On a little street in Princeton, there’s a Victorian house with a lush garden and a iron gate. Enter and you’ll find a world of beautiful clothing, jewelry, gifts and accessories. We’re always looking for what you can’t find elsewhere…talented new designers, unique fabrics, one-of-a-kind pieces…with high style interpreted for real women.  Whether you’re 25, 55 or 75 we’ve got something that will delight and inspire you.

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Visit us for unique and beautiful Mother’s Day gifts, cards, clothing, jewelry and one-of-a-kind accessories.  Mom deserves it!

Komarov dress

When does Spring begin? Groundhog Day? Valentine’s Day? The official 1st day of Spring? None of the above! Spring begins when we long to shed the layers, the earmuffs, the mufflers, the grungy rubber boots…when we need a fashion booster that makes us feel optimistic, fresh, young, attractive, happy with ourselves, regardless of climate (including the financial one) or temperature….when we yearn for feel-good clothes like feel-good movies.

Magid Bernard dress

Spring 2009 comes in both as a LION and a LAMB…for Spring’s colors are both: full-strength pulsating or quietly diluted. Think purple/lavender, hot or blush pink, orange peel/orange sorbet, string-bean/celedon, lemon juice or egg yellow. You get the idea! Or mix the two…hots and pales..great new duos!

And then there are the non-colors, the always perfect neutrals, like light khaki, sand, ivory…combine those with white for a fabulous new combo! Pure white….white heat for a cool summer look. For crispness it’s sharp white and black, especially in graphic prints like grids, graphs, dots, stripes.

Gingham linen jacket by Flax

Speaking of prints: all the good ‘ole American classics are back: the nautical stripes, picnic checks, ginghams, polka dots. Again, the fun is in the mix, a fashion-y scramble of two or three…with some flower-strewn numbers tossed in as well. Try for eclectic, unorthodox fashion stews!

Metallic trench

Now, seriously, you’d better opt for a new jacket…or two. There’s the faithful boyfriend (great with slim trousers or the age-appropriate mini)…the cargo or safari-chic jackets…long ,lean and fluid toppers… short and nipped in ones…boleros (great over tanks or sleeveless dresses) and sleeveless jackets/cardigans…trenchy jackets always (the trench coat is a perennial now ), and dressier versions embellished with cowl necks, bordered in delicate ruffles, lacey trims, a touch of metallics, of glitter, of lame. Everyone needs a “shining” moment sometimes!

Shoulders are sharper…. just a hint of the 80’s ( not Dynasty!) and with the importance of the jacket, hello to the monochromatic suit,

whether you opt for a skirt or trousers. Which brings us to pants:

Tribal crop pants

The newest are comfy-wide on top, tapered, pegged and chopped a the ankle. Not to panic, because trousers… wide or slim… are always with us! As for shorts…. also called “mini with legs”… if you’re young, toned and hip, you might take them into town with a great jacket…or confine them to your sportier moments! When it comes to skirts…. chose the shape that works best for you: straight, A-line, flared…and yes, the circle skirt returns to fashion : think gingham with the ubiquitous white shirt! Let’s face it… there’s nothing like a great white shirt, always!

And then there is the dress, which couldn’t look better this season….Along with the classic shift/sheath and the shirt dress, there’s lots of news: the sport-dress, T-shirtdress , polo-shirt dress and some softer more fluid shapes; curvy, belted, with more rounded skirts. Plus more constructed numbers, geometric like sculpture in motion….and even double-breasted coat dresses.

Tribal white shirt

Like colors, fabrics have a split personality: cottons/linens that are wrinkled/crinkled/rumpled and fabrics that shine/shimmer, like gorgeous silk charmeuses , lacquered linens and organzas, metallic linens, silk jacquards, summer brocades. Yards of chiffon.

Komarov dress

Late-day is a case of hide and seek: subtle cut-outs and transparency, revealing a bit of skin under a veil of sheer. … playing with nudity not flaunting it… like sheer hemlines revealing a bit of leg, sheer insets here and there. Or dipping hemlines, short in front long in back. The cold shoulder is hot….one-shoulder looks reign . The newest night extra is fringe: lots or little, it’s sexy, it moves, it’s pure glamour.

