York's first Boutique Week kicks off Tuesday - two days before Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week starts in New York City.
White Rose City home and apparel retailers will host trunk shows, fashion shows, sidewalk sales and more.
Amanda Meyers of Downtown Inc. said the idea started after York's Restaurant Week in February. In
addition to new eateries, several specialty shops have opened in York during the past few years. Since September's First Friday theme was Sidewalk Sale and kids are heading back to school, Meyers said it was a good time for the city to focus on style.
She reached out to Hilary Arthur, who has fashion experience with Calvin Klein Collection, to help
attended the runway shows.
"It's such a great time," she said. "They also have Fashion's Night Out, which we're hoping to create here on Wednesday night."
Boutiques and retailers stay open late for New York's Fashion Night Out. The same will be true for York boutiques twice next week.
Trunk shows, demonstrations and a Cocktails and Curves party at Flair Fashions are scheduled for Wednesday evening. A sidewalk sale runs through 9 p.m. during First Friday.
Flair's owner Andrea Giuffrida said that her shop carries modern and trendy clothing, jewelry, handbags and shoes to fit all body types.
"We have size 2 to 22," she said.
When the shop opened, it didn't carry plus-sized clothes. But Giuffrida said, after searching for a line with the right price point, Flair recently expanded its offerings.
Local style blogger Melissa Stiles will host Flair's Boutique Week mixer to celebrate fashion for all.
Arthur also has her own fashion blog, which recently expanded to sell designer and luxury garments - new, used and vintage.
She'll show some pieces throughout the week at a Pop-Up Shop in Park Street Pantry's event space next to its retail shop.
Of course, no fashion week would be complete without a runway show. Arthur and other retailers will show off their wares First Friday at Central Market. Art Institute of York students will help with the event.
The grandeur of Central Market attracted Arthur to the space. She said she's not going to change much for the fashion show.
"It's such a York institution," she said. "People are really comfortable there. I thought it would be a great setting. (We're) not concealing or covering it up."
The same is true for when Arthur looks for fashionable locals to feature on her blog.
"I'm looking less for a trend," she said. "(It's) more about somebody's look and attitude ... and a confidence that somebody has."
Blogs, Arthur added, are becoming a legitimate way of collaborating and becoming involved in the community.
Boutique Week embraced that idea to unite York retailers online and in real time to draw more people downtown. It's a trend that organizers hope to continue next fall.
- Erin McCracken,
FlipSide staff
Fall trends
Bright colors and florals mixed with prints
Plum, royal blue, jewel tones and ox blood are trendy hues
Big capes
Ripped jeans
Leather, also mixed with other fabrics including wool and cotton
Birds and animals on knitwear and shirts
Jewel-encrusted accessories
Sources: Hilary Arthur and Andrea Giuffrida
Each day of Boutique Week
Signature beverage - Green Bean Roasting Co.,
100 S. Beaver St., will feature The Fashionista 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during Boutique Week.
The drink is a blend of strawberry, vanilla and white chocolate with espresso and milk topped with pink whipped cream and edible pearls.
Tote bags - The Bee
designed totes that will be available at participating Boutique Week locations.
The Bee focuses on the local tradition of sewing and quilting bees. Totes made by local women using recycled materials.
Each Boutique Week store had the opportunity to choose the color on the bottom of the bag.
Tote monogramming will be available Wednesday at Sweet Melissa's Dream, 51 N. Beaver St.
Free parking - Available in city garages for customers who show a receipt from a participating Boutique Week retailer
Daily schedule
Tuesday
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Arthur & Daughters hosts a Pop-Up Shop at 24 N. Beaver St.
10 a.m. - Stylish Settings seminar at Park Street Pantry, 24 N. Beaver St.
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Display frames and handmade Indian jewelry at the Art & Framing Warehouse, 147 W. Philadelphia St.
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. - In-store special at KrysLyn's Bridal Boutique, 286 W. Market St.
4 to 7 p.m. - Makeup artist Carmina Christina will be at Flair Fashions, 102 N. George St.
Wednesday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - In-store special at KrysLyn's Bridal Boutique
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Display frames and handmade Indian jewelry at the Art & Framing Warehouse
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Gerald Davidson Studio hosts a Community Glass Mosaic,
17 E. Philadelphia St.
4 to 6 p.m. - Knitted wire bracelet demonstration at Cherie Anne, 48 W. Philadelphia St.
4 to 7 p.m. - Makeup artist Carmina Christina will be at Flair Fashions
5 to 8 p.m. - Trunk show on North Beaver Street
5 to 8 p.m. - Yala Bamboo Show with accessories, appetizers and giveaways at Kimman's, 57 N. Beaver St.
5 to 8 p.m. - Glass bead and jewelry trunk show at The Watchmaker's Daughter,
22 N. Beaver St.
6:30 to 8 p.m. - Curves & Cocktails Party at Flair Fashions
Thursday, Sept. 6
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Arthur & Daughters hosts a Pop-Up Shop at 24 N. Beaver St.
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Display frames and handmade Indian jewelry at the Art & Framing Warehouse
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. - In-store special at KrysLyn's Bridal Boutique
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Gerald Davidson Studio hosts a Community Glass Mosaic
4 to 7 p.m. - Makeup artist Carmina Christina will be at Flair Fashions
Friday, Sept. 7
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - In-store special at KrysLyn's Bridal Boutique
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Gerald Davidson Studio hosts a Community Glass Mosaic
Noon to 2 p.m. - Jewelry at The Watchmaker's Daughter
4 to 6 p.m. - Knitted wire bracelet demonstration at Cherie Anne
4 to 7 p.m. - Makeup artist Carmina Christina will be at Flair Fashions
5 to 7 p.m. - Framing for Holiday and Home Decor session at Art & Framing Warehouse
5 to 6 p.m. - Jewelry making demonstration at The Watchmaker's Daughter
5 to 9 p.m. - Sidewalk sale in downtown York
7:30 to 8 p.m. - York City Boutique Week fashion show at Central Market, 34 W. Philadelphia St.
Saturday, Sept. 8
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Arthur & Daughters hosts a Pop-Up Shop at 24 N. Beaver St.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Display frames and handmade Indian jewelry at the Art & Framing Warehouse
2 to 3 p.m. - Diaper Party at Growing Up Green, 266 W. Market St.
3 to 4 p.m. - Baby Wearing Party at Growing Up Green
Other Boutique Week retailers include:
Art & Inspiration Gallery, 258 W. Market St.
I'Sha Boutique, 342 W. Market St.
The New Hub, 51 S. George St.
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