The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

fashion

March Boutique: A Local Gem with On-Trend Clothing for Fashionistas

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Nestled into a corner of downtown Briarcliff Manor’s main thoroughfare, Pleasantville Road, March Boutique offers Westchester fashionistas on-trend apparel and accessories. Whether you are looking to mimic the styles of a model on a Milan runway or looking for a more casual Instagram-worthy outfit, this jewel-sized boutique should be on your radar.

Lynn Puro, the owner and a Briarcliff Manor resident opened the store twelve years ago. Her exquisite taste and style is evident as soon as you step into the store. Puro scouts fashion showrooms in New York, Paris, Milan and Los Angeles and carries lines that you may not be familiar with such as Bailey 44 and Fifteen Twenty plus well-known and beloved labels like Nicole Miller and Joseph Ribkoff.

Everything But the Shoes

Saturday is the store’s busiest day as many customers come in needing something to wear that evening. “We get a lot of last-minute requests and we love helping clients choose an outfit and accessories such as handbags and jewelry. We offer everything but the shoes.” Puro strives to offer many options for customers at different price points.

“Fit is everything” is Puro’s cardinal fashion rule. To that end, she always tries on every product in her store when visiting showrooms. She brings an additional employee to showrooms as well with a different figure to see how the clothing fits before deciding to sell it in her boutique.

On a recent visit, I had fun perusing the racks and checking out spring trends. The store reminded me of a trendy Soho boutique with exposed brick and a copper tin ceiling. Everything was thoughtfully displayed and photos of Puro’s fashion icon Audrey Hepburn adorn the walls.

As a petite person, I’ve been wondering how to embrace the wide-legged pants trend seen all over the spring fashion magazines. “Not to worry,” advises Puro and she pulls out a wide-legged jean made by Just Black Denim which I try on and lo and behold, it actually looks good. Puro and all her employees have a strong sense of style and can immediately size up your silhouette and provide ideas of items to try on. I wonder what shoes to wear with the jeans and Puro offers suggestions. “The number one question we get from customers, is what shoes should I wear with an outfit?”

Next up, I want to try on a floral dress as the fashion magazines are saturated with them for spring. On a small frame, prints can look overwhelming but Puro knows what patterns will work with my figure. The kelly green floral wrap dress by Cupcakes & Cashmere is a winner and best of all, it is not like the dozens of black dresses I have hanging in my closet. With graduations and baby showers on the horizon, I am all sorted with this little number.

Snapworthy Spring Trends

I want to know what other spring trends are blooming and Puro is at the ready with several sartorial suggestions. Flower prints and pastel colors are popular. She also carries several leopard print items.  Leopard print is big this spring but if you don’t want a full outfit with it, the store has leopard print hats, scarves and bags. Other trends include cropped and slightly flared jeans or pants and any item in blue. “Blue is the new black this season,” proclaims Puro.

“Fashion should also be fun,” attests Puro. She holds several themed events to coincide with popular television shows that have stylish costumes such as “Downton Abbey” and “Mad Men”.

As Puro wraps up my items (I also purchase a Nicole Miller dress for an upcoming Bar Mitzvah on my visit on the sale rack no less), I notice the lovely tissue paper decorated with delicate dragonflies. It’s no surprise that before opening March, Puro worked in beauty for Estee Lauder. Confidence breeds beauty was one of Lauder’s favorite sayings and as I walk out the door with my fashion-forward items, I feel like a million bucks and can’t wait to wear my new dresses this spring.

March Boutique

1207 Pleasantville Rd

Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510

Phone: (914) 923-2100

Marchboutique.com

A Fresh Take on Spring Fashion with Stile

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With candor, impeccable taste and a ready smile, Julie Root is adept at helping customers put the “I” in style. Nestled in the heart of Armonk’s Main Street, her shop, Stile, is a lifestyle boutique that offers “fun, delicious” items for everyone. Having opened only three years ago, the shop quickly found its niche in the Armonk fashion scene and cultivated a strong following. Describing Stile as a shop that has something for everyone, Root says, “My customers don’t just come to us for one thing. They come for the fabulous bags, chunky knits, beautiful candles and diffusers, wardrobe staples and trendy pieces. Everything we offer has a special twist and our inventory is ever-changing.”