The extras: belts, corset-high or classics firmly circling the waist.

Bangle bracelets

Bold, bold,bold jewelry: piles of big necklaces, chain-links, pendants, jeweled bibs… wrist-loads of bangles, cuffs …statement earrings.

Slouchy satchels, hobos, unusual totes, chain-handled lady-bags. And make it something reptile, albeit fake!

BUZZWORDS FOR SPRING 2009: the real suit…the spring/summer jacket….safari/expeditionary airs…ethnic influences

(Morocco, India)….the jumpsuit….town shorts….the lwd ( little white dress)….Americana ( gingham et al)….discreet transparency…unexpected marriages/eclectic combos ( stripes +dots, tailored jacket +chiffon skirt, hot + cool colors).

We need OPTIMISM (it’s recession-proof)…we need feel-good clothes….we need Spring in our lives. So for once in your life try being a sort of realistic Shopaholic. We’ll keep your secret! Enjoy!

Edie Locke, my dear friend and fashion mentor, was the editor in chief of Mademoiselle Magazine from 1970 to 1980. She is one of those women with the “gift” of style. She embodies the ability to interpret fashion’s latest trends in a manner that is chic, feminine and supremely wearable. Thank you Edie, for once again gracing us with your fashion wisdom! Love, Barbara

During the last weeks of my vacation at my farm on Prince Edward Island, Canada, I made such a find. I discovered the artwork and exquisite hand-bound books of Charles van Sandwyk.

It turns out that van Sandwyk is quite a character. Among those who know him, he’s very well known. But it seems he prefers to keep that circle small.

His biography will tell you that he grew up in South Africa, emigrated with his parents to Canada and ultimately found his soul in Fiji.

A number of van Sandwyk’s paintings hang in the National Library of Canada, as well as in several important private collections. His books are illustrated by hand and self-published in small, numbered quantities.

Each book is paper bound, beautifully illustrated and embellished, reflecting van Sandwyk’s own motto that:

“Art, indeed life, should be a rich visual feast, restrained only by good taste.”

I am so excited to bring these books to Merrick’s. They are not just childrens’ books (although I have already begun reading them to my own grandchildren). They are books for friends, lovers, family - anyone who has a place in their heart for a fanciful, innocent, wise and more gentle world.

Stop in to Merrick’s to take a look or call us at 609-921-0338 to order by telephone. Prices begin at $40.00 U.S.

Merrick’s has been Princeton’s most exclusive destination for special occasion dressing for over two decades. And by “exclusive” I don’t mean over-the-top expensive! We strive to carry unique designers whose collections are not sold in department stores. We strive to carry elegantly classic looks that will take you anywhere in good taste and style. We strive to carry a full range of sizes - from 0 to Plus. And a range of prices to meet most any pocketbook.

In addition, if it’s your “little one” who is dressing up this year, visit our Muchkin’s department for party and christening wear for babies, toddlers and tots.

Click the links below to preview some of our designers’ collections:

Amsale

Ania Zofia

Badgley Mischka

Carmen Marc Valvo

Carol Peretz

Chetta B

Frascara

Marisa Baratelli

Mark Heister

Nicole Miller

Paul Cormack

Paule Vasseur

Sue Blankinship

Tom & Linda Platt

No one knows this better than the ladies here at Merrick’s. We’ve not only been M.O.B’s and M.O.G’s ourselves, we’ve been dressing you all for more than 23 years! There’s little we haven’t done - whether a formal ceremony in a candle-lit castle, a Hollywood wedding on the beach, or a fun-filled event in front of the monkey cages at the Bronx Zoo. But while wedding styles and venues come and go, what doesn’t change is how to put it all together and how to make sure that you look and feel your most relaxed and beautiful.

With that in mind, we’ve put together a few tips on how to approach the whole blessed event without ever losing your cool.

• Rule #1: Gather the Basics

Once the engagement has been announced, it’s pretty easy to get bitten by the “wedding bug” and head pell-mell to your nearest store to begin perusing the goods. That’s OK, as long as you recognize that you’re no where near ready to begin serious shopping and you run the risk of wearing yourself out before the real work begins. What you need before you can seriously shop are the “who, what, when, where and why” - in other words, you need to talk to the bride.

