I use my right hand to turn the knob on the heavy wooden door - typical of many of the vintage buildings on this street. An oversized cream carrier bag is looped around my left arm. I’m so excited about the treasures wrapped neatly in tissue paper inside that I don’t notice at first how dangerously close it is to cutting off my circulation. I slide it off my arm and grasp the handles with my fingers as I head out of Violet’s and down Broadway. The crisp air is offset by the warm fall sun, creating a temperature that is just about perfect. The fact that this excursion takes place up and down the bustling streets of downtown Saratoga Springs adds yet another level of satisfaction.
Fall is by far my absolute favorite shopping and fashion season. I always feel like I am better “dressed” during this season as there are so many elements that can be added to pull together a look nearly as trendy as you might see on any celebrity. Fuzzy warm sweaters, scarves and boots look great on just about anyone. Casual, elegant, classy and funky looks are all relatively easy to achieve with the variety of textures and colors that are showcased this time of year.
My mission today is this: assemble an entire new outfit costing five hundred dollars or less from an assortment of boutiques in downtown Saratoga.
I started with Violet’s of Saratoga (494 Broadway, (518) 584-4838), one of my favorite shops, known in part for its’ upscale denim selection and ridiculously comfortable Susana Monaco dresses. I didn’t opt for either on this trip, however, as I was searching for something a bit trendier than basic blue jeans but more casual than a Susana Monaco. After ruling out several sweater dresses, I noticed a pair of green 7 for all Mankind jeans in the front window. The Violets’ girls confirmed my pick and suggested pairing the colored jeans with a chunky sweater and booties. “Definitely booties. Booties with jeans cuffed up a little and a lot of chunky sweaters. That’s my favorite look for fall,” Violets’ buyer and manager, Jessica Mullen, told me.
She then stripped one of the mannequins of her gorgeous orange dolman sleeve Free People sweater and carried it into the dressing room. I checked it out from all angles. Comfortable, cozy, and stylish- it was perfect, except for the fact that I had a budget. The price tag on the sweater was $169. The jeans were $178. That totaled $347, leaving only $153 for shoes and accessories. I was already in love with a 198-dollar pair of Free People booties I saw up front. I leave with all three pieces, choosing the sweater as an alternate but not including it in my total for today. ($178 + $198 = $376)
Now I’m ready for some serious hunting. I put my prowess to work inside Lucia’s (454 Broadway, (518) 587-7890), where my eyes scan cute bags, funky t-shirts and gorgeous kimonos. I ask owner Lucy Moran for advice. “Absolutely the kimonos and definitely soft, chunky sweaters and infinity scarves. I always sell a ton of those. And ankle boots. And plaid flannels. Everything is cozy, cozy, cozy for fall.”
The kimono by Cotton Candy is adorable. It’s feminine and trendy and coordinates with my own coloring. To top it off, the price is in line with my budge. At 60 bucks, I have a few dollars left for accessories. ($376 + $60 = $436)
I head back up Broadway and duck into Yellow Boutique (491 Broadway, (518) 581-1700). With exposed brick and a cool vibe, the store itself is as much a feast for my eyes as the clothing, shoes, and accessories placed creatively around the space. I unclasp a “Little Gems by Kari” bracelet bearing an uncanny resemblance to a fork. Yellow Boutique owner Emily Davis tells me the designer is local and hunts for vintage silverware around which she builds each piece. I appreciate that it is the product of a local designer and at 27 dollars, the price is right.
Next, I ask about the “Heaven for bead” necklaces draped around the mannequins’ necks. I am pleasantly surprised to find the designer shopping just a few feet away. “I do all the artwork, set the stones, and do the resin work,” says Blair Donnelly. I choose one for 24 dollars, knowing it will be a great accent to either the kimono or the sweater. ($436 + $24 + $27 = $487)
If you think I’m finished shopping just because my outfit is complete, you have more to learn about me. Saratoga Trunk (493 Broadway, 518-584-3543) is just next-door, and I’m still in the mood to shop, so I take a peek inside. I carry a special fondness for this Saratoga legend and its owner, Natalie Sillery. She is the epitome of class and grace and is an absolute sweetheart. She expertly crowns me with a magnificent brown felt hat designed and entirely crafted by queen of the racing circle, Christine A. Moore. I can’t leave without it. It accents my chosen outfit perfectly. At 420 dollars, it clearly doesn’t fit into my allotted budget. But just this one piece will instantly update last year’s look. I decide it will have to be a one-off and leave the choice up to you, dear reader. Go with the kimono, green 7 jeans, Free People booties and accessories; find your own booties and replace the kimono with the sweater; or toss the whole lot and pick up a funky millinery. Whatever you choose, happy shopping!
(Note: while shopping at Saratoga Trunk, I also discovered this great new jewelry/wearable art by Daniel Mozzes. Check out that amazing gold cuff!)
Carrie Rowlands Johnson is a freelance writer/blogger. She was previously a reporter for FOX 23 News in Albany. You can read more of her work at http://carowlands.wix.com/carrie-rowlands-j