Stile offers a dazzling array of swoon-worthy products including accessories, home goods, women’s apparel and J. Hillburn menswear. From the stunning Baobab diffuser to the one-of-a-kind Rolling Stones sweatshirt to the custom costume jewelry adorned with vintage Chanel buttons, the selection challenges clients to narrow down to just a few purchases. It’s no surprise that the boutique was the winner of the “Best of Westchester 2017” in the category of “Place to Find a Hostess Gift.” Stile specializes in exclusive, one-of-a-kind items and under the radar designers. Root says, “I have cultivated strong relationships in the industry over the past decades that provide me with access to items that no one else has–our lines are hard to get. You simply won’t find many of them on Amazon or in the major department stores.”

The fashion veteran is excited about spring as the new season’s inventory begins arriving. Here’s the forecast as Root sees it:

Pinks & Patterns

Root predicts that a specific color scheme will take over spring wardrobes, saying, “There will be a lot of color. I expect hues of pink like blush, coral and rose to be huge. We are also seeing patterns like camo, animal print and florals injected into designs. Take part of the trends by adding it in pops with a soft sweater, yummy wrap or a fun handbag.”

Luxurious Materials

“Luxury is back,” Root proclaims, adding, “Materials like cashmere, lace, fur, silk, velvet and leather are so in. Layer a little shearling vest or a lace cami into your outfit to infuse this trend.”

The Feminine Persuasion

Femininity will influence the spring looks. Dresses will be big, but the good news is that every length is acceptable. She says, “It’s high/low with maxis, midis and minis–anything goes this season! We’re also seeing designers do fun things with sleeves–big sleeves, off-the-shoulder, one shoulder, cut-outs, etc. And, don’t forget those cute rompers, which are still having their moment!”

Bag Lady

As Root talks about handbags, she becomes animated, saying, “I am bag-obsessed. There are so many fun bags coming to Stile this spring! I do a lot of smaller brands made in NY and California. We’re doing metallic, fringes, bouclé that’s reminiscent of Chanel, fur accents, sumptuous Italian leather and more. And, there are so many options from knapsacks to cross-body to clutches. The cross-body iPhone cases are so functional and popular right now!”

Denim

Denim continues to have its moment in the sunshine. Stile features an assortment of all styles at all price points including pull-on bell bottoms, striping up the sides and uneven rough-hewn hemlines.

Custom Creations

Stile truly thrives in the one-of-a-kind arena. As Root says, “Everyone wants what no one else has. I offer denim jackets with custom messaging and embellishments, the cutest, fun rock-n-roll t-shirts and unique vintage and custom jewelry.  Shirts with messages of female empowerment are huge–I have them specially made for the store.” Sweatpants, sweatshirts and tees can also be customized according to personal tastes, featuring specific colleges, sports teams and favorite branded logos like Louis Vuitton or Chanel.

Regardless of trends and evolving fashions, there is one constant at Stile. High-end customer service is paramount as Root says, “I know what my customers are looking for and I always provide approachable, honest feedback with a smile. I will tell you if that dress looks awful and the pants don’t fit. I’d rather have the customer return because they love what they bought than buy something they regret and not return to us. And, I have the most wonderful style team who each share the same sensibilities and have their own loyal base of clients. It’s that personal touch that makes shopping local such a joyful experience. It’s something that internet shopping can never replicate.”

March Boutique: A Local Gem with On-Trend Clothing for Fashionistas

by

Nestled into a corner of downtown Briarcliff Manor’s main thoroughfare, Pleasantville Road, March Boutique offers Westchester fashionistas on-trend apparel and accessories. Whether you are looking to mimic the styles of a model on a Milan runway or looking for a more casual Instagram-worthy outfit, this jewel-sized boutique should be on your radar.

Lynn Puro, the owner and a Briarcliff Manor resident opened the store twelve years ago. Her exquisite taste and style is evident as soon as you step into the store. Puro scouts fashion showrooms in New York, Paris, Milan and Los Angeles and carries lines that you may not be familiar with such as Bailey 44 and Fifteen Twenty plus well-known and beloved labels like Nicole Miller and Joseph Ribkoff.

