Neighborhood Notes

A friend of mine recently opened up a great boutique on NW 23rd, Amai Unmei. I know I'm partial, but what a cool store! When I found out she was opening up shop right down the street from me, I was excited. But when I walked in to her brand spanking new lair o'fashion, I was even more excited, as I totally got it. This lady is in the fashion business for a reason; because she gets fashion.

Not only do the the fashions rock, but the store itself is gorgeous. It is clean and bright. You feel like you can get your shopping done while you're there. I also think it's neat that Allison, the owner/designer, spends a fair amount of time manning the mothership. How cool to walk into a store and actually speak with the designer who made the dress you're about to buy.

I spent a good twenty minutes salivating over the rich silky dresses and trendy winter coats, while silently deciding what I'm not going to buy at other stores this month in order to buy one of Allison's dresses. Full disclosure, Amai Unmei is not inexpensive. But, I think that's why we go there -- for that quality and workmanship that our mothers always told us about. (It's not a myth, apparently!) We shop here because we know that our finds will be unique, lasting and of course, fashionable!

nn