Shopwatch: Holly Stone

I’m in big trouble now... I just discovered a fabulous little shop a mere stone’s throw from the Old Port that's well worth a lunchtime trek.

Holly Stone is tucked on Pleasant Street just behind the John Ford statue on Gorham's Corner. The clothing inside is simple with a French edge – white shirts in many styles that will keep you crisp on hot summer days, long skirts with matchstick pleats that hug the hips, swing jackets, funky capris, the softest tees you’ll find around... Just right for the woman who wants a unique style and (dare we say it?) - comfort.

Holly Stone, 17 Pleasant St.

Owner Holly Stone has a great eye for details in design, like the giant pocket on pants so wide and swingy they look like a skirt, or an adorable oval ruby red purse that fastens with a giant matching button.

The shop is a destination store by design. The quiet street and location away from the mainstream provide an intimate setting for shopping and chatting about style. Inside the small space you'll find tin ceilings and inviting cubbies filled with fashion and home accessories. The charming "one-stall" dressing room is a converted bathroom that even has a vintage sink full of plants.

Her customers find her by happenstance or through friends' recommendations. (Though a New York Times Style section article helped spread the word shortly after she opened two years ago).

Although Holly Stone has many younger customers, the fashions are well-suited for chic 40-plus women who are confident with their style and aren't shy about standing out in something stunningly different.

Stone previously owned a design store, and that's reflected in her current location. In addition to clothing, shoes and accessories, she displays home glassware, lamps, original photography and more.

Her summer hours are 11-5 Monday through Friday and 12-4 Saturday. Stop in soon and you'll find some spring/summer fashions on sale.

Trunk shows

Me&Ro's chakra design, new for this season

Me&Ro Foundry Lane on Commercial Street will hold a summer 2007 Me&Ro trunk show Saturday, July 14, 10-6, and Sunday, July 15, 11-4. If you don't know Me&Ro, you've likely seen it on a Hollywood star. Designed by SoHo-based Robin Renzi and Michele Quan since 1991, it's inspired to "reflect values of strength, love, faith and balance of beauty and form."

The jewelry pieces are both larger and delicate, in sterling or gold and some stones. I hear it's a big hit with the yoga crowd.

Margaret O'Leary: Betsy's on Exchange Street will host a Margaret O'Leary trunk show Thursday through Saturday, June 28-30, that will feature items from her spring/summer 2007 sportswear and sweater collections. (Cash and carry, no special orders.) If you don't know Margaret O'Leary, do check out this line - her fabulous sweaters often fly out the door.

This just in...

Chantal Young, owner of Chantal, has just added two new lines to her women's and men's clothing store. If you love Velvet tees, check out the Graham and Spencer line designed by Velvet that will arrive in mid-July. The line includes dresses, sweaters, shirts and tunics, taken to a new level in fabrics.

Chantal also is adding the new Velvet for men line, which will be in the store by July 1. Styles will include tees, cashmere and cashmere-blend sweaters.

Have you gone short?

I've you've taken the leap and cut off your locks, I'd love to hear your short-hair experience! Email me at anemitz@pressherald.com.

Need a personal shopper?

Don't we all... The next best thing is our panel of Old Port boutique fashionistas, who are ready to help answer your questions or find what you need. All you need to do is ask!

Coming soon...The Fourth with fashion.

E-mail this entry to a friend