Everything But the Shoes

Saturday is the store’s busiest day as many customers come in needing something to wear that evening. “We get a lot of last-minute requests and we love helping clients choose an outfit and accessories such as handbags and jewelry. We offer everything but the shoes.” Puro strives to offer many options for customers at different price points.

“Fit is everything” is Puro’s cardinal fashion rule. To that end, she always tries on every product in her store when visiting showrooms. She brings an additional employee to showrooms as well with a different figure to see how the clothing fits before deciding to sell it in her boutique.

On a recent visit, I had fun perusing the racks and checking out spring trends. The store reminded me of a trendy Soho boutique with exposed brick and a copper tin ceiling. Everything was thoughtfully displayed and photos of Puro’s fashion icon Audrey Hepburn adorn the walls.

As a petite person, I’ve been wondering how to embrace the wide-legged pants trend seen all over the spring fashion magazines. “Not to worry,” advises Puro and she pulls out a wide-legged jean made by Just Black Denim which I try on and lo and behold, it actually looks good. Puro and all her employees have a strong sense of style and can immediately size up your silhouette and provide ideas of items to try on. I wonder what shoes to wear with the jeans and Puro offers suggestions. “The number one question we get from customers, is what shoes should I wear with an outfit?”

Next up, I want to try on a floral dress as the fashion magazines are saturated with them for spring. On a small frame, prints can look overwhelming but Puro knows what patterns will work with my figure. The kelly green floral wrap dress by Cupcakes & Cashmere is a winner and best of all, it is not like the dozens of black dresses I have hanging in my closet. With graduations and baby showers on the horizon, I am all sorted with this little number.

Snapworthy Spring Trends

I want to know what other spring trends are blooming and Puro is at the ready with several sartorial suggestions. Flower prints and pastel colors are popular. She also carries several leopard print items.  Leopard print is big this spring but if you don’t want a full outfit with it, the store has leopard print hats, scarves and bags. Other trends include cropped and slightly flared jeans or pants and any item in blue. “Blue is the new black this season,” proclaims Puro.

“Fashion should also be fun,” attests Puro. She holds several themed events to coincide with popular television shows that have stylish costumes such as “Downton Abbey” and “Mad Men”.

Mrs. Maisel Trunk Show: April 27

This spring she will hold a “Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” trunk show event on Saturday, April 27th from noon – 5 p.m. The event will pay homage to the style icon played by actress Rachel Brosnahan featuring retro-inspired clothing from Nanette Lepore and Fifteen Twenty. Champagne and snacks will be available and Puro will also be giving out cat eye sunglasses as a gift for customers who make a purchase.

As Puro wraps up my items (I also purchase a Nicole Miller dress for an upcoming Bar Mitzvah on my visit on the sale rack no less), I notice the lovely tissue paper decorated with delicate dragonflies. It’s no surprise that before opening March, Puro worked in beauty for Estee Lauder. Confidence breeds beauty was one of Lauder’s favorite sayings and as I walk out the door with my fashion-forward items, I feel like a million bucks and can’t wait to wear my new dresses this spring.

March Boutique

1207 Pleasantville Rd

Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510

Phone: (914) 923-2100

Marchboutique.com

 

High Fashion for the Kids, Right Around the Corner

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lolkids4

Three years ago, Julia Rozenfeld found her calling. The Juilliard graduate and classically-trained pianist turned Wall Street powerhouse took over LOL Kids in Armonk. She quickly revamped the small clothing store and turned it into one of Westchester and Connecticut’s premier shopping destinations for the under-14 set.

Rozenfeld, a Chappaqua resident, has a four-year-old daughter and an 11-year-old son. An avid shopper at LOL Kids, she told her husband that she wanted to take it over when the previous owner decided to move to the West Coast. “It was the only shop in Westchester that I liked for clothes for my kids,” she remembers. Her husband initially thought she was joking.

