Paris, Florida?

No, StyleWise Guys and Fellow Fashionistas, I have not lost my mind.....you really can find a little bit of Paris in Florida.

On my recent Floridian excursion, I had a lot adventure--so this post is the perfect 2014 StyleSpotlight KickOff!

On our excursion, we stopped into numerous cute little shops and boutiques, some artsy, some not, some pricey (but pretty), but nothing....unique. Nothing with personality, with 'je ne sais quoi........until:

Style Spotlight on: Vintage Soul, 822 East New Haven, Melbourne FL
Phone: 407-791-9847
Open Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10-5 (I hate Mondays too....)

First, let's talk concept. Imagine you're in Paris, and your very close dear girlfriend has asked you to come stay for a week with her at her flat. Never one to pass up an opportunity, you hurriedly pack a bag and hit the skies but....zoot alors!! The airline lost that bag you packed. Your friend tells you, 'don't fret! Help yourself to anything in my flat' until they find your bag.

Now imagine being set loose in this gorgeous Parisian bedroom full of armoires of dresses and skirts, dressers full of camisoles and racks out blouses, nightstands full of sparkling hair pins and jewelry. This shop had the illusion down pat--you walk in to find an antique bed and furniture, all gloriously adorned with some the prettiest, lacy and feminine garments I've ever seen (keep your eyes peeled in the photos for the green dress with Peter Pan collar I picked up...tres jolie)!

One of my favorite things was the dressing rooms in this shop. They had come up with the most intriguing configuration of old antique doors mounts against the walls. Here comes the brilliant and quite frankly stunning part: the curtains were old lacy petticoats sewn together. Draw the curtain with your armful of treasures, and try to hold back the slight gasp....the lovely creamy fabric in your hand is truly a piece of art.

The staff here were also amazing--that good girlfriend from Paris? The staff here were bright, friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating, just like one your good friends would be after (gulp, I'd cry if I lost any of my garments!!) losing a bag. On the customer service side, there was an effort to go out of the way to get me change.....I confess I made the cardinal sin of shopping with a large bill (I know, rookie mistake).

Then, there were the sparkling jewels and rich fabrics at, Style Spotlight on: CottonWays, the cotton gauze boutique...
832 East New Haven Avenue, Melbourne FL 32901, Phone: 321-723-0344
online: cottonways.com

To be honest, this shop was little pricey......were they not having a sale, I'm not sure I could've been in there....chuckle....

The staff had none of the boutique attitude though--the ladies here were bright, engaging, and friendly.

Regardless, the clothing is what I would a mix of Caribbean color splash mixed with South Florida Kitsch. Being myself on the eclectic side, I, of course, LOVED this place too. If color is your thing, this is the place for you. Also, jewelry addicts beware!

That's all for now, Fellow Fashionistas and StyleWise Guys, but stay tuned--there's plenty in store for the new year. Individual style profiles and.......gasp........the launch of my website. Then we'll journey into the salon together as I profile local styles.

Stay close Gang, because it's all about to get flashier and to the next level (anyone want a free consult?)
Rest up, things are about to get interesting.
XOXO

Kat