Best of Connecticut 2009: Style
BOUTIQUE: HIP
Flirt
Hamden, (203) 287-0092 (flirtboutiquect.com)
Flirt is a cool clothing shop with the flair of a European boutique. Since it opened in 2007, it's made quite a name for itself, offering a wide selection of hip clothes-from companies including Free People, J Brand Jeans, Sky Collection, Sweet Pea & Lily Dresses-perfect for a customer base that ranges from teenage comfortably through all ages. Go in with a few friends for a private party and try out the latest styles and trends.
CRAFTS GALLERY
Artisan's Marketplace
Plainville, (860) 747-4121 (artisansmarketplacect.com)
Few things rival the beauty and grace of fine American crafts, and there's no showcase lovelier than Route 10's family-run, hand-designed Victorian charmer Artisan's Marketplace. Stop here for aesthetically delicate and creatively utilitarian Follette Pottery from Louisiana; exquisite wood and tile clocks from Iowa's Schlabaugh & Sons; embossed leather-covered journals, checkbook covers and business card holders by California's Oberon Design Inc.; and Silver Seasons botanical jewelry from Connecticut's own Michael Michaud.
EYEGLASSES
OptiCare
Multiple locations, (800) CALL-EYE (eyecare4life.com).
With 18 locations in the state, OptiCare is not only one of the best eye-care facilities, it's also one of the most convenient. And that convenience extends to the services available at each location: A staff of ophthalmologists and optometrists to offers a full range of eye-care procedures and treatments. And then there are the eyeglasses-thousands of fashionable frames, including Anne Klein, Coach, Nautica and Kate Spade-and trained professionals who can help you pick out the eyeware that's eye-deal for you!
GIFT SHOP
The Bowerbird
Old Lyme, (860) 434-3562 (thebowerbird.com)
Proud purveyor of "impulsive necessities," over the last 20 years The Bowerbird has been equally adept at offering "cagey gifts you never knew existed" and "enough choices to make your head explode"-including decorative home and garden accessories, baby toys, gourmet foods, jewelry and greeting cards from more than 60 companies, not to mention the complete line of Vera Bradley accessories. You may not find the stone this 10,000-item-strong inventory leaves unturned, but you'll have a blast browsing for it.
JEWELRY: ESTATE
Peter Suchy Jewelers
Stamford, (203) 327-0024 (petersuchyjewelers.com)
This deceptively small shop boasts the area's largest antique and estate jewelry selection. Prepare to be dazzled by one-of-a-kind pieces-pink-gold necklaces from the late 19th century, platinum Art Deco rings from the Roaring '20s, unusual bracelets from the '40s and '50s, retro and modern pins and earrings. Suchy notes, "This is a time of tremendous opportunity. We have more inventory than ever, and the quality of what we have been able to buy has risen substantially. Serious buyers are looking for value as never before; we are busier than ever selling to people looking for a fair deal, and extremely good value."
MOTHER-OF-THE-BRIDE FASHION
Tamar
Old Saybrook, (860) 395-0722
Find just the right outfit for that very special occasion at this upscale shop where mother-of-the-bride and -groom fashions are a specialty. A variety of designer lines are available in sizes 2 through 18, along with a selection of handmade bags, shawls, elegant jewelry and Stuart Weitzman shoes. Complimentary alterations are the icing on the cake.
ANTIQUES, MODERN
George Champion Modern Shop
Woodbury, (203) 263-8442 (georgechampioncompany.com/modernshop)
A modern antique may seem like an oxymoron, but to lovers of 20th-century period pieces-from art to accessories-a modern collectible is the very best kind. And collectors who know where to find the finest mid-century (and later) treasures are passionate about George Champion Modern Shop in Woodbury. This real deal in Connecticut's antiques capital has a bounty of authentic home furnishings designed by the likes of Eero Saarinen, Ettore Sottsass, Frank Gehry and Charles & Ray Eames.
ANTIQUES, TRADITIONAL
Country Loft Antiques
Woodbury, (203) 266-4500 (countryloftantiques.com)
Granted, it's not hard to find a decent antiques store in Connecticut. Heck, it's not hard to find a bevy of them, often in the same town. Yet Country Loft Antiques continues to delight us, standing out like a jewel among the many shops up and down Woodbury's Main Street. On any given day, we'll stop in and see something lovely and rare that positively captivates us-from an 18th-century willow-and-wood French armoire to a delicate vintage lady's slip. The inventory here is constantly changing, but you can always count on Country Loft to take your antiques hunt to the next level.