Yet Rozenfeld was completely serious. She moved the store next door to a larger space with an additional floor and added more than 30 new clothing lines. She transformed LOL Kids into a high-end, hand-picked, unique boutique with over 35 hard-to-find children’s clothing brands for girls and boys. From Stella McCartney’s children’s line, Kenzo, Gautier, and Chloe to cult labels from Australia, Bulgaria, and Lithuania, Rozenfeld is introducing Westchester’s littlest fashionistas to her curated collection of clothing.  “We offer a unique niche because everything is fashionably fine and hand-picked, and we try to keep the price point competitive.”

lolkids6

For the holiday season, Rozenfeld has chosen several one-of-a-kind items, including unique necklaces for young girls, exquisite newborn outfits, special dresses from Tutu du Monde, and this year’s favorite–giant pompom hats. She hopes people will come in for that special something, whether it be a small stocking stuffer or a more elaborate gift.

lolkids3

“We want to sell things that will make children look and feel very special,” says Rozenfeld. Rozenfeld, who also added photographer to her list of talents, has her daughter Sophie test out many of the girls’ clothing lines and serve as the fashion model for the store.

“We would feel very special to be able to help people out, to meet more people, and to share our vision of beautiful things with them,” says Rozenfeld.

lolkids5

Her favorite part of owning the store is meeting so many new people and connecting with clients. While she has lived in Chappaqua for over 12 years, opening LOL Kids enabled her to meet many more members of the community. And she says that “the most exciting part of my day is when clients text me pictures of their kids wearing my outfits. It really warms my heart.”

lolkids2

Stop in and introduce yourself to Rozenfeld. Experience the latest fashion trends for children, right here in Armonk. Whether you’re searching for French children’s brands like Catimini and Petit Bateau, niche Italian brands like Fun&Fun and Mi Mi Sol, or super-fashionable, reasonably priced European brands like Nikolia, Rozenfeld has them. And she will make sure you can find that perfect, one-of-a-kind outfit for your child.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JULIE ROZENFELD

Deborah Notis is a writer and co-owner of gamechangernow.com, a free referral service connecting Westchester families to highly qualified instructors. Deborah’s writing can be found in the Inside Press publications as well as on suburbanmisfitmom.com.

Fall into Fashion this Season: Stylish in Town Offerings Abound

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Nicole’s Look: From Squires-Nally & Millie long sleeve, Fillmore rain coat, Christopher Blue stretch cords, and Frye motorcycle boots. Chrisu scarf and all jewelry from House of 29. Tom Ford sunglasses from Eye Gallery. Hair by Salon 228 and makeup by Victoria Hair from Cathy’s Hair Room
Nicole’s Look: From Squires-Nally & Millie long sleeve, Fillmore rain coat, Christopher Blue stretch cords, and Frye motorcycle boots. Chrisu scarf and all jewelry from House of 29. Tom Ford sunglasses from Eye Gallery.
Hair by Salon 228 and makeup by Victoria Hair from Cathy’s Hair Room
Trent’s Squires Look: Arc’teryx vest, Vineyard Vines button down, Tommy Bahama cords, and Ugg Boots
Trent’s Squires Look: Arc’teryx vest, Vineyard Vines button down, Tommy Bahama cords, and Ugg Boots

By Lauren Levin

Fall is an amazing season. The fashion is especially fun:  structured blazers, thick boots, and boyfriend jeans.  It’s a beautiful one in Chappaqua–and the busiest! School starts! Work gets crazy; you may have been working the entire summer but the Tuesday after Labor Day is always a bit more hectic?  You may well find yourself/entire family completely booked in September/October/November:  driving kids to soccer practice/playdates/birthday parties/Dunkin Donuts (they seem to all get hungry), and picking up a blueberry pie at the Farmer’s Market (it’s just that good!). If you’re feeling ambitious, you make a stop at Community Day, this year on September 26th, so your two-year-old can hit that bouncy castle.

Bottom line: You are always running short on time; also, you just moved here; all you own are your “city” clothes (you know the ones you wore before you had kids?). Maybe you have too many work clothes? Or you’ve been meaning to buy a new wardrobe, but who has time to drive to and from the mall (and who wants to pay for parking anyway)?

Here’s our solution…check out our stores in town! You’ll save time.  You’ll receive impeccable service. And you might even find something to wear that’s a trade up from that old uniform.  Take a moment to check out what this town has to offer this fall season–I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

Touted as the store for the entire family, Squires Family Clothing and Footwear has great brands and an amazing selection year round.