Good communications between the bride, the MOB and the MOG right from the get-go will eliminate a host of headaches down the road. If geography isn’t an issue, this is the perfect time to plan a casual lunch or get-together. Understanding the bride’s vision in paramount. What is she envisioning herself wearing? What about the bridal party? Does she have specific guidelines for you? Discussing this with her now is critical (especially if what’s in her mind’s eye may not work on your body!). If what she’s envisioning makes you uncomfortable now’s the time to establish your “range”. If head-to toe-fuchsia isn’t your thing, discuss choosing an ensemble with fuchsia highlights. If you’re a plus size woman and she’s seeing strapless, discuss the practicalities. Some brides are very specific some are not, but now’s the time to find out.

Consider yourself ready to start if you can answer the following questions:

• • When is the wedding? What month, what time of day.
  • How formal is the wedding? Is the bride in a long gown, is the groom in a tux or will the men be wearing suits or blazers and slacks?
  • Where is the wedding to be held? A country club, a tent, on the beach? Is it indoors or outdoors? Will it be air conditioned?
  • Are there religious or cultural traditions to consider?
  • Where will the reception be held? Will you be dancing, and if so – to what kind of music?
  • What is the wedding party wearing? Is there a color theme? How closely does the bride want you to tie into that theme? Does she have other specific requests for your attire?
  • If you are the MOG, what is the MOB wearing? How closely coordinated the MOB and MOG must be in their attire is really up to the bride, but even if the bride doesn’t care, remember that you will be appearing in photographs together, so you don’t want to clash or look like you’re attending two different weddings. Traditionally the mother of the bride takes the “lead” and sets the tone for what the two mothers will wear (e.g. if she’s wearing a tailored St. John suit, you probably don’t want to be in a fluffy chiffon gown). If you are the MOB, remember your role and that the MOG is waiting to hear from you. If possible, the mother-of-the-bride should provide the mother-of-the-groom with color swatches and pictures as soon as she’s made her own choice. And remember, she’s under the same time constraints you are, so the earlier you can inform her, the better.”

• Rule #2 Give Yourself Enough Lead Time to Get What You Want

Generally you have three choices of where to look for your gown: department stores, bridal shops and private boutiques. Regardless of where you look, remember that no store has the money or the space to carry all the styles of any designer. In addition to what you see hanging on the racks, most stores will have catalogs and sketches to show you what else may be available in your size, color and/or desired style.

In some instances, you should be ready for the fact that you may not be able to try on the actual gown you are going to wear until after you’ve bought it. It may need to be ordered for you. Frequently we are able to show you a gown in a size close to your own that will give you a substantial idea of how that particular cut and style will look on you. If you’re a size 12, you can approximate with a size 10 or 14. We can also show you color swatches, trims, sketches, etc. Our seamstress takes you measurements, we confer with the designer and we place an order. It’s not custom, in that the designer is not making a pattern for you, we are ordering the size that matches you measurements and then we handle the final fitting and necessary alterations in-house. We’ve done this for thousands of women and it works. Never the less, the idea of ordering from fabric swatches and samples, while quite common in menswear, makes some women squeamish, and understandably so. The true issue, is one of expertise and confidence. You must find a store you can trust. Their guidance in ordering a dress that you cannot actually try on is invaluable and should remove the risk of disappointment later on. Many of these stores have been around for generations and their reputation is based on you looking your absolute best. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Finding out how much of their business is “by order” will help bolster your confidence. Also, be sure that they have a seamstress on premises ready to handle whatever alterations you may need. A good store will “take ownership” of the sale from start to finish – and this means right down to the final pressing.

The issue of when to start looking varies. If the store is a bridal shop that carries “mother of the bride/groom” clothing, you may begin the minute the engagement is announced and you have the “basic” information, because they carry the same basic dresses year in and year out. The only caveat would be the lead time for ordering the gown you want in the size/color you need, as this can be several months.

