Pamela Flasch
Owner, Miss Groove Accessories & Apparel and Miss Groove Intimates
1225 E. Brady St. (Intimates: 1224 E. Brady St.)
(414) 298-9185
What they carry
Accessories and handbags are Miss Groove's, well, bag. Brands range from vegan-friendly non-leather choices like Matt & Nat to high-end Italian brands like Plinio Visona and Renato Minelli. Also check out their extensive hosiery collection, moderately priced tops and range of denim styles.
Fall forecast
Hoisery and leggings. It's no surprise that Flasch predicts the leg accessory will be big, given their large collection of metallic, print and ribbed versions of tights. "I'm really excited about the hosiery-these really all make the whole outfit," says Flasch. Wearing them under dresses, also big this fall. Look for European brands Levante and Johnathan Aston, and U.S. brand Stockin Girl, $10-$50.
Cashmere. A perennial favorite in cooler temps, the shop will carry soft pieces like sweaters, tunics and jackets in this luxurious knit. American Vintage silk/cashmere blend sweaters, $130-$180 and Lauren Hansen cashmere, $180-$200.
Silk/spandex sweaters for layering. Due to last season's popularity, Flasch is bringing back these best-selling turtlenecks, henleys and scoop-neck tees. "This fabric is so wonderful and so flattering. It's one of those pieces you think 'Oh my gosh, how did I live without this?'" says Flasch. WR9000 sweaters, $85-$150.
What she's picking up
WR9000 turtleneck with snaps. This fun top can be worn two ways: as a turtleneck or unsnap for a shawl-collar. $98.
Anything by American Vintage. "Anything that comes in my size by them will be mine," jokes Flasch. $130-$180.
Helen Welsch apparel accessory. "These capes, wraps and shrugs are made of soft, cozy yarns, and are great for layering over lightweight tops and sweaters." $85-$165.
Jennifer Bowers
Buyer, Ma Jolie
2583 N. Downer Ave.
(414) 961-8200
Bayshore Town Center, 5800 N. Bayshore Dr., Ste. B120
(414) 961-8210
What they carry
Upscale basics like Free People sweaters and Michael Stars T-shirts, plus feminine and dressier tops by Free People and Rebecca Beeson. They've also got the latest in denim from Joe's Jeans and Hudson. Clothes and jewelry are moderately and affordably priced and appeal to a range of ages.
Fall forecast
Bootcut and wide-leg denim. "We have a wide-leg style that's already out, and it's doing great," affirms Bowers, who predicts these two styles will be hot sellers. Both styles are a departure from the skinny-jean craze that captivated the fashion world the past few seasons. "Deluxe" wide-leg jean, $187, "Signature" bootcut, $165 and "Rogue" bootcut, $176. All by Hudson jeans.
Dresses. Looks like girly-girls can rejoice this fall with all of the fab new styles to choose from. Dresses by Max & Cleo, a division of BCBG, are among Ma Jolie's best-sellers. "These dresses are in every style imaginable, from casual to dressy. Print, solids, silk jersey-there's all different fabrications." $80-$170.
Tulle brand jackets. Tulle coats in shorter, casual styles and winter coats are in fun fabrications and colors. Pick up a shorter, babydoll coat in twill, a bomber jacket in corduroy or a three-quarters-length wool version in a vibrant color like chili pepper, juniper or midnight. $50-$115.
What she's picking up
Joe's Jeans "Muse" jean. "These have a little bit higher rise and are bootcut," says Bowers. Each pair also has special details like pocket details and different thread colors, as well as a variety of washes. $158.
Gorjana necklace. Bowers admits she already has some jewelry by this California-based designer, but is going to pick up some more. $45-$100.
Sweater from Free People. Ma Jolie will carry a range by the brand: waist-length versions, longer tunics and sweater jackets. $78-$138.
Carrie Arrouet and Stephanie Sherman (Sherman is the wife of OnMilwaukee.com president Jeff Sherman)
Owners, Lela
321 N. Broadway
(414) 727-4855
What they carry
Known for being at the forefront of fashion in Milwaukee, Lela's got the goods. They stock ultra-feminine sundresses and cocktail dresses, fine jewelry, classy tops and skirts and a sizable consignment business. Arrouet and Sherman are supportive of local designers too, carrying Milwaukee designers like Shanel Regier and Lauren Edgar Duff.