You can find a Patagonia fleece for chilly summer nights and it’s the go to store for busy, casual, days. In Nicole’s case, she’s got three kids (ages 3 to 10); she’s constantly on the move. Comfort and function is essential. Grey stretch pants, an Army green rain coat with hidden hood, and motorcycle boots serve her well. She popped on a few accessories to enhance her look. For the weekend, Trent swapped his track pants and sneakers for grey corduroys, comfortable walking boots, and, the Arc’teryx vest, a best seller at Squires. Trent bought it unprompted right after the photo shoot–enough said!

Cheryl’s House of 29 Look (left to right): Chrisu scarf, Madeworn Rock vintage tee, all jewelry by Kismet, Mavi jeans
Cheryl’s House of 29 Look (left to right): Chrisu scarf, Madeworn Rock vintage tee, all jewelry by Kismet, Mavi jeans
Alex’s Family Britches Look with a Jocelyn rab- bit infinity scarf. Hair and makeup by Victoria Hair from Cathy’s Hair Room.
Alex’s Family Britches Look with a Jocelyn rab- bit infinity scarf. Hair and makeup by Victoria Hair from Cathy’s Hair Room.

A new addition to the hamlet, House of 29 showcases up and coming designers, looks from day to evening.  Sarah, the owner, grew up in Chappaqua. Her goal: Find you an entire outfit to suit your lifestyle. With a structured blazer over a vintage Billy Joel tee (does anyone not like Billy Joel?), and boyfriend skinny jeans, Cheryl looks casual but sharp. Discovering a good pair of jeans is like discovering Shangri-La. These Mavi ones fit her like a dream. Utilizing the scarf as a head band, Cheryl’s crystal blue eyes just popped. To complete the look, she added delicate pieces of jewelry.

 

Cheryl’s House of 29 Look: Veda blazer and Carolina Bucci bracelets. Hair and makeup by Victoria Hair from Cathy’s Hair Room.
Cheryl’s House of 29 Look: Veda blazer and Carolina Bucci bracelets. Hair and makeup by Victoria Hair from Cathy’s Hair Room.
Alex’s Look (L-R): Reed Krakoff Bag from Couture Dossier; Marika rings and Legi Emerald Earrings from ICD Contemporary Jewelry; Allude cashmere sweater and Repeat leather leggings from Family Britches. Trent’s Family Britches Look (L-R): Top coat, button down, and cashmere sweater by Zegna, Martin Ding- man belt, Incotex pants, and Allen Edmonds shoes.
Alex’s Look (L-R): Reed Krakoff Bag from Couture Dossier; Marika rings and Legi Emerald Earrings from ICD Contemporary Jewelry; Allude cashmere sweater and Repeat leather leggings from Family Britches. Trent’s Family Britches Look (L-R): Top coat, button down, and cashmere sweater by Zegna, Martin Ding- man belt, Incotex pants, and Allen Edmonds shoes.

Perhaps Friday night you’ll meet your spouse at Le Jardin du roi, our always popular and reliable French Bistro. For Trent, he’s hopping off the train wearing a reversible Zegna overcoat–wool on one side, waterproof on the other, cashmere sweater over a button down, and blue slacks–pow! Family Britches assembled this entire look together because this is what they do best. They artfully curate wardrobes for their clientele. Plus they will accommodate your schedule by meeting you at your home or office, delivering to your house, and providing alterations free of charge on purchased merchandise. For the women’s look, Alex is wearing slim leather pants, a cashmere sweater, and rabbit infinity scarf. If you look good in black stretchy pants, logic says that you’ll look even better in leather, black, stretchy pants. Colorful bling from ICD Contemporary Jewelry and a handbag from Couture Dossier elevate her look.

Trent’s Family Britches look. Hair done by Salon 228
Trent’s Family Britches look. Hair done by Salon 228

With this breadth of merchandise, you’ll find something that suits your lifestyle right here in Chappaqua.  Fall is such a great time in this town.  Enjoy it. And enjoy looking good.

Lauren Levin is a former Buyer and full-time mom. She serves on the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce and loves to shop local.