Cary, NC- As part of our new series on fashion, I popped into some of our locally owned women’s clothing stores to see what’s hot for Fall.In Cary, we are fortunate to have several local retailers who each seek out their special customer whether artsy or urban. For this story, I shopped at a couple of places in The Arboretum.
Ciao Bella
Located on the corner of Weston Parkway and North Harrison, I swung into Ciao Bella and spoke with owner Ali Ciampa. Her store has a sleek urban feel with dark wood floors and buff colored faux suede walls. The shelving and racks are stainless steel and highlight the sleek lines of the chic clothing lines.
Ali told me that her customer is someone “who appreciates being put together and wants to feel…that what she’s wearing is not seen elsewhere.”
To find these special looks for her youthful customer, Ali attends the Atlanta Apparel Mart 3-4 times a year. But she added, frequently her vendors come to her with merchandise to buy. It enables her to stay focused on the store.
Color Returns
What did she see while she was there last for Fall 2010? Lots of color! Last year there was a whole lot of purple, and that has shifted somewhat and Ali bought more variety. New neutrals this year, were several grey pieces and a gorgeous cocktail dress in navy.
Key items? Ali says she sells a lot of “Date Tops”- you know- when you plan a night out with your honey, or meeting your gal-pals for drinks…This season, expect lots of tunics, either knit, sweaters, or shirts, which can be shown belted worn over skinny jeans or leggings. And jackets are gaining importance. She showed me a military inspired black jacket that actually had a detachable ruffle creating 2 different looks.
Ciao Bell also represents the Peter Millar line for men. This line will soon expand in Ciao Bella- more on that in coming weeks.
Denim & Lace
Next I walked around the corner to Denim and Lace, owned by Julie Sezer. She explained that her customer is “looking for something different and innovative which she could wear casually ” or to a more relaxed workplace. She described her clothing as “fun”"eclectic and boho”. Julie sells a great deal of upscale denim by “Red Engine” and “Paige” and contemporary casual wear from Weston Wear and XCVI.
Hot Items
One her best selling items besides her ugg boots is the Mini Tonka line of suede shoes and boots, and the price points were very reasonable (Note to self: come back for Christmas for my daughter). Jeggings are also a big item and she showed me a pair made of a ponte knit with an exposed elastic flat waistband that I could see wearing with everything this Fall.
One of her biggest successes? The Faux Leather jacket, and she showed me a couple that are in already, with belted waists. They are a bargain at under $100.
Julie also sees a lot of color coming for fall- fucshia replacing purple for the top shade this year. Military green, even in a skinny cargo jean, and of course grey.
Where Does She Shop?
Julie heads to the Las Vegas Apparel Mart 3-4 times a year and sometimes she heads out to L.A. This year she is bringing in Fall closer to when the customer will need it. That is something I heard repeatedly from the stores I visited. They no longer buy merchandise way in advance of the season and then sit on it for 6 weeks, having to mark it down when the season finally hits and the customer is ready to buy.
Be forwarned: If you see it and want it: These boutiques buy in small quantities, and your size may be gone if you wait for the sale.
Next Time
Next week, look for what’s in store at Possibilities, celebrating 23 years in Saltbox Village. I’ll also check out At Ease, which recently opened in the Fresh market Shopping Center on Cary Parkway.
Let me know what you’ll be wearing this Fall!
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