PREEN & CHIC: Sarasota got the blues!

A memory recently came to mind of a time when, over coffee, my friend and Ringling graduate Whitley Floyd and I were having one of those light conversations. I asked her, "What color do you see in me?" Silly question to most, but I like to think that people give off a color; you can feel it when you are close to them.

Whitley's response was cobalt blue. Being an artist, she had to choose a specific color and she explained to me that cobalt blue is one of the richest pigments. I, of course, have been mesmerized by the color since. As we move through the non-existent winter, local boutiques are already looking into spring. The major trend I keep seeing in my favorite downtown shops has been a wash of blues through each and every store. Not your everyday blue color, but the cobalt blue that, according to Whitley, my inner being exudes. Take the downtown tour with me ...My first stop is Bohemian Bliss Boutique, with a new location at 1544 Main St. I enter the local temple for the “Gypset” known for colorful prints, precious materials and the most exotic jewelry in town. Owner Kellie Campayno tells me all about jewelry designer Samantha Wills, who was nominated for “Jeweler of The Year” by Grazia Australia alongside titans such as Tiffany & Co. Of course I have to play with every piece, and to my surprise Kellie mentions that each piece comes with its own hand-carved wood box, just the perfect touch that makes me say WOW! During my visit I also find a new denim brand called “MOTHER" whose founder worked for 7 For All Mankind and Citizens of Humanity. The stretchy and soft material is super comfortable.A short walk away I find myself at the eco-friendly, yet über-stylish Juno & Jove located at 1425 1st St. Stylist Ariana Franco greets me with a hug and we start chatting away about Art Basel, which we both attended last month. Through the conversation she shows me the new arrivals in the store. I immediately fall in love with a hand-dyed, silk shirt-dress from designer Olga Olsson. To complement the dress, Ariana hands me a Vision Canon necklace by Love Heals Jewelry, which has a whistle charm ... so chic!

A few steps more, and my heart skips a beat with a gorgeous H. Fredriksson cobalt blue dress. Juno & Jove owner Olivia Bono walks in as I admire it; she tells me all about the designer as she pulls out yet another amazing piece of jewelry. The hug-me-tight, multi-functional body chain by Bliss Lau is quite a sight, and it adds just the perfect amount of fierce to the dress. I fall in love only further, not just with the body chain, but once again with Olivia for having such a keen eye. Thanks to her, we have a treasure trove in town full of unique and truly exceptional pieces.

My third stop has to be Lotus Boutique which has always been a established Main Street fixture for the stylish crowd. I walk in to find owner Wendy Getchell working on her latest shipment of Hammitt leather goods. She shows me the goodies and I find the Montana AM handbag in Cognac to be my favorite. Passing through the store I can't help but play with a luxurious yet casual cashmere sweater by Enza Costa. I pair it with dark blue Citizens of Humanity jeans, a Rebecca Minkoff leather zipper wallet and the Hammitt handbag which had just arrived. The look is perfect for brunch, the movies or casual everyday errands. In the window a smiling mannequin is wearing a fun white and blue mod style cocktail dress by Alice + Olivia which is great for the office, a luncheon or one of the frequent art openings in town. Its best friend is a nude-colored handbag by Rebecca Minkoff with a studded trim. The bag will fit all your needs and the dress will give you an easy choice to wear for any event!

These are my downtown spots to find fabulous apparel! When looking to expand your wardrobe, take a moment to explore what our local boutiques have to offer. I enjoy having a relationship with the stylists and owners of these fabulous shops. They will often understand your tastes and have you try on clothes that you may have never considered, but ultimately become your weekend staple. Show your support by making a local purchase!

What are your favorite shops? Your latest obsessions and the items you have not been able to find locally? Use this venue as your source for everything PREEN & CHIC!

And on the PREEN & CHIC calendar, today is the official opening of Jack Dusty, the much-anticipated new restaurant at the Ritz -Carlton Sarasota. It promises an elegant, modern yet casual ambience featuring a coastal emphasis on cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails. Enjoy the Sarasota Bay views, served daily at 1111 Ritz-Carlton Dr. (941) 309-2000

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