BOUTIQUE: SHOES
Plaza Too
Greenwich, (203) 618-1023, New Canaan, (203) 972-1800, and Westport, (203) 454-4719 (plazatoo.com)
Women are passionate about Plaza Too (we once saw a shopper leave with 24 pairs of shoes-and she said she'd probably be back the next day!). And with good reason. The bright, airy shops offer an impressive selection of high-style footwear, from loafers to strappy sandals, pumps and ballerinas, boots, peep-toes and flip-flops, by such leading lights as Cole Haan, Kate Spade, Juicy Couture, Stuart Weitzman and Marc Jacobs. They also carry Jack Rogers, Converse and Birkenstock. And wait till you see the handbags-by Rebecca Minkoff, Tory Burch, Longchamp, Chocolat Blu and Furla, among many others.
BOUTIQUE: TEENS
Wishlist
New Haven, (203) 562-3500, and other locations (shopwishlist.com)
Having trouble understanding your teenage daughter's new style? Well, Wishlist offers just what she has been wishing for, showcasing more than 50 labels on clothing racks full of the latest designs. With items ranging from graphic tees and dresses to tank and party tops, any teen is guaranteed to find that perfect clothing item. Make sure you visit any of the four locations and don't forget your list!
BOUTIQUE: WOMEN
Tina Dragone
Westport, (203) 259-1184
If you want to dress like everybody else, this probably isn't the store for you. Tina's got a fabulous new location a little up the Post Road from her previous spot, and inside she's got the same eclectic selection of très chic clothing by Trina Turk, Jenne Maag, Loeffler Randall, Bryan Bradley, White + Warren, Cambio and James Jeans; cool handbags by Gustto, Kooba and Rebecca Minkoff; and exciting jewelry by Stephen Dweck, Alexis Bittar and Lee Angel.
CONSIGNMENT SHOP
Designer Label Consignments
Westport, (203) 255-9099
Designer Label Consignment (DLC) may not be the biggest consignment shop around, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for with its very well-edited selection of great "gently worn" designer clothing and accessories. Owner Mary O'Toole prides herself on being "very picky," and accepts only items in impeccable condition-with names like Prada, Armani, theory and Etro, as well as midrange names like J. Crew, James Perse and 3 dots, and a whole rack of jeans. Best of all, O'Toole won't hesitate to tell you when something doesn't work on you. What really sets DLC apart is the separate room of menswear. It's long been a truism that you can't sell men's clothes on consignment because guys wear their clothes into the ground. But O'Toole has found some who don't, ones who are partial to Ralph Lauren, Nat Nast and Hickey Freeman, apparently.
CUSTOM RINGS
Manfredi
Greenwich, (203) 622-1414 (manfredijewels.com)
Let's say you have a ring in your mind's eye. Maybe it showcases a precious gem that belonged to your mother, or maybe it's a piece of jewelry so unique you've never seen anything like it . . . well, Manfredi of Greenwich can make it a reality. Planning a wedding? Manfredi can create heirloom-quality engagement or wedding rings, too. Starting from scratch with European craftsmanship, Manfredi custom jewelers will design a precious, personal ring that will bring you joy forever. There's more to Manfredi than rings, by the way; they make bracelets, pins and necklaces, too, and can transform older pieces into brand-new designs.
EVENINGWEAR
Seychelles
New Haven, (203) 498-2626, and Westport, (203) 341-9960 (Seychelles-dresses.com)
Whether you're looking for a gown for a ball, a smoking-hot party frock or a sophisticated cocktail dress, this is the place to find it. Mother-and-daughter team Pansy and Keisha Blake stock the shops with top designers like Nicole Miller, Chloé, Yolanda Arce, Badgley Mischka, Kay Unger, Juan Carlos Pinera, Betsey Johnson and Hervé Léger, as well as new and upcoming designers from all over the world. They also carry chic accessories-evening purses, wraps, scarves and long gloves-the perfect finishing touch.
FABRIC STORE
The Barn
Bridgeport, (203) 334-3396 (thebarn-bridgeport.com)
A fabric stash is a guilty pleasure-without the calories. If you love the look and feel of beautiful textiles and the thrill that comes from buying fabulous fabric off the bolt, then The Barn in Bridgeport will make you giddy. Brimming with the finest designer fabrics, notions and ready-made bedding and window treatments, this amazing place has been in business in Bridgeport for more than 50 years-and in the same 1869 storage barn no less. Known for its custom work as well as its selection, The Barn offers up a treasure trove of possibilities!
GIFT BASKETS
Emmy Lou's Ltd.
