You can pick up all your party frocks and accessories locally, because the metro is full of small boutiques offering unique pieces not available online or at the mall.
Gil’s, 7644 N. Western, serves a wide demographic at a moderate price.
“The Gil’s girl is a fashion-forward early teen to a hip 60-year-old,” said store manager Jamicia Wylie.
It specializes in denim, but offers a collection of cocktail dresses and accoutrements perfect for the holidays.
“We always offer great scarves, perfect for throwing over your shoulders with a cocktail dress or tying around your neck with your favorite knit top,” said Wylie.
For the season, she suggested keeping it simple and chic. “Little black dress, great necklace, red shoes and red lips — you can’t go wrong with that look!” Wylie said.
Wylie was equally exuberant about men’s fashion trends.
“We are loving the new men’s styles this season,” she said. “Heavy embroidery and embellishments are over in the men’s world. We are doing a fun, fresh, preppy look with a more contemporary fit. I like to call it ‘preppy with a twist.’” An old favorite in establishing that look is the bow tie. Steven Giles, 5850 N. Classen Blvd. in Classen Curve, offers an assortment of bow ties that can help make one’s outfit the night’s fashion headliner.
Finish the look with a well-tailored blazer and slacks. The blazer is a staple in menswear. Skip the markup at department stores and find a classic
blazer at a local thrift store. Don’t worry about the fit. J&M
Tailor Shop, 3117 N. Pennsylvania, will help reveal the real value in
your vintage treasure.
“Anything you wear, I do,” said shop owner Jafar Ogaghi, who can alter almost any garment, and for a reasonable price. “I brought the one-day service into Oklahoma 30 years ago. I have one-hour service, too.”
Girl power
On a Whim, 5850 N. Classen Blvd., offers something for women of all ages and shapes.
“[The On a Whim woman] is not defined by body shape or age. She’s an on-the-go girl juggling career, family [and] friends,” said store manager Debbie Repka, noting must-haves list includes bold colors. “It’s been years since we have seen such a strong, color-driven fall season. [We’re seeing] colors from mustards to peacock blues without forgetting the oxblood reds and hunter greens.”
Not only is the shop helping women embrace more color this season, but also offers tops and dresses that let women accentuate their curves.
“Most women are born with curves.
I think the pendulum is swinging back to a more feminine style versus the menswear tailoring that has been trending for some time now,” Repka said. As with Gil’s, On a Whim is all about the scarves.
“Scarves have become an essential piece for every girl,” Repka said.
“Beautiful, rich-colored scarves are a favorite.”
