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Jewelry, Home and Fashion Accessories Are Highlighted at Lisa Jones Boutique
Providing special choices for Princeton shoppers at reasonable prices is the goal of Lisa Jones Ott, who opened her signature shop, Lisa Jones, on Witherspoon Street, last March.
"We are unique," she explains. "We are working very hard to offer the charm of a beautiful boutique in downtown Princeton, with a variety of items at reasonable prices. We specialize in style for you and your home, and we have something for everyone and every budget. Also, I definitely wanted to be in downtown Princeton. There is so much energy here in the downtown."
After devoting herself to her family for several years while her children were small, Lisa, a Princeton resident for 10 years, decided the timing was right to branch out. "I felt ready to do something again, and I decided the boutique was what I wanted to do. Then, this space became available, and it made my heart sing!"
With her background in interior design and jewelry design, it was natural to focus on jewelry and home and fashion accessories, she adds. "I have always loved accessories in the home and in fashion. Fashion accessories can change a look instantly, and home accents are so important to the style of a room."
Lisa's designer's eye has been essential in creating striking displays, showcasing the engaging collection of American and imported items to their best advantage. Indeed, every time you turn around, another intriguing item catches your eye.
Jewelry — delicate to dramatic — is a major focus. The creations of a variety of designers is featured, and includes an array of colors, styles, shapes, and sizes. Crystal and pearl beads, dangling earrings, asymmetrical beads and necklaces, and cuff bracelets shimmer and shine in many colors, including a blend of autumn's gold, russets, and coppers.
In addition, a "Tween" section offers a fun assortment of colorful jewelry for girls nine to 13 to find a birthday gift for a friend or a special item just for themselves. Bracelets, beaded rings ($3 and up), and fun, affordable watches are all available.
"Jewelry has been a huge hit for us," reports Lisa. "The selection is primarily quality costume jewelry and also traditional pieces. Customers seem to like everything and the mix of prices. We have necklaces at $28 and at $150."
Evening bags are another specialty, with sequined and beaded bags in various colors and styles.
Buttery soft fringed scarves in plaids and solids are also available, as are wool and angora gloves, all at reasonable prices. Wonderfully fragrant soaps, sachets, and lotions are also on hand to tempt the shopper. The Tuscan Pear line offers a lovely scent, as well as beautiful packaging. The Baudelaire selection of soaps and scents also makes a welcome gift.
"A lot of people come in for a gift for someone, and then find something for themselves," notes Lisa. "For example, the elegant French apothecary jars are perfect for the bathroom — yours or someone else's. We have wonderful hostess gifts in a lot of price points, and we are constantly getting new things."
Indeed, chests of drawers, clocks, candles, and candle holders share the space with vases, wine coasters, photo frames, planters, glassware, and decorative items for the home, such as the irresistible faux pears and artichokes.
Sherlock Holmes would surely approve of the silver magnifying glass (a fun and useful gift at $20), and there are also silver roller pens ($12), silver bud vases, picture frames, and small clocks. The "Helping Hands" bronze clip is a find at $10, and there are watches for everyone.
Clever writing blocks and memos in assorted sizes include dragonfly and Eiffel Tower motifs, and also fun and useful is the dresser dish with vintage post card design, handy for keys or, appropriately, in this case, mail. Large ornate candle sticks, suitable for pillars, are important to keep in mind as the holidays approach.
Lisa is very pleased with the store's reception, and points out there are already many regular customers. She attributes this not only to the inviting atmosphere and appealing mix of merchandise, but to the helpful and knowledgeable staff.
"We have a great staff and excellent customer service. Jane Tallon, our assistant manager, has a retail background, and is also creative and artistic. We go out of our way to help customers and always try to fill special requests. It's our 'Call When' service. That is, people let us know what they want, and I look for it. Then, we 'call when' we have it. I very much enjoy the customers and the interaction with them. I'm a people person."
Special gift wrapping is offered, as are gift certificates, she adds. A sale table is always available with selected items, and a grand opening, to be held October 14, 15, and 16, will offer more savings and a chance to win a $250 gift certificate.
"I am trying to offer customers something special," she adds. "The store is about a look. It has a European flavor and provides a unique shopping experience. It's creative, and I am a very creative spirit. This is right for me. It is exciting and just what I had hoped for. I have an entrepreneurial spirit, and it's nice to have an outlet for it.
"Come in and take a look! The store is beautiful now and it will be transformed for the holidays. Also, we are just across from the garage — it's stress-free parking."
Lisa Jones is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 10 to 7; Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10 to 8; Sunday 11 to 7. (609) 688-9888.