Glastonbury, (860) 633-9565
Purveyor of made-to-order, one-of-a-kind gift baskets, Emmy Lou's has been in business for 23 years. Owner Emmy Lou DeBari incorporates unusual gift items into baskets for a bride, a new baby, a holiday, birthday, anniversary, etc. Your basket might contain silk or dried flowers, candles, place mats, jewelry, toiletries and more. Just leave it to Emmy Lou to create an out-of-the-ordinary gift basket/keepsake.
JEWELRY: COSTUME, FUN, SPECIALTY
Dovecote
Westport, (203) 222-7500 (dovecote-westport.com)
We loved this store even before they added this sliver of a jewel shop on one side-now it is a definite must-stop in Westport. Owner Sarah Kaplan, once a buyer for Neiman-Marcus and Barneys, has a tastemaker's eye for beautiful, unique things, and the jewelry here is truly exceptional. The shop offers a diverse collection of original pieces by over 135 artists and vendors from all over the country-names like Dana Kellin, Grazia Jewelry, Gerard Yosca, Margo Morrison and Steven Vaubel-as well as Anne Lightfoot and Asha by ADM of Connecticut.
KITCHEN SUPPLY STORE
Chef's Equipment Emporium Co.
Wallingford, (203) 269-3971 (chefsequip.com)
If you think the Chef's Equipment Emporium is just for chefs, you're in for a pleasant surprise. This place is packed with every cooking and serving implement you can imagine (some curious, some unique), but it doesn't sell to the pros only. Sure, it's a go-to source for food-service operations in all of New England (plus New York and New Jersey), but no matter your skill level in the kitchen or the number of people you serve, you can take home anything from its 150,000-square-foot showroom. Knowledgeable staffers will walk you through your next dish and show you how to work your new favorite tool-just for the asking.
LINGERIE
Soleil Toile
Westport, (203) 454-8688, and New Canaan, (203) 966-2887 (soleiltoile.com)
With so many large stores cutting back on lingerie departments, how nice to find a small shop with a salon atmosphere offering personalized attention (including on-staff bra fitters and service catering to "special needs") and the finest brands. Whether it's bras (Chantelle, La Perla, Prima Donna), underwear (Coulida, Hanro, Hanky Panky) or swimwear (Karla Colletto, La Perla, Eres, Letarte), the best is here.
MEN'S HATS
DelMonico Hatter
New Haven, (203) 787-4086, (866) 470-HATS (delmonicohatter.com)
Both a thriving Internet business and an Elm Street landmark (look for the Mad Hatter signboard), DelMonico has been selling, sizing, cleaning and repairing-this is the only hat-repair service in Connecticut-any style of chapeau you can name since 1908. Standouts include beaver fur fedoras by Borsalino and Stetson (and the officially licensed pinch-front Indiana Jones fedora), wide-brimmed planter Panamas, all-weather Tilley Endurables and Bailey pork-pies. There are a few women's caps, berets and formal hats on hand as well, but we'd rather dress in drag for a chance to wear one of the shop's snow-white derbies.
MEN'S SHOES
Footprints
Newington, (860) 666-3100 (footprintsshoes.com)
We know that finding the right shoe can be a big problem. Footprints carries more than 200 name brands, has more than 120,000 pairs in stock and over 70 associates who are willing to assist you. With sizes ranging from 6 to 21 and widths from 2A to 5E, in styles from casual to dressy, you are sure to find the "just right" shoe that'll put a bounce in your step!
MEN'S TIES
Vineyard Vines
Greenwich, (203) 661-1803, and Westport, (203) 227-3400 (vineyardvines.com)
Headquartered in Stamford, Vineyard Vines offers an extensive line of men's and women's apparel and accessories. But it's the company's charter creations-100 percent silk printed men's ties sporting preppie designs and offbeat colors-that continue to fascinate fashionistas of all stripes. In addition to collections commemorating universities (from Auburn to Yale) and NFL/MLB teams, there are ties for the golden retriever, Easter Egg, Greenwich street sign and bluefish lovers in your life-just for starters. Many are available in boys' size, extra long, bow-tie and bow-tie/cummerbund variations, too.
SWIMSUITS
Tahiti Street
Greenwich, (203) 622-1878 (tahitistreet.com)
Andrea Bisordi knows swimwear. Her tony Greenwich Avenue boutique, now in its 20th year, features suits by 35 top designers from Europe and elsewhere (Eres and Manuel Canovas from Paris, Etro from Milan), and cutting-edge American designers such as Trina Turk, Robin Piccone, Letarte and Tommy Bahama. There are bikinis, one-pieces and tankinis galore, as well as pareos, cover-ups, dresses and even bust pads (we'll never tell!). The Web site has lots of trend advice and helpful buying tips, so you'll be sure to find the perfect suit for your shape.
