/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45280314/racked_placeholder.4.0.jpg)
Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.
Welcome to Spring Forward: Over the next six weeks, we'll be profiling the best new arrivals and trends at some of our favorite local boutiques.
Floral and embroidery at Dress; Image via Instagram
Last September, shoppers rejoiced when former Newbury Street boutique Dress reopened in Beacon Hill, reviving an edited mix of labels like Vanessa Bruno, Dannijo, and Sea NY. With a clean Charles Street space styled by interior designer Nina Farmer, co-owners Jane Schlueter and Martha Pickett are entering their second season in a new home, with many covetable spring pieces flying off the racks. We asked Pickett for three trends making waves in the store, to which she replied stars, embroidery, and florals.
Clockwise from top left: Cooper & Ella Riu Tie-Front Blouse, $125; Ulla Johnson Floral Poplin Tunis Dress, $290; Vanessa Bruno Athe Ruffle-Front Top, $251; We Are Owls Flowery Scarf, $198
"I think these florals are sophisticated and understated; they're muted, not bold. Many of them are tonal rather than a lot of different colors. The Vanessa Bruno top also combines embroidery with the floral."
Vanessa Bruno Athe Henley Embroidered Dress, $485; Sea NY Embroidered Eyelet Pinktucked Popover Top, $285; Cooper & Ella Selin Shoulder Insert Blouse, $125
"I love lace and embroidery. It's just so pretty; every piece that we have with that detailing is beautiful. It adds texture. From far away, the Vanessa Bruno dress looks almost like a print, but up close you see the detail. Designers do it in so many ways. We sold out of a dress like the Sea NY top in two seconds and have had to reorder the top."
Chinti and Parker Star Grandad Tee, $160; MiH Jeans Star Breton Top, $115
"Stars are really big, and we have more coming, including a Current/Elliott top this summer. I think they're fun and perfect for spring. I've been very surprised by who has been drawn to them; it's not strictly young customers. We had a very stylish 60 year old who got the white top to wear with skinny white jeans. You can put a jacket on top, and the print is so small that it's very sophisticated, while a larger star is more casual."
· All Spring Forward 2014 posts [Racked Boston]
· Dress [Official Site]