Showing posts with label Boutique Critique. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Boutique Critique. Show all posts

Friday, September 25, 2009

Boutique Critique

While on the topic of boots, I couldn't pass up a post about my favorite shoe store in Atlanta! Opening its doors in May 2009, Jedal has proven worthy of its prime location in Phipps Plaza. Born out of one woman's love for shoes, Jedal is located on the 2nd floor, above Tiffany's and gives passer-byers a peak of Jedal's savory footwear through windows that make up the walls of the store.

Inside, the store is modern chic, with black carpet, a modern chandelier type fixture, and white leather chairs. And OH the shoes! Lining the walls are some of the most glorious, perfectly crafted shoes that I have ever laid eyes on. Don't expect to find these shoes elsewhere in Atlanta, either. Owner Jennifer Danelli visits Milan often for the shoe fashion shows, and selects styles that she knows won't easily be found.

Speaking of Jennifer, she is often found at the store, teetering around in a pair of Jedal's newest shoes. A sweet, bubbly personality, Jennifer is happy to do whatever she can to help her customers. She has also begun a collaboration with Marco Massetti, Italian shoe designer, creating a shoe line called Jedal by Marco Massetti. Detail is the key word in these designs: ornate swarovski crystals, poems, and custom words make up the collection. The shoes almost resemble jewelry more than footwear.

And the price doesn't come cheap, all of the shoes in the store are designer heels, and come with a hefty price tag. But, as I once told Jennifer, these are shoes that actually LOOK like they cost as much as the price tag says, a rare find these days. Don't take it from me, see for yourself, and be sure to check out Jedal's website, and stop by their store next time you're in Atlanta. I promise, it's worth your while, even if you have no plans of buying shoes.

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Jennifer has also provided me with some insider's information regarding footwear for Spring/Summer 2010. Here is what Jennifer had to say:

We are still in Milan, just finished the shoe show here to buy for next sumer. I'll give you a little special information to about the trends next summer, to go with your boot blog. Next summer is all about boots too! But they are open short boots. One that I see everywhere is almost like a flip flop mixed with a boot. It looks like a flip flop at the bottom but then is closed at the top and goes up the leg like a boot. Really fun totally new! So buy short open boots now that you can wear into next summer. In the winter wear them with tights and in the summer wear them open toed!

Thanks for the great advice Jennifer! Get a head start on this style by clicking here!

Mark your calander for Oct 21. That is Jedal's Roberto Cavalli Trunk Show!

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

An American in Paris

As I mentioned previously, I spent Saturday in Old Town Alexandria, VA. While exploring I stumbled upon a fantastic boutique called An American in Paris.

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Upon entering the small boutique I was greeted by owner Joelle Solimano, a petite french woman with a love for beautiful clothing. Raised in Avingnon, a province in the South of France, Joelle was destined to love clothing. Her father is an Italian native who grew up near Milan, Italy. Joelle moved to Alexandria 15 years ago, and opened her boutique 10 years ago.

Joelle explained to me how to browse through her clothing, pointing to a sign which read, "Due to the delicate fabrics, browse throughout the store by grabbing the hangers, not the garments." Only one sample of each item hangs in the store, with additional sizes in the back room where Joelle will grab it for you. This allows shoppers to browse items easily, without digging through various sizes. . .and allows Joelle to display hundreds of items in her tiny space.

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Top Left image:
far left dress: Nicole Miller Collection
purple handbag: Deepa Gurnani
far right purple dress (a favorite): Black Halo

When taking a look around the store you will see wall to wall clothing, with little attention paid to decor. Joelle takes pride in her clothing. . .and to her, the clothes are the decoration. Joelle describes her boutique as an original french boutique where you can find one of a kind pieces.


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2 dresses on left:
Joelle's pick for favorite dresses
Both Nicole Miller Collection

Top Right Image (my fave items in the store!)
Dress: Julie Haas
Necklace: David Aubry

I chatted with Joelle about her personal style, and her thoughts for trends for the Spring. Joelle describes her style as eclectic and quirky, with a classic touch and believes clothing should be able to be worn for multiple seasons. When selecting for her store she looks for timeless pieces made of the best fabric. . .and searches out European Designers or American Designers with European roots.

Joelle's predictions for Spring:

1. Color: Salmon
2. Detailing: Fringe
3. Separates - mix and match suit separates, lots of pants, layering

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Left image:
I LOVE this look!
Dress: Tibi (note the button detailing at shoulder!)
Belt: Streets Ahead
Bag: Pa Tou Tou

Headband: Deepa Gurnani
Necklace: David Aubry

Joelle tip: If you are going to wear pearls that aren't real, wear pearls that have some interest to them.

Joelle stocks her store with lots of Black Halo, Nicole Miller Collection, Tibi, Milly and other European designers. What I loved most about the store, and Joelle was her LOVE of every article of clothing in the store. She buys exactly what she would want to wear, and is clearly passionate about clothing. She also has some of the best prices you will find on clothing, many items are up to $100 cheaper than you might find elsewhere.

Shopping at An American in Paris is like browsing through a closet. . .and I certainly wish that it was my closet! If you're in Alexandria, be sure to stop by. . .and if you live in the DC area, make a trip out to Alexandria to check out this gem!

An American in Paris
1225 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.519.8234

Monday, January 5, 2009

Alexandria the Great

I spent the holidays in Washington, DC visiting my boyfriend and his family. Saturday my boyfriend and I went to Old Town Alexandria, just outside of DC for the day. I fell in love.

Old Town Alexandria has an abundance of charm, culture and places to explore! King Street, the main street in Alexandria starts at the Potomac River Waterfront, and goes inward toward downtown Alexandria. Along King Street you can find unique boutiques, antique stores, restaurants, salons. . .and strangely enough. . .several wig stores! Above the store fronts are gorgeous condos and town homes for Old Town residents.

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We went for the day. . .but Alexandria is the PERFECT place for a weekend away! There is SO much to do, that one day just isn't enough. Wake up and have breakfast on the waterfront, explore King Street and catch a movie. Try taking the free trolley around to see more, or ride around in a horse drawn carriage ride!

While we didn't have the time to do that, I DID find a 2 GREAT boutiques you have to stop by!

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The first one is An American in Paris. Owner Joelle Solimano moved to Alexandria from the South of France 15 years ago, and opened her store 10 years ago. It is truly a unique find. Joelle spoke with me for a while about her fashion sense, how she selects pieces for her store, and some her favorite pieces. Look for more on An American in Paris tomorrow!

After leaving An American in Paris we continued up King Street and found a charming little family owned Italian restaurant called Pines of Florence. It was real, home style Italian food! I love small, family owned places. They have so much charm, and are usually better than chain restaurants! I had the Chicken Francese, and my boyfriend had the Eggplant Parm. . .both were amazing! Be sure to save room for a Cannoli!

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On the way back to the car, we stumbled across a Gentleman's boutique called Dash's. Owned by Victor Dash, Dash's is truly a unique find. It is not often you find such a captivating men's boutique. Dash's carries mostly Italian made suits, ties, cashmere sweaters, coats and scarves! It reminded me of an old English boutique, and the window display is captivating. I learned quite a bit from Mr. Dash as well, so check back to see pictures and read more!

I can't wait to go back and explore more of Alexandria! I know I have a lot of DC readers. . .so if you have a favorite spot in Alexandria leave a comment about it so others can visit it!