Spring Ahead

Spring is here! I know, I know, there’s still a chill in the air and frost is not that distant a memory, but I am looking forward. I trust the first warm breeze and the promise of tender daffodils: warmer days are coming and we’ll be able to open the windows and let fresh air flow in.

You can start with little changes—just add colors and mix them up. Pot pretty flowers. Toss a brightly colored silk pillows on the sofa. Decorate the coffee table with
a memento from your last trip. Express yourself and have fun!

The house we feature in this issue is a treasure trove of ideas for living with an optimistic, friendly vibe yet still polished. The couple that lives here faced the challenge of mixing his conservative
East Coast background with her casual California one. We think the two styles blend perfectly and see plenty that could be adapted to invigorate any home—it’s more about influence than mandates. Think spring cleaning, not overhaul.

Our area is going through its own changes. Have you noticed all of the new stores opening up? I see them in landmark buildings and in quiet corners; popping up just like those daffodils I mentioned.
We highlight a few in this issue, including the seven businesses in a row that are owned by women. They’re finding support in one another by providing services and shopping that appeal to women.

Even the town’s fashion landmark, Mitchells, is enjoying a spring transformation—a big one! I enjoyed a preview of the changes, such as opening up the patio and renovating the women’s department. The evolution is meant to encourage a lifestyle approach to shopping, which means mixing designers, like JBrand with Gucci: “How you do in your closet and how you would logically wear it,” explains Andrew Mitchell-Namdar, vice president of marketing and creative services. He’s right, and thinking this way not only opens up options, it’s also fun. Brand loyalists can count on the spring collections from Kors and Cucinelli but also spot selections from Stella McCartney, Derek Lam, Céline, and more. “New items are arriving daily,” Andrew promises. Plus, you can catch an actual spring breeze on The Patio (at least that’s what I hope Mitchells calls it), where friends can pull up a seat outside and enjoy a moment. Invigorating style and slowing down? Sounds good to me!

Start here by checking out our fashion report. It’s stocked with fresh finds that can be found in local boutiques right now. Change doesn’t always have to be big; sometimes a switch is enough. This issue is designed to inspire you to take a fresh look.