If you are looking in a specialty boutique such as Merrick’s, or in department stores, 6-8 weeks will get you whatever you want in the season you need it. Then add another 2-3 weeks for alterations. Nearly every gown needs at least a hem (a service Merrick’s provides at no additional charge), and often there is a nip or tuck required elsewhere for the perfect fit.

If you’re reading this in February and worried that you haven’t started looking for your March/April wedding don’t completely panic. You’re late, to be sure, but that doesn’t mean you absolutely can’t order a gown. Many designers will work faster if they have a good relationship with the shop and it’s humanly possible to get the work done in the time remaining. Of course there is a rush charge, but it’s usually a moderate amount and well worth it under the circumstances.

• Rule #3 Beware the Shopping Posse

As tempting as it might be, and no matter how much they beg, try not to bring hordes of people with you when you shop. If your daughter or future daughter-in-law has very strong opinions,by all means bring her. If you need your husband’s opinion, bring him. But too many opinions invariably cause confusion, headache and all too often, bruised feelings. Keep it simple! Also consider bringing a digital or disposable camera to take pictures of the designs you like to email to a distant bride-to-be, or to show your husband. Be sure to ask the store sales person if this is permissible though. While most stores are happy to take a picture or two of a dress you are serious about, photographing their inventory is a “no-no”.

• Rule #4 Avoid Fashion Traps and to Thine Own Self be True
  

While everyone wants to look fashionable, this is not the occasion to change your basic style. If you’re a tailored person, this is not the time to break out and go all ruffles, lace or beads. But keep an open mind as well, she admonishes. Too many women pass over terrific dresses that don’t have much hanger appeal. Or they lock themselves in the “it’s just not me” room. This is a good time to test your fashion range, just don’t go overboard. And here’s where a great sales person really helps. If you’ve armed your sales person with all of the “basic” information, it’s time for you to size her up. Did she listen? Does she “get” you? Does she know her merchandise? Is she involved and interested in your quest? If the answers are “yes” then relax a bit and let her show you a range of gowns or dresses – including one or two that you might not have chosen for yourself. We have customers who come in convinced that they want a fitted jacket and skirt and leave looking glorious in bias-cut silk. Once again, it all comes down to communication and trust.

But what if you’re not a perfect size 6? What if you’re a plus sized mom? Must you be relegated to the frumpy, matronly racks? “Never!” Regardless of your size, shape or figure type, you can and should look beautiful. This is no time to beat yourself up about your body. You’re stressed out enough as it is.”

When shopping, the bottom line is, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Again, no store can carry every color, size or style so there are probably many more options available to you than what you’re seeing.

Most dresses have numerous color options and even a few style variations, so if that bateau neckline is less preferable than a v-neck, don’t be afraid to ask for a change. With some designers, “what you see is what you get”, but don’t make that assumption. Ask.

When choosing a color, focus on what shade or hue looks best on you. Even within a color theme, there are many variations and one may be better for you than another. Here again it’s good to see if someone in your store has color expertise (Merrick’s owner, Barbara Racich is a trained colorist).

Consider the wedding photographs. You’ll be looking at these for many years to come and any fashion or color faux pas will be recorded there for all posterity. If everyone else will be wearing pastels, you don’t want to be in burgundy….or a riot of zebra stripes. And remember the details – hands, feet, etc. Here at Merrick’s we have apet peeve regarding bare toes. Shoes should have closed toes at least for the ceremony and photographs. Most people do not have beautiful feet, and the eye is drawn to bare toes when they’re peeking out from under gown. If you must show your feet off, wear a sexy closed sling back for the wedding and don your Manolos for the reception. The only exception is when you are wearing a cocktail-length gown, where a lot of leg is showing.

Arms are another huge issue for most women. We know of very few women over the age of 40 who don’t hate their arms, and while our obsession with arms might be a bit overdone, our general rule of thumb is this: if they’re toned show them off (e.g. strapless), if they’re “reasonable” be flexible (e.g. wear a stole during the ceremony, but don’t be afraid to remove it at the reception), and if they’re over the hill cover them up. Covering them up doesn’t mean you need a long sleeve gown, she notes. Many gowns include a substantial stole or shawl that can be done up beautifully, others can be ordered with a matching jacket – sheer or otherwise. Again, the key is to ask.

