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Thinking fall? Let York shops help with your wardrobe


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The temperatures have finally started to drop (a little) and the kids are going back to school.

So it's time to think about fall fashion, and downtown York has you covered.

The fifth annual Boutique Week runs Aug. 30 to Sept. 3 in downtown York this year. The week includes a host of events to reveal the latest fall trends and shine a light on the work of York's local designers.

"This week is just a great way to highlight that we have all these wonderful independent stores," said Hillary Arthur, owner of Arthur and Daughters. "It's a great way to remind people that … we have a lot of great local talent, so it's important to come out and support that."

See what's hot

A luncheon set for Tuesday is sold out, but there are plenty of other chances to see what's new in fall fashion.

On Wednesday, a happy hour-style cocktail party will be held at Rockfish Public House, starting at 5 p.m. The event is free, but attendees should bring a donated clothing item for the York Rescue Mission. Local shops will be on hand with models showing some of their newest looks. There's a cash bar and free hors d'oeuvres.

Capacity is about 100, so you might want to register online at downtownyorkpa.com.

The Boutique Week Fashion Show kicks off at 7 p.m. Thursday, at Marketview Arts. Tickets are $10 for adults or $5 for kids. Musicians from the York Symphony Orchestra will set the tone for the show, which features looks you'll find in local shops.

With the show on Thursday, there's plenty of time to shop during the fashion-themed First Friday on Sept. 2.

Find local designers

At the fashion show and other events, you can check out the work of some local designers.

York resident Victoria Kageni-Woodard will be showing some of her line, Gusa by Victoria, in the show. The native Kenyan sells her pieces at local shops, such as I-ron-ic and Redeux. Her styles are affordable, ready to wear looks appropriate for women from college to retirement age, she said.

Designing is a side job — she works in the natural gas pipeline industry — and she hopes to open her own shop downtown soon.

"This is my passion," she said.

Arthur and Daughters will feature its Private Label line, all made in York, in the show, and Sweet Melissa's Dream will showcase the work of owner Melissa Grove, including ivory lace looks inspired by the ocean.

"They come together like little jigsaw puzzles," Grove said of her dresses.

Visit your favorite shops

Some local shops are hosting their own events during the week.

At Arthur and Daughters, you'll find a special guest, Sue Sheffer, teaching knitting skills from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, to tie in with a new knit line the shop is carrying called The Third Piece. On Friday, one of the store's well-loved designers, Meredith Banzhoff, will show off some of her fall collection. More events are posted on the Arthur and Daughters Facebook page.

Elizabeth and West Fashion House will host an open house on Wednesday, from noon to 5, to show off a new line of merchandise called Grace and Lace. Once featured on Shark Tank, the line includes layering pieces that can lengthen a tunic or a dress. Check the items out and get 10 percent off your Grace and Lace purchase.

At Kimman's Co., you can check out a new line of Jack Rogers shoes and celebrate the shop's 12th anniversary, as well as a new renovation.

Get something yummy

Even if you're not into fashion, there's something for you at Boutique Week.

Green Bean Roasting Co. has a few fashion-themed drinks, including the Cocoa Chanel, a black and white mocha with whipped cream and sugar pearls.

Or if you need something stronger, three downtown spots are offering Boutique Week cocktails.

Try the Five Finger Discount — gin, lemon, basil, strawberry rhubarb preserve and soda water — at Otto's, or check out the fashion-themed selection at Tutoni's or White Rose.

Learn more online

To find a full slate of Boutique Week events, visit downtownyorkpa.com. If you go, don't forget to share your favorite looks on social media with the hashtag #boutiqueweekyork.