Spring forecast
Long and short dresses. "As a businesswoman, I always hold my breath when we go to spring market. Some years the fashions can be tough for anyone over 20: everything is sheer and tight and short! Well, I am breathing very easy in my stores this spring because the ladylike trend from fall / winter continues," says Wetzel.

Wetzel is excited for the streamlined, shorter silhouettes hitting her stores like sheaths and trapeze styles. "Belted at the waist gives (the trapeze dress) a whole new 2008 attitude. And, the trapeze dress is being worn over leggings, slim skirts and jeans."

On the opposite end of the spectrum, relax in a long maxi-dress: "While short dresses abound, the long dress is the new darling of fashion. Whether breezy and beachy in feel to Copacabana redux to embellished and sexy, this long look strikes a balance between glamour and ease."

Prints. Glance at a vibrant, graphic Tory Burch shift dress and the message is clear: brights and bold prints are hot. "I'm thrilled the trends of color and prints are running counterintuitive to what usually happens in our business. Usually, Seventh Avenue mirrors Wall Street: the Dow takes a dive, and hemlines fall and clothes get serious. Not this season! I believe that spring fashions have the potential to lift our spirits."

Also look for florals, Pucci-esque patterns and tribal prints.

What's she's picking up
Lafayette black and white "scribble" print cotton skirt, $379. "That's going to take me a lot of places. I can start to wear it very soon with a black fine gauge cashmere cardigan. But, it will take me all the way through summer paired with a black or white T-shirt or tank."

Tory Burch flip flops, $45. "I'm a flip flop freak. And, at $45 a pop, they don't break the bank."

MZ Wallace gunmetal nylon bag, $325. "Of course, it's 'my' color. But, the bag itself is the perfect combination of fashion and function."

Diane von Furstenberg Ayoka dress, $365. "This dress is a white/brown/black print. [It's] a very flattering sheath style with some ruching at the waist. My staff is probably going to get sick of seeing me in this dress."

Katie Knuteson
Store manager, HERS
309 N. Water St., (414) 273-HERS

What they carry
"We like to be known as a New York style boutique because we do all of our buying in New York and L.A. We like to bring in the designers from those locations so that we have a separate selection from department stores, so we're more of a specialty shop," says Knuteson.

Spring forecast
Scarves. "We're seeing scarves all over. We just got a slew of bright colored scarves in silks," says Knuteson. Tie one around your neck for a splash of color or the handle of a handbag for a ladylike look.

Patent leather. A holdover from fall 2007, patent is still slick. While it may conjure up images of the '80s, new silhouettes keep patent fresh. Try a Kooba handbag in Kelly green, black patent or fuschia, says Knuteson. Headbands and belts are more subtle ways to incorporate patent without overpowering your look.

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6 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review.

Recent Talkbacks ...

Posted by Stinky on March 14, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. (report)

Fred is an amazing boutique! They have great clothes and everything is affordable! I agree...though I could afford to pay $365 for a skirt, I won't. What's the point? I would much rather have a larger wardrobe with more options than three really expensive pieces. When people tell you expensive pieces are an "investment", think about it...how long have you ever kept a certain piece?

Posted by Mserita on March 13, 2008 at 7:46 p.m. (report)

I agree. I cannot fathom paying almost $400 for a skirt! I appreciate quality in clothing and will pay more for it, but I can get a good quality skirt for $60 and then have enough extra to buy 5 more skirts if I wanted. Some affordable options would be nice.

Posted by Wez on March 12, 2008 at 12:59 p.m. (report)

Just go to The Limited. Cute clothes and you don't have to hang out on 20th & Capitol...oh ya, and their actually affordable so you can still have a social life and buy clothes.

Posted by taylerbaby on March 12, 2008 at 12:07 p.m. (report)

I appreciate the detail and quality of boutique garments, I simply can't afford a purse that costs as much as my rent! How about some lower-cost options OMC?

Posted by Yield on March 12, 2008 at 11:13 a.m. (report)

Liz LeBlanc is a swell gal, and we wish her all the best with her shop. Love, Yield