While most women are too tough on their own bodies, today’s baby boomer moms are physically if not chronologically younger than MOBs of past decades. Today’s MOB or MOB (regardless of her size) wants a younger, less traditional, not-your- mama’s (or grand mama’s) dress. It’s important that you seek out those designers who “get” this”.

Above all, the whole look should flow. If you look in the mirror and all you see is DRESS, forget it! And it goes without saying that you don’t want to upstage the bride. No! No! No!

Make sure you’re comfortable in the gown or dress you wear, you don’t want to be tugging or pulling or unable to breathe. (And forget losing the last five pounds; it’s a pressure you don’t need at this time.) -Your mantra: I am the picture, the dress is the frame.

• Rule #5 Get the best you can afford, and don’t be afraid to get a bargin

Keeping within your budget is always important, but be aware that this is not the time to buy a cookie-cutter dress. What could be worse than having a guest show up in the dress you’re wearing?” This is where small boutiques can really help. There are many designers who do not sell to department stores who make unique, beautiful gowns and dresses. At Merrick’s prices range from $400 for a washable micro fiber “silk” to $3000 for a couture design. We also carry Amsale and Nicole Miller bridesmaids’ gowns. It’s important to be open with your sales person about your budget range and don’t be afraid to ask about the availability of discounted “samples” regardless of your size. Occasionally the store may have a sampled style that has been discontinued by the designer/manufacturer, is out of season, or is a little shop worn. It doesn’t hurt to ask.

No more rules, but a few heart-felt tips from those who have been there and done it….

• If your pocketbook can handle it, give yourself a facial and a massage ten days before.

• If you don’t have a wedding planner, ask a good friend to be the “trouble shooter” on the wedding day – because we guarantee it, last minute problems do arise and you shouldn’t have to handle them.
• Consider taking most of the family photos ahead of time. We can’t begin to tell you how this will free you up to have a great time at the reception (p.s. no bad luck at all!)
• Make sure you have non greasy snacks and water for the wedding party while they are getting ready – they never remember to eat on the wedding day and then they are nervous, faint and jittery. Just what you don’t need!
• Limit the bar at the rehearsal dinner, otherwise everyone might look “dog-eared” on the big day
• And most importantly, let it all go and have a fabulous time….it will go by in one blink of an eye.

.

]]> http://www.merricksprinceton.com/2009/02/how-to-shop-for-your-sons-or-daughters-wedding-without-losing-your-mind/feed/ http://www.merricksprinceton.com/2008/08/falls-fashion-essentials/ http://www.merricksprinceton.com/2008/08/falls-fashion-essentials/#comments Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:26:10 +0000 dorothyew http://dorothyew.wordpress.com/?p=469

Art of Cloth T Shirts

Let’s face it… we’ve all had our fill of hot days…bare sun dresses…suntan potions…sand and sandals! Ready for a change of seasons? Those first crisp days of fall and the kick of putting on a new jacket, sweater, a new swinging skirt , a new wider pair of trousers! You’re ready to get “dressed” again…because that’s what this new season is all about. It’s about real “dressing up”.

Fashion is returning to its roots, where good taste counts and where ” anything goes” has truly gone! There is more planning to clothes, more structure, more attention to detail and embellishment, more easy elegance , inherent chic! So take a look at some of the new “looks” in a Merrick’s!

Sarah Campbell Blue/Black Cocktail Dress

Let’s start with color…or rather let’s start with black! “Staying in the black” is the official dictum of fall 2008. Add to that the whole range of purples, the traditional shades of autumn, the burnished tones and deep greens…and some of the colors of royalty, like blues and burgundies.

Lafayette 148 Cashmere Coat

Nina McLemore

Fabrics too go back to fashion’s past: tweeds, all manner of plaids, gutsy flannels and for late-day glossy satins and lace, lace, lace.

Start fall with a REAL suit..newest with a skirt ( trousers are fine too)… the suit is back in business. The jacket is key…long and lean, boxy and cropped at the hip…curvy and fitted…sometