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Vol. LXIII, No. 38
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Wednesday, September 23, 2009
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Vol. LXIII, No. 38
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Wednesday, September 23, 2009
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 BATHROOM ART: Hedy Shepard LTD has an intriguing new powder room decor. Drawings and sketches of Grownbeans designer Karen Groner now decorate the walls. “It’s a real conversation piece,” say owners Lynn Rabinowitz and Rachel Reiss. Shown is 20-months-old Addison, Rachel’s daughter. |
Hedy Shepard LTD has always been known for contemporary, exciting fashion. There is definitely no hint of “yesterday” at this stylish shop at 175 Nassau Street. The look is updated and “today”, always dynamic.
As fall approaches, energy, enthusiasm, and excitement are in the air at the boutique. New collections, new designers are offered, and there is a new trunk show to launch the season Wednesday, September 30 and Thursday, October 1.
“We will feature the special leather designs of Karen Groner of Grownbeans,” says Hedy co-owner Lynn Rabinowitz. “Karen works with the finest leather, suede, and shearling, and treats them in a unique way. It’s very lightweight and can be painted. And it’s everything — jackets, dresses, skirts, and tops.”
Adds Ms. Rabinowitz’ daughter and co-owner Rachel Reiss: “Karen’s ‘MoTo’ vest is a variation of the popular motorcycle jacket, and this is a real favorite now. It’s a big vest year, by the way. Karen loves leather. She is about finding whimsical leathers. She also paints on leather, and refurbishes fur. Sometimes a combination of fur and fabrics, including leather. She does a lot of custom work.”
Powder Room
In addition to the trunk show (when Ms. Groner will be on hand) and her creative leather designs, there is another Grownbeans/Hedy Shepard connection. The shop’s powder room features a completely new look, with Ms. Groner’s drawings and sketches decorating the walls.
“I was going through things and cleaning up — I mean how many drawings does an artist have? So, I decided to re-do my bathroom in my studio in SoHo with some of my drawings and working sketches,” explains Ms. Groner, who in addition to designing, manufacturing, and selling, also teaches at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). “Lynn had seen the bathroom, and liked it so much. I began to think she might enjoy something similar at Hedy’s.”
Ms. Rabinowitz continues the saga of this example of super recycling. “We were really excited to see what Karen had done. The walls were covered with sketches and drawings, and it was a decoupage technique, with flour paste and then shellac. Real bathroom art!
“When Karen offered to do the same for our powder room, we were thrilled. She did all the work herself, and customers love it. We’re so glad to have it. It’s absolutely unique.”
Totally Different
In addition to the creations of Ms. Groner, the shop’s selection features the fashion of 50 designers — many bridge designers — and focuses on a stylish, flattering wardrobe, including sportswear, sweaters, dressy separates, and an intriguing collection of jewelry, scarves, and handbags. Hedy Shepard carries the latest in all categories, and regular customers often come in once a week just to see what’s new.
“We continue to do day to evening,” reports Ms. Rabinowitz, “and we try to bring in something that is totally different and will enhance your wardrobe. Our look can be sophisticated, whimsical, elegant, and always interesting — definitely innovative and unusual. You can pick up a beautiful scarf, a great jacket, an interesting sweater — whatever you need.”
Hedy Shepard LTD. has had an impact on fashion in Princeton since original owner Hedy Shepard opened the store in 1987. Ms. Rabinowitz and Ms. Reiss purchased it in 2000 — Ms. Reiss had been assistant to Hedy Shepard for several years — and the mother-daughter team has emphasized quality fashion and service.
“The Hedy Shepard LTD. name has an identification in the fashion industry,” says Ms. Rabinowitz.
The shop focuses on items for women 35 to 70, and the unique mother-daughter team brings a special perspective to fashion, and each complements the other.
“Since we are mother and daughter, it affects the way we merchandise,” points out Ms. Rabinowitz. “We can bring a different eye toward fashion because of our different ages. And when we go into a showroom, our goal is to dress real people — all sizes, shapes, and ages. Not runway models.”
Price Consciousness
“Another thing, price consciousness is important to us. We have a range; and whatever the price, our selection is characterized by inventiveness and fun.”
Adds Ms. Reiss: “How we pick and choose the item is important. We have such a large repeat customer business, and we individualize our buying for them. We are always looking for the fresh and interesting. It has to be different. We will help you add something to your wardrobe, something different and special, to make it exciting.
“We give our customers special service,” she continues. “We listen to what they want, and help them with advice and how to put an outfit together with accessories. People also like to bring in a favorite outfit and ask us to give it a new look by adding a special scarf, jewelry, jacket, etc.”
Accessories certainly complete the fashion statement, and Hedy’s wonderful jewelry selection offers choices for all occasions. Additionally, it’s a very big scarf year, and the collection is eye-catching. Gorgeous colors, designs, squares, oblongs, and all fabrics.
Another favorite this season continues to be skinny pants, especially in jersey, and again, Hedy Shepard prides itself on offering the latest and the best.
“I think we have created a uniquely special environment,” notes Ms. Rabinowitz. “We’re proud of what we have accomplished, and we’re proud of what we can give to the community. Princeton is a wonderful town in which to do business, and shopping locally is important. We love what we’re doing, and we’ll keep doing it!”
Hedy Shepard is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and by appointment. Gift certificates, free gift wrapping, and in town delivery are available. (609) 921-0582, Website: www.hedyshepardltd.com.