MAY 08
MAY'S FIVE EASY PIECES
LOCAL RETAILERS PICK THEIR FAVORITES
At THE FAMILY GROOVE, we say: "Think Global, GET IT Local." It's our mission to deliver
the
groove right to
your
doorstep—or computer screen, as it were. In TFG's global village,
local
stores share the stage with
national and
international ones. Each month TFG will
introduce
you to regional retailers who have got it going on.
1. THE DRESS
Sabrina Rinderle and Tara Espinoza of the super hip Undies and Outies Boutique in Seattle, Washington, says this versatile dress is the must-have of the season.
“This is by far our favorite item that's come into our store. This one-size-fits-almost-all dress (sizes two through 16) is perfect for twiggy figures, voluptuous gals, dieters and even expectant mothers. Imagine the possibilities for your bridesmaids' body type woes—the six-foot sister-in-law-to-be, your gymnast BFF from high school and everyone in between. Super forgiving, the fabric is available in jersey or satin blends and hides most figure flaws.
The price for the all-in-one dress is just $225.00, and with at least 12 ways to wear it, you're looking at $20 per dress. The hardest decision is which color to purchase: black, blue juice, vixen (red), plum, slate, navy and more.
If you were stranded on a deserted island or on a business trip with three unexpected cocktail parties and important one dinner, this would be the only dress you'd ever need.”
$225 Butter by Nadia Dress
Available at Queen Anne Dispatch/Undies & Outies
www.undiesandouties.com
2212 Queen Anne Avenue North
Seattle, Washington
206.286.1024
2. THE BLOOMERS
LuAnn Glowacz of the sweet-n-sassy baby boutique, Austinables in Austin, Texas, thinks these diaper covers are the tot accessory de rigueur.
“I just can’t resist Sweet Cheeks bloomers from Austin’s own Mullins Square. These terry cloth diaper covers are fabulously shabby chic and they’re available in the bright, fresh colors that are so hot this season. Pair them with a t-shirt or tank top and your baby girl is ready to stay comfortably cool in the summer heat. One size will fit an infant up to one year old. And at $12.50 each, you can afford one for every day of the week.”
$12.50, Sweet Cheeks bloomers
Austinables
www.austinables.com
W. William Cannon Drive Suite B-150, #225
Austin, TX
512.789.1471
3. THE BATHING SUIT
Amara Felice of the innovative and artist-driven Eidolon in Brooklyn, New York, thinks that these custom-made suits are summer's best way to have good—and good looking—old fashioned fun.
“I have had consistent success with these bathing suits, every summer for the past six years. The suits are reminiscent of '50s and '60s beachwear and are made in colorful retro printed and solid spandex. My customer comes in for a fitting, trying on samples in small, medium or large. Then we figure out the style, size and fabric (30 to choose from). The suit costs $125 and it is paid for at the time of ordering. It is ready in two weeks or less.
I make each bathing suit by hand, one at a time. I give special attention to each one, making adjustments to customize it for each individual. Among my satisfied customers is actress Jennifer Connelly (a Park Slope resident) who bought two halter bikinis. A suit was also featured in the “Miss Park Slope in the 2008 I Heart Brooklyn Girls: pin up Calendar (July).”
$125, Custom-made bathing suit by Amara Felice
Eidolon
www.eidolonbklyn.com
233 Fifth Avenue
(between Carroll and President)
Brooklyn, NY
718.638.8194
4. THE SET
Samantha Smith of the unique and fashionable women and kids' James Store in Granville, Ohio, thinks this adorable ensemble is tops for spring and summer.
“Tunic-length tops for girls are still hip this season. Plum Pudding, one of the kids’ lines we carry, came out this spring with this orange and white Palm Beach print. The outfit comes in both big girl and little girl sizes and is stylish and cute at the same time. The $63 set also comes with a matching kerchief and knee length fitted white shorts. As a store owner and a mom, I really have a vested interest in our kids’ lines. Both my five-year-old and two-year-old little girls will be wearing this Plum Pudding outfit in Florida next month while on vacation.”
$63, Plum Pudding outfit
The James Store
www.thejamesstore.com
124 E. Broadway, Granville, OH
740.587.3061
5. THE COOLER WEATHER STAPLE
Carol Yenne the funky and fresh Small Frys in San Francisco, California, says this warm and cozy two-piece is wardrobe must for all little ones.
“Here's a picture of my grandson in one of our favorite products for spring in San Francisco. We sell these long johns year-round, actually, because of our cool weather. It is a made in the USA and is very popular with the locals.”
From $24.95, Two-piece fleece long johns by Chammies
Small Frys
www.smallfrys.com
4066 24th Street
San Francisco CA
415. 648.3954