Fall forecast
Knitwear. Sherman counts this a trend that started last fall and is still going strong. Fashionistas can pick up knit tops in all styles-tunics, vests and more-and layer them as the temps turn chilly. "It transforms the early fall wardrobe into winter by adding something underneath. Then wear with leggings and boots," says Sherman. "Or skinny jeans and heels," echoes Arrouet. Topin and Trina Turk knits, $40-$350.
The Mod look. Be on the lookout for shift dresses and swing coats. Swing coats especially will have fun details like big vintage buttons and fuller dolman sleeves with swing around the midsection. "Try black, chocolate and gray. Or for someone more daring, they are in tons of prints, tweeds, plaids and houndstooth patterns," says Arrouet.
Bow & Arrow, Soia & Kyo and Mel en Stel coats, $90-$500.
Dresses. Echoing what other storeowners have said, the ladies agree dresses are hot. "They're not just for cocktail parties anymore," said Sherman. Wear with printed, textured or plain tights. Betsey Johnson and Trina Turk dresses, $60-$298.
A notable accessory. Pair a chic outfit with an animal-print item like a hat or textured leggings. Sarah Padgham velveteen animal-print hat, $60-$65. Frenzii leggings, $32.
What they're picking up
Arrouet: Betsey Johnson animal-print dress, $298. Mel en Stel jumper, $280.
Sherman: Soia & Kyo swing coat. "Because I'm pregnant and they fit," she laughs. $300-$350. A Trina Turk dress, $250-$320.
Co-owner, Detour (brother Jesse is the other owner)
1300 E. Brady St.
(414) 273-5156
18915 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield
(262) 783-5146
What they carry
This veritable denim Mecca carries 30 of the best denim lines. Find jeans by Paige Premium Denim, True Religion, Joe's Jeans and hot Swedish brand Nudie Jeans for men. Also pick up T-shirts, handbags, dresses and more at this hip urban stop.
Fall forecast
Wide leg jeans. "We love the wide leg jean for women ... we are already blowing out of them," says Meyer. Brands include 7 for all Mankind, Paige Premium Denim, J Brand and Raven. $143-$220.
The tailored look for men. "For men, it's all about the casual tailored look, and what that means is getting the guy to buy clothes that actually fit him well, yet are still casual and comfortable." What a concept! Try these lines: Rag&Bone, $59-$300, Nudie Jeans, $160-$250, diesel $39-$200 and Trovata, $49-$200.
Dresses. Mod color-block dresses are huge from brands like Vince, Ella Moss and Generra. Also check out the perfect "little black dress" from Susane Monaco in a supplex material, says Meyer. $89-$289.
What he's picking up
Detour house brand T-shirts in every color, $28.
Looks from Rag&Bone and rogues gallery. "This fall is going to be great for men ... there are amazing sweaters, great jackets and really cool washes in jeans. I will be feasting on looks from Rag&Bone and rogues gallery." Rag&Bone, $59-$300 and rogues gallery, $39-$200.
Dresses. Well, he's not picking up any dresses. "Our women's buyers are all fighting over the new dresses from Susana Monaco and Ella Moss," says Meyer. Susana Monaco, $150-$289 and Ella Moss, $149.
Leigh Anna Kelley
Creative director, Valentina
18900 W. Bluemound Rd. (Galleria West), Brookfield
(262) 789-7759
1505 Mequon Rd. (East Towne Square), Mequon
(262) 241-4122
What they carry
Designers mentioned in high-fashion mags like Vogue, Bazaar and W-Rachel Roy, Peter Som, Doo-Ri and 3.1 Phillip Lim, to name a few. In terms of cutting-edge, designer fashions, this is where to go. The Brookfield location also specializes in bridal and event wear.
Fall forecast
Bright colors. Perhaps a nod to the color-happy '80s, saturated hues like electric blue, fuschia, orange, purple and jewel green offer a kick to the wardrobe. As a contrast, textured fabrics in satin, lamé and wool in black and metallics offer a subdued but visual interest and sheen to clothing. Try Matthew Williamson's bright satin swing coat, $850.
Body conscious styles. Even though the wide leg jean is hip, styles that accentuate the body and the waistline are also where it's at. Try belted, fitted dresses and shift dresses, swing coats, pencil skirts and high waisted full leg pants, says Kelley.
Knits. "We love Koi Suwannagates' collection. She also is concentrating on enhancing the shape of the body and showed several styles belted." $616-$1760.
What she's picking up
Doo-Ri black satin high waisted skinny pants, $935.
Rachel Roy black and pinstripe "Amira" dress for functions, $1,300.
3.1 Phillip Lim red leather "Orchid" handbag, $595.
Y and Kei Oyster silk satin flutter sleeve blouse, $528.
