Web Edition

NEWS

FEATURES

ENTERTAINMENT

COLUMNS

CONTACT US

The Dandeline Shop on Nassau Street Features Women's Fashion Selection

It could be the "little shop around the corner." It has all the charm, originality, and ambiance of a small independent establishment. In this case, however, The Dandeline Shop is located right on Nassau Street – Number 195 – having moved to its new home last November after 13 years in Cranbury.

"All of my customers were coming from this side of Route One," explains owner Phyllis Davison. "I moved here because my customers were here, and I couldn't be happier.

"I have been surprised at how well-accepted the change of location has been in such a short time," continues Ms. Davison. "We have lots of repeat customers and lots of new people, too. They'll say, 'Oh, I didn't know you had this – or that. The reaction has been just great. So positive!"

Customers have definitely been attracted to The Dandeline Shop's contemporary classic collection, and especially to the Pendleton line of sportswear and Geiger's famous boiled wool jackets. Both Pendleton and Geiger are exclusive to the store in the area.

"These are names people trust, and they know they'll get good quality," says Ms. Davison. "Pendleton has a complete line of sportswear, including cropped pants, jeans, short skirts, T-shirts, and jackets. Lots of separates and coordinates, and in petite and regular sizes.

"People come from New York and all over New Jersey for Geiger," she adds. "Geiger has sweaters, skirts, and pants to coordinate with the jackets and coats.

Famous Names

"We also have trunk shows with Geiger, Pendleton, Bleyle, and Brighton, which is known for accessories, handbags, belts, and jewelry, These shows are very popular with customers, as are the fashion shows we do for organizations having fund-raisers."

In addition to the famous names, a variety of other lines are available, including designer jackets and sweaters, Anage jackets, and a variety of novelty fabrics, which are popular this season.

"Crinkled fabric and a lot of stretch fabrics, which are not skin tight but offer more fit are great for spring. We try to have fun novelty fabrics," reports Ms. Davison.

"Also, we carry some reversible jackets, including textured hopsacking material, also crinkled reversible jackets and tank reversibles in black, blue, and lime green. Puffy jackets in a quilted design are a fun style, and also popular are the blouses with ribbon incorporated into the fabric. It looks like stripes, and these are multi-colored."

Hot, bright colors and mixing colors is the look for spring and summer, she adds. "A lime green top with turquoise pants, for example. Green is a big color this year."

The Dandeline Shop's selection appeals to a wide age group, she points out. "People are creating their own style today, with different combinations, such as tweed jackets and jeans, or wearing casual sweaters with big ruffled skirts. It's a lot of mixing different looks and using items in ways beyond what they were intended for.

"Today" Look

"Women want to have a 'today' look, regardless of their age. They don't want to look like their daughter, but they do want to have a style."

All ages – from teens to grandmothers – are coming to the shop, notes Ms. Davison. "A lot of girls are coming in for jewelry, including estate jewelry, and handbags. Princeton University students have come in for jewelry for their proms. We have a lot of sterling silver bracelets, chains and necklaces, as well as a selection of belts with silver accents.

"Jewelry is emphasizing a lot of color in beads now – gem stones and multi-colored tumbled stones," she adds. "We also carry both clip-on earrings and pierced."

Hats and handbags are always in style, and for this season, the shop has a super selection of colorful brimmed straw hats in pink, lime green, melon, and turquoise with matching bags.

Customers often come in looking for one item and leave with that and another as well, reports Ms. Davison. "A woman was in the other day, looking for earrings, which she got, and then she also found a pair of pants on sale.

"We also try to do special things for people," she says. "We have a Pendleton promotion right now, and if you come in and just try on a Pendleton, there will be a little gift for you. We always try our best to fill special requests for people, and help them coordinate. They often like to buy items, such as sweaters and jackets, to coordinate with something they already have. We invite people to bring in their own things to match and coordinate.

At-Home

"In addition, we offer an 'at-home' service. We will go to a client's home and look at their wardrobe and help them coordinate. We also encourage them to come in and get on our preferred customer list, so I can notify them about special items and events."

Ms. Davison always has her clientele in mind when she goes on buying trips to New York, and she makes a big effort to keep the merchandise new and interesting.

"We have our own look," she says. "We complement other stores, but don't compete with them."

In fact, Ms. Davison never hesitates to suggest one of the other Princeton women's stores to customers, if The Dandeline Shop doesn't have a particular item. There is room for everyone, she believes, and every store has its own specialty.

Customers will also find the popular Caswell-Massey line of soaps and lotions, which are exclusive to The Dandeline Shop in the area.

A wide price range is available, with something for all pocket books. Earrings start at $10 and $15, basic Pendleton pants are from $45, and Geiger wool jackets are in the $450 range. Seasonal sales are held in July and January, and there is always a clearance section on selected items.

"I am so happy to be in Princeton," says Ms. Davison. "I encourage people to come in and browse. The most fun is watching the changing taste of the customers. They definitely want 'today's' look, and we will always do our best to accommodate them."

The Dandeline Shop offers gift certificates and gift packaging, and is open Monday through Friday 10 to 5:30, Thursday until 7, Saturday 10 to 4. (609) 924-0889.