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Vol. LXII, No. 30
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Wednesday, July 23, 2008
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Vol. LXII, No. 30
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Wednesday, July 23, 2008
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 FASHION FORMAT: “Our style is current and up-to-date, trendy and wearable. We select choices from contemporary designers, and you won’t see the clothes everywhere else.” Lorena Bochenek (right), owner, and Nicole Lindell, store manager of Lime Boutique in Lambertville, are enthusiastic about the shop’s selection of apparel. |
Fashion is fun at Lime Boutique. The shop, which opened at 49 Bridge Street in Lambertville in 2004, is filled with a wonderful selection of high-end, upscale choices, but which are very wearable and accessible. It’s top-of-the-line designer, but it’s friendly fashion!
“I think customers like to come here because they know I pick out something that is different and special,” says owner Lorena Bochenek, who was formerly a buyer with Ralph Lauren in New York. “Also, we emphasize how you wear things, how to put it all together. We hand-pick special designer boutique brands, and I personally select everything. I keep in mind my customers’ taste, and I also choose things I like.”
Lime’s focus is on clothes for career women and others who enjoy versatile styles that can be worn appropriately to different occasions. “People like things that are functional and can go from day to night,” she adds. “They also come in for special pieces to complete an outfit — a special top, for example, and for accessories, jewelry and handbags.”
Sizes are 0 to 12, as well as small, medium, and large, and designers represented include Tory Burch, Diane Von Furstenberg, Theory, and Vince, among others.
Right Choice
Helping customers put a look together is a pleasure for Ms. Bochenek. Not everyone has an eye for fashion, and she wants all her customers to have the best look they can. “We like to build a relationship with customers. We listen to what they want and what they like. We enjoy helping them find just the right choice and help them put the whole outfit together.”
There are still super summer styles at Lime, and many are marked down 50 percent or more. Bright, colorful sundresses in a variety of styles, patterns, and designs are a must for the rest of the summer.
“For summer into fall, dresses are very popular with lots of bright colors,” reports Ms. Bochenek. “Yellow, hot pink, green. And purple and jewel tones will be big for fall. This summer, eyelet has been in demand. People want light-weight, breathable fabrics. Also, anything in jersey for dresses and tops is a favorite.”
A stylish sleeveless red jersey top with secretary-style tie by Robert Rodriguez is a great find for dressing up or down, and it will go equally well with black pants, jeans, or a skirt.
A Marc by Marc Jacobs red summer dress is whimsically lined with navy and white polka dots — another fun fashion!
Jeans continue to be in demand, and the shop has a variety, including several colors. “People definitely come in for them,” says Ms. Bochenek, “and we have a denim program. If someone buys five pairs, they get a sixth at half price.”
Big Deal
The large selection of shells in all colors is very popular for layering, she adds. “A shell is a very basic piece. It can be worn under a jacket or sweater. Layering is a very big deal now.”
Sportswear and separates are on display, and along with its dress selection, Lime offers jackets, pants, and skirts, often in classic colors of gray, taupe, and cream. A light gray pullover tunic sweater features yellow stripes and short sleeves — an intriguing combination.
“We also carry some cocktail fashion and holiday dresses,” points out Ms. Bochenek. “An important trend I see is that people want to dress up again. This is the fun part of fashion.”
Also fun is the variety at Lime Boutique. Sleek, sophisticated styles share space with friendly old favorite (albeit in an updated, new look) shirtwaist dresses, and classic jackets and skirts. Mixing and matching is always popular with separates, and the Lime staff is eager to help customers make the right choices.
Accessories are a must to finish the fashion statement, and the jewelry and hand bags at Lime are fun, fashionable, and favored. “People are definitely into accessories,” says Ms. Bochenek. “They like necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, and our jewelry styles tend to the more dramatic. We have some from a local jewelry designer and also from Kenneth J. Lane, who is well-known for costume jewelry. Bangle bracelets are especially popular right now.”
Leather handbags are on display and include a variety of styles, sizes, and colors. Clutches are shown along with especially large bags, including messenger styles. The Kooba line of bags is very popular.
Many Regulars
Also available are Kai perfumes and lotions, as well as Mine soy candles in 15 different scents.
Ms. Bochenek is delighted that her shop continues to attract new customers as well as many regulars from all over the Princeton area, northern New Jersey, and New York. “The reaction to the shop has been even more than I had hoped. I felt sure people would respond, but the clientele has been beyond what I expected. So many regulars.
“There is a lot of word-of-mouth, and some people come in every couple of weeks to see what’s new. The challenge is to know what’s coming up — the new styles, colors, etc. I go into New York to the shows frequently to see the latest.”
She adds that she is so pleased when customers find just what they need at Lime. “It really makes me happy when people come in looking for something, and they find the perfect outfit. Also, we take special requests. We want to help our customers in every way we can, and we always welcome people. We want them to have a friendly shopping experience. We look forward to being the place that people want to come to for up-to-date fashions that are always current.”
Prices at Lime range from $200 to $400 for tops and pants, and $20 to $120 for jewelry. A summer sale is currently in progress with substantial savings. Gift cards are also available.
Hours are Monday through Thursday 11 to 6; Friday, Saturday 10 to 7; Sunday 10 to 6. (609) 397-3100.
Website: www.shopatlime.com.