It’s New to Us by Jean Stratton

SENSE OF STYLE: “I wanted to create a very pleasant shop for people to come to visit. I’ve worked hard to bring something special and unique in fashion and home accessories, and at affordable prices. I think I have a good sense of style and an appreciation of customers’ financial sensibilities.” Lisa Jones, owner of her name-sake store on Witherspoon Street, is proud of the shop’s success.

Popular Lisa Jones Boutique on Witherspoon St. Offers Array of Home and Fashion Accessories

When you step into the charming Lisa Jones boutique at 16 Witherspoon Street, you immediately feel at home. It is light and inviting, with creative displays, including beautiful Christmas ornaments suspended from the ceiling. Acrylic icicles, birds, and beautiful Christmas balls add to the appealing lightness of the shop.

A popular destination for home and fashion accessories, Lisa Jones first appeared on the Witherspoon Street scene in 2005. Owner Lisa Jones, whose background was in interior and jewelry design, wanted to offer a selection that was at the same time classic, up-to-date, and affordable.

“I love buying. It’s exciting,” says Ms. Jones. “I work hard to find affordable items. I am always on the hunt, and my price points are very good, very reasonable. I don’t think there is anything like my store. I really offer a nice mix of merchandise, and I have a good collection. I feel so proud that even in really tough economic times, my business grew. I doubled my space.”

Originally opening at 72 Witherspoon, the store recently moved the entire operation to 16 Witherspoon, indeed doubling the space.

Eclectic Selection

The shop is basically divided into two rooms, one focusing on fashion accessories, the other on home decor items. Holiday and hostess gifts abound. The home section includes everything from mirrors to unique candle holders to picture frames; also, scented and unscented candles to Eiffel Tower motif paper weights to champagne flutes.

The eclectic selection also features a number of nature-related items. “We have a nature theme,” reports Ms. Jones. “I love animals and birds. We have whimsical owls and hedgehogs made of feathers, also a wreath crafted from feathers.”

Bird houses, birds nests with eggs, decorative rabbits, and a small artificial plant — so real-looking that one customer said: ‘how do I take care of it?’ — are all on display.

A lovely creamy white Christmas stocking, accented with tiny pearls, will surely “be hung by the chimney with care” on Christmas Eve.

There is also an abundance of wonderful stocking stuffers to fill any stocking: fun erasers with sentiments, such as “…oops!” ($6), little wooden clips ($6), small smooth stones (which can be held in the hand for de-stressing purposes!), featuring reminders, including “Gone to Yoga”, “Breathe”, and “Carpe Diem”.

In the fashion department, the package of a dozen earring backings ($4) is another great stocking stuffer.

In Sync

Ms. Jones hand-picks every item in the store, and her taste is clearly in sync with that of her many customers, who come from all over the area and beyond. Whether they are looking for scarves, handbags, jewelry, belts, or gloves, they will find great style at affordable prices.

“I offer a combination of classic and trendy,” points out Ms. Jones. “Fashion is ever-changing, but there is a lot that remains the same. You can definitely accessorize here. We have all you need. You can take a little black dress, accessorize it, and look and feel great. Accessories can do so much to make fashion fun.

“For example, belts are so important, and we have all kinds, including big flower prints. We also have wonderful wraps that can double as a dress; they are so versatile. Just add a belt, and you’re ready to go!”

Customers will find intriguing displays of faux fur jackets, accented with sequins, faux fur handbags, black or red sequinned evening bags, pink silk bags, velvet scarves and gloves, also, the “fingerless” gloves so favored today, and scarves in many sizes, styles, and materials, including heavyweight for winter.

There is also a variety of very fun watches in many choices, all at an affordable price of $36.

Ms. Jones’ collection of costume jewelry is sure to please, with stylish earrings, necklaces, and bracelets in an average price range of $34. Pearls are always a holiday favorite, and the store offers a special selection.

Friendly Prices

With such an appealing selection at friendly prices, it is not surprising that Ms. Jones has customers of all ages and styles. “They are 18 to 86!” she says, with a smile. “It thrills and amazes me. They are really all across the board, and they like everything. We have a huge Princeton following — parents of students, alumni, people visiting in town, and just from all over the area. There are lots and lots of regulars.

“Men come in, too, looking for something for their wife or girl friend. One man said, ‘This is my wife’s favorite store.’ I really like to think of this as a little general store for women.”

One can certainly accomplish a lot of shopping, whether for holiday or hostess gifts, or a special something for yourself. All in one visit to Lisa Jones.

The point is,” says Ms. Jones, “My store is available to everyone. It is accessible to all pocket books; it’s definitely pocket book-friendly. And, it’s very important that it be warm and inviting for people to come in. We want them to feel welcome.

“It’s really been everything and more than I could have hoped for,” she continues. “We have a great staff, and it gives me tremendous pleasure to see how happy my customers are when they are here.”

In addition, supporting the community is a priority for her. “It is so important to give back. I want people to know that small businesses like ours care, and we regularly give donations.”

Looking ahead, Ms. Jones says that she continues to explore many options, and she has just announced the opening of the website: LisaJonesStyle.com, which will offer on-line shopping for many of the fashion items at the Princeton store.

On Thursday, December 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. Ms. Jones will hold “Happy Hours” with refreshments and a gift with every purchase.

Complimentary signature gift wrap and gift certificates are available, and hours are Monday through Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday, Friday 10 to 8; Saturday 10 to 7; Sunday 12 to 5. (609) 683-8002.

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