A Beach Chic Boutique
Just last weekend I had the pleasure of visiting Avalon, NJ, where I stopped into the cutest beach-chic boutique called Annabelle. And whenever I stop into a unique shop like this one, I'm always curious about its background is and how it got started. Luckily, I had the opportunity to speak with Debra, the owner of Annabelle, and get some behind-the-scenes info! Here's a look into our Q and A session..
Have
you always known that you wanted to work in the fashion industry?
Absolutely
not. I was always drawn to women's fashion but my career was as a lawyer and in
that profession (pre-The Good Wife) fashion was virtually non-existent. It took
me a long time to realize what I really wanted was to own a women's clothing
boutique where my interest in fashion could flourish.
Can
you tell me a little about how Annabelle got started?
My
family has vacationed at the beach in Avalon, New Jersey, for years. A few
years ago my brother was opening a collegiate clothing store in neighboring
Stone Harbor. I did a little work for him and realized that I had to be the
boss. The following summer my husband and I learned that a longstanding women's
clothing store in Avalon was for sale and we tried to buy it but that did not
work out either. At that point, my loving husband pulled every string
imaginable and put me in a store of my own starting from scratch and doing it
all my way.
How
would you describe your personal style?
My
personal style varies from day to day. What I truly enjoy is styling other
people. I think I have a knack for understanding others' personal styles.
What
inspires your buying process?
I
look for pieces that I think my customers would love to own. Since my customer
demographic, and their clothing needs, are varied, I am looking at lots of
different styles and labels. It's like a treasure hunt for me. Many things are
obvious closet enhancers, other things require more thought. Price and quality
are always a consideration. The end result is a curated selection of beautiful
clothes within reach. My guiding principle is something just perfect for
everyone. I thoroughly enjoy the process.
What
three words best describe Annabelle?
Unique.
Summer Chic. Destination.
After having my chat with Debra, she let me explore her vast collection of trendy apparel and accessories. I was overwhelmed with choices but I eventually settled on a few pieces that really stood out, which are photographed below! Clearly I had an fabulous time, and how could I not? Fashion + Beach. What could be better? So next time you're in Avalon, NJ make sure to stop into Annabelle located at 2174 Dune Dr. for some pre/post beach shopping!
Guest Photographer:
Gracie Chang
Stylist, Model, Photographer, and Writer:
Yours,
