The weather is finally, finally cooling down.
For women who want to change their wardrobe this fall season, the key is to understand their personal style.
Fortunately, Volusia County has a wide variety of locally owned clothing boutiques to help you get started. Here are some tips from three local boutiques.
JYL’s house
“When it comes to fashion, people shouldn’t think too much,” said Jakara Lewis, owner of House of JYL at 807 Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd. in Daytona Beach.
“They should always buy things that they like. Many people adjust to social networks. Most people copy what they see other people wearing. Some don’t even know what their true style is.
“If you are someone versatile and avant-garde, be versatile and avant-garde. If you are one of the most relaxed and have a simple style, be simple. When people try to dress out of style, it’s always a disaster.”
House of JYL carries women’s sizes from small to extra large.
“Most of the clothes we wear are stretchy,” Lewis said. “I’m more for comfort, I don’t really like wearing clothes that don’t stretch because it doesn’t flatter my core group of buyers.”
Lewis said that the basic pieces are essential.
“A good pair of denim jeans would be a great staple piece,” he said. “With a good pair of denim you can wear heels, sandals, sneakers, it just depends on your mood. I always recommend that people have a light, medium and dark wash. They mix differently with different colors and textures. So I always tell people to invest in a good pair of jeans.”
Lewis said that pretty doesn’t always mean expensive.
“You can find good quality jeans for $50 or $60,” he said. “I don’t mind paying more money for certain items if I can keep them for a couple of years. Some people don’t want to make the investment, but that’s what style is all about.”
Lewis said it’s also a good idea to keep colors neutral in the mix.
“Neutral colors are easy to mix and can take your outfit a long way,” she said.
Address: 807 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd., Daytona Beach
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 2 to 8 pm
Telephone: 386-307-3312
Offerings: Clothing options ranging from fun, flirty to elegant.
Pinup Salon Boutique
Janelle Zipse, owner of Pinup Parlor Boutique, specializes in a more retro look.
“I love retro styles,” said Zipse, whose store is at 115 N. Woodland Blvd. in DeLand. “We offer a variety of styles that are unique and work for all sizes. We’re mostly known for retro-inspired clothing, but we have lots of accessories like jewelry, sunglasses, shoes, hair ties, and other fun gifts.”
Zipse said living in Florida allows for more room to have fun with fashion.
“We don’t really have winter clothes since we’re in Florida,” he said. “We mainly wear dresses. For fall, you can add cardigans and leggings underneath to make your outfit more fall-appropriate.”
Address: 115 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand
Hours: From Tuesday to Saturday, from 12 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Telephone: 386-873-2961
Offerings: Pinup Parlor Boutique is a gift boutique with an edge. You can find a variety of items, from super girly to rocker chic. Pinup Parlor sells jewelry, sunglasses, candles, soaps, aprons, makeup, pinup dresses, shoes, handbags, and more.
Little Nice Things of DeLand
Tracy Word, owner of Pretty Little Things of DeLand at 113 N. Woodland Blvd., said accessories are a popular item at her store.
“Our Bourbon accessories and Bowties are very popular,” said Word. “Beaded accessories are very popular right now. We always wear some kind of Christmas jewelry. Our jewelry tends to stay the same because our weather is pretty consistent here in Florida. Our jewelery tends to be a little bit modern, a little bit elegant but mostly fun.”
Address: 113 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand
Hours: From Tuesday to Saturday, from 12 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Telephone: 386-736-0005
Offerings: Pretty Little Things of DeLand has a unique mix of vintage items ranging from vintage t-shirts to fun accessories and gifts.
Source: www.news-journalonline.com