious yet luxurious shopping experience. It’s hip and glamorous, yet bright, friendly and inviting. Though they sell French Connection, Level 99 and Antik denim they also sell BCBG Girls and Chinese Laundry. Just because Vera Wang isn’t hanging in their window display doesn’t mean this shop isn’t worthy of attention. I’d peruse that store all day, even in the most uncomfortable shoes I own, just because I love Loft22. . .and I’d definitely leave with Lalicious Sugar Scrub in hand (and some Level 99 Sailor Pants in the other).

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 03/14/08 06:03 AM

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Ever try to online shop and simultaneously paint your nails Revlon Red? Uh, neither have I, because that would be an accident waiting to happen. But my friend was telling me she nearly spilled nail-polish on her laptop while searching www.petuliasfolly.com. I got so excited when I saw a Rebecca Minkoff tote and nearly had scarlet letters everywhere. I mean, that’s what happened to my friend, yeah, not me. Careless friends.

Anyways, Petulia’s Folly carries a bevy of labels, but surprisingly the store isn’t sloppily overflowing with shelves of merchandise. The store is utterly shoppable. Racks and cubbies feature photographs above in order to distinguish what goes where. Nothing curtails a serious shopper or browsers goal of viewing each Catherine Malandrino blouse or Megan Park dress.

Petulia’s Folly is one of the best boutiques in Philadelphia. While the city seems to be teeming with those Fishtown hipsters who look and act like they just rolled out of bed, Petulai’s Folley tucked in an alley on Sansom Street is a refreshing high fashion alternative. The boutique’s name is a combination of the name of the unfulfilled newlywed and socialite character, Petulia Danner, Julie Christie plays in the 1968 film, Petulia and folly, a structure which serves only purposes of decoration. But you won’t leave Petulia’s Folly feeling unfulfilled or as if you participated in a worthless folly.

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 03/13/08 02:03 AM

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Berkeley, California is known for the free speech movement, hippies and the incredible female culinary artist, Alice Waters. But fashion? Most of the time you can’t decipher who is homeless or who really just doesn’t care about what sort of ensemble they choose to leave the house in. Additionally there is more college spirit (in the form of blue and yellow sweats) than I’ve ever seen from any university town. Go team go and all that nonsense, but c’mon, is it so hard to throw on a pair of Citizens for Humanity jeans and some cute Pumas?

I digress.

College Avenue in Berkeley is a misnomer. Surprisingly the school spirit dwindles and the number of fashion-tellectuals increases. College Avenue is home to some very choice boutiques one of my favorites being Dish. Owner Desiree Alexander opened her store at 2981 College Avenue nearly 12 years ago. Recently she created a 400 square foot loft to sell home items!

It’s a quaint store with a small window usually housing understated, but classy and fashionable window display. It’s clear Alexander and her fashionable cohorts put thought into what designers they choose to vend not only by the window merchandising but the selection in the store. Shoshanna swimsuits are difficult to find other than at department stores, but Dish has them. Versatile Splendid t-shirts with Citizen for Humanity Jeans? This quaint little boutique will, well, Dish those out and more for ya!

Of recent, my favorite find at Dish is Amo&Bretti. The husband and wife duo from Toronto have redefined knitwear. Their cashmere is one of the most delectable entrees at Dish! How could this flirty black cashmere dress not get the attention of every on-looker?

But if you can't find your cup of tea at Dish in Berkeley, try Dish in San Francisco. My appetite for shopping in the East Bay has been satiated, but as for San Francisco, I need to get to Dish on 541 Hayes Street!

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 03/08/08 07:03 AM

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When I was a young girl, barely able to to carry the March issue of Vogue and Bazaar without huffing and puffing, I was quite the fashion novice. Yes, yes, not many 12 year old girls leaf through Harpers drooling over a cropped wool blazer worn by the waifish Stella Tennant. What other 12 year old girl even knew who Stella Tennant was? Worse, how did every 12 year old girl not know who Chanel or Karl Lagerfeld was?

Despite my upper hand on fashion knowledge in comparison to my Babysitter's Club wielding friends, I didn't know everything. I still wanted to shop at every major department store when on family vacations. "OOOO, Macy's! Oooo, Bloomingdale's!" What was there to "OOO" over in a visit to Nordstrom's in New York when I had one in my own backyard?

Fortunately my penchant for familiar department stores in unfamiliar locations dissipated and I gradually began to appreciate smaller, less familiar stores selling unique items on the forefront of fashion. When I wear something from a boutique is when I receive the most compliments and the most attention. People always want to know where I've found that necklace or that pair of shoes or that blazer. I love having what no one else has, but I also love supporting up and coming designers and small business owners.

Boutiques are also fun! There's never a throng of clearance hungry shoppers or bitter retail associates schlepping clothes under fluorescent lights. Boutiques, in general, are small in size and feature an endearing and shopable atmosphere. Sales associates are knowledgeable and excited about the designers and products and want to help you! Unlike chains or department stores, there is an opportunity to build relationships with boutique associates. Those relationships have the tendency to produce advance notice of new designers, new products and sales. They'll even let you know when your size comes in of any favorite item of yours that you replenish often. Now does The Gap offer that kind of customer service?

Just like I tried to encourage my friends back in middle school to put down their copies of The Babysitters Club for an issue of W Magazine, I encourage you, reader, to find you local boutique and take a chance on a new designer or a new piece of jewelry you've never heard of or seen before. There's nothing wrong with department or chain stores, but you won't realize how much fun fashion really is until you step into a boutique and explore!

POSTED BY BoutiquePeek ON 03/07/08 07:03 AM

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