“Florals are everywhere: rompers, maxi’s, shorts, and tops. We love them and have plenty to go around.”
When you walk into TC Ellis, a local clothing boutique on Broadway, you see a sign that says “Summer is Here.” With temperatures rising and students back for summer school, summer fashion trends are on the rise for many boutiques in the Hub City.
Ashleigh Lickert is a stylist at TC Ellis and said florals are the perfect print this summer.
“We offer big and small flower patterns, but whichever you choose will be sure to keep you looking classy yet fun,” Lickert said in a phone interview. “Summer means warm weather, which hopefully means golden tans, and sun-kissed skin will absolutely pop against our neon rompers, dresses, kimonos, etc.”
Lickert said summer time is the perfect time to come in and get an outfit for any occasion and the store is constantly being updated with new items.
“Our customers can always expect new items flowing through our store each week,” Lickert said. “We receive shipments each day and new things are always out on the floor.”
Neon is a staple for summer, Lickert said, along with printed shorts and crop tops.
“Crops are very versatile tops and are super in. They go great with maxi skirt or high waisted shorts,” Lickert said. “They are becoming more fashionable than ever.”
Lickert said TC Ellis carries items with elastic waistbands and fabric that flows so women can feel comfortable in them, whatever size they are.
“We want all of our customers to look and feel their best, which is easy when you slip on a pair of our comfortable yet fashion-forward shorts,” Lickert said. “With a loose fit, flowy feel, and stylish pattern, you’ll never want to take them off. Many even feature an elastic waistband for our most breathable fit yet.”
Another local boutique is making waves this summer.
The Polkadot Alley, located on 50th Street and Utica Avenue, has been open in a store front since March.
Rachel Cook is the general manager and said maxi dresses are the summer trend she has noticed.
“Maxi dresses are our biggest seller right now,” Cook said, “but we also have long, short, just fun dresses throughout.”
Cook said The Polkadot Alley is not only fun and fashion forward but can also fit any budget, even one of a college student.
“Our highest price is probably $148 and our lowest is going to be $28, so we have a good variety for everyone that comes in.”
The Polkadot Alley not only carries clothing, Cook said, but lotion, candles, soaps, tables, chairs, and even TOMS Shoes products.
“We carry Nest Candles, which is a line from Nordstrom,” Cook said. “We have all sorts of lotions and we also have jewelry lines.”
Cook said the store is preparing to carry the full TOMS Shoes line, and along with the shoes, they have several different lines that will give back with every purchase.
“We do a lot of giving back. Several of our jewelry lines are similar to TOMS, where when you make a purchase, it gives back,” Cook said. “We have a special give back area in the store and that is a focus for us. Whether it’s a local give back where we support local artists, we purchase a lot of our items here in Texas.”
Cook said maxi dresses are not the only summer friendly items The Polkadot Alley has to offer. They also have bathing suits.
“It’s called L-Space and it’s a huge line. They are so cute and will have lace, bright colors, neutrals,” Cook said. “We will also start carrying flip flops to go with them.”
If you like shopping online, TC Ellis and Polkadot Alley have Facebook pages and websites to accompany you.
For more information visit http://www.shoptcellis.com or https://www.facebook.com/ThePolkadotAlley.
About Erin Willis
