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Style: Dress for the Occasion

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Easy, flattering and fun, dresses are the turn-to style for the summer season.

ShopTalkJune2015Summer heat is here, and there is no escaping the sticky humidity and stifling temperatures. Sometimes, it seems impossible to keep your cool — both mentally and physically. Even though your air conditioning cannot keep up, and you have third degree burns from your car seats, it’s still important to look hot. And by hot, we mean as in “Shazam!” not as in Wicked Witch of the West, “I’m melting! I’m melting!”

It is no secret that our preferred item of clothing is a dress. We love the ease of this one-garment wonder to make a complete look. Additionally, its functionality to go from day-to-night, and from grocery to Galatoire’s, makes this frock a fan favorite. A dress can be flattering on any woman, but only if you know how to outfit your figure and your lifestyle. A fit and flare, a maxi or mini dress, and a form-fitting sheath, are all staple pieces we should keep in our wardrobe. ALG Style chatted up a few local boutiques to get their perspective on summer and the success of the dress.

Say Yes to the Dress
The primary focus at Armoire is to provide affordable fashion for women of all sizes.  The beautiful owner and manager, Erin Hebert, is a size 14 and was struggling to shop locally. She had a difficult time shopping in boutiques, because of the lack of clothing sizes that would fit her curvier figure. When Hebert opened her store, she wanted to make certain to fill that void. At Armoire, you can find dresses to meet all of your needs in every size. Even though there are all types of garments, Hebert certainly has her favorites. “I love to carry fit and flare dresses; this cut looks great on all figures and is an easy go-to trick to getting dressed when in a rush,” she says. Amoire carries all of the current trends, including tunics, dresses with fringe or lace, bright hues, chambray and kimono styles. Hebert recognizes that all women’s figures are not cookie-cutter and says, “Armoire can fit all body types, and has inventory that will fit and flatter a variety of customers.” 3102 Magazine St., (504) 304-3537, armoireboutique.com
Dressed Please
When in search of the perfect dress to suit any occasion — from running errands to running to the ball — Azby’s on Magazine Street is the go-to spot for gals in the know. Kerry Bruno decided to open her store almost 27 years ago, and now she has some of her original customers bringing their daughters in to shop. Here, you’ll find classic styles and current trends in various price points. And Bruno, the dedicated owner, is an integral part of the store’s success. Even on her days off, you might find her assisting customers and merchandising new inventory. Although Azby’s has great denim and accessories, Bruno loves the effortlessness of the dress for throw-on-and-go. “Everyone looks great in a fit and flare,” she says. “They have such a soft and feminine look.” 5531 Magazine St., (504) 895-1311, azbys.com

While we cannot resolve the high temperatures, we can have you looking pretty darned cool! We invite you to visit all of the fabulous dress shops in and around the city. Happy shopping!

Remember: We don’t sweat, we glisten. And we may have frizzy hair, but, darn it, our skin looks beautiful and dewy.

–Aimée Gowland and Corrie Pellerin, ALG Style