Three hip, fresh boutiques that stamp 'fashion' on Fairfield County communities

by Emily Tomas, Fairfield County Fashionista

Scouring your closet of infinite woven designs, tossing ancient apparel of disastrous faux pas, you come to realize, you have nothing to wear. It’s an age-old dilemma that forces us to ravage through department stores until we find something that fits to some degree, and turns into a mistake as soon as the cashier says, “would you like your receipt in the bag?” Most people find themselves lost in this situation, hoping to one day locate a shop to satisfy their every need. Three Fairfield County shops have tapped into this niche, lending a hand for those unacquainted with fashionable expression.

Falling for Fashion

Garnished with an elegant European style, “Head-Over-Heels” boutique in Bethel has a contemporary twist on classic accessories. An inviting atmosphere with a hint of international music in the backdrop, this shop is an oasis for local trendsetters. Jeanny Weinstein, the shop owner and sole employee conveys her New York City ideals of fashionable diversity through every piece she carries.

Originally the store concept was to sell only shoes, but after two and a half years in the business, she expanded her collection to accessories and clothing. She chooses her pieces according to her own taste as well as her clients, who range from the youthful and fashionably savvy, to those still searching for their individual sense of style.

Head-Over-Heels, LLC. has made an impression on the town of Bethel in more ways than one. From its ambiance to the opportunity it grants those in need of a shopping consultant, or even a friend, this boutique is as unique as the woman who created it. On the influence of fashion, Jeanny says, “It’s like playing dress-up, you can be anyone you want to be.”

For more information, visit: http://headoverheelsboutique.com.

Chic Meets Unique

Perusing the city of Fairfield, you will undoubtedly lock eyes with “Jennifer Butler, Made to Measure Clothing Designer,” a bold boutique facing Post Road head-on with elaborate window displays that epitomize individuality. An urban cove with a cozy community feel, Fairfield is an ideal home for a shop that offers a unique opportunity to its patrons, fashioning custom-made clothing with a purpose.

Her boutique is a haven for creativity, modern and chic in style with orange and brown accents on the storefront. It is adorned with stunning threaded creations and photos of her upcoming collection lining the walls. A few steps further will reveal her workspace, a cork floor ideal for cutting and measuring hours on end.

Though some may classify her designs as couture, Jennifer will adamantly disagree, affirming that couture is made completely by hand, while her clothing is constructed with manual alterations and sewing machines. She creates samples for women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing that can be made to order off the racks, but will not create copies of other designers’ work.

Jennifer creates collections twice a year, but also adds pieces along the way to keep her shop looking “fresh.”

Upon reflecting on her creative boundaries Jennifer said, “I just wouldn’t do orange furry vests…unless I were working for Jim Henson.”

For more information, visit: www.jenniferbutler.com

I Love “lucy”

A new fashion staple has launched itself in Darien, and since Friday, April 4, 2008 has not gone unnoticed. “lucy,” a corporate retail store rapidly sweeping the nation, has set the stage of fashion for today’s active women. Owned by VF Corporation, it is considered a “contemporary brand,” and its mission is to: “offer beautifully designed lifestyle apparel that inspires women to live healthy, active balanced lives.”

“lucy” was first established ten years ago with the intention of filling the gap between casual and trendy active wear. With its “active, relaxed, and sleek” fits, the company has created a line that can accommodate various body types, ranging from sizes 0 to 18, short to long. Its signature product is the pants, known as “pants in lengths,” with six styles including: everyday, vital, power, studio, agility, and spa.

Thus far, “lucy” has 62 stores and is still growing. The company has introduced a concept, and is making sure that its promise is kept.

For more information, visit: http://www.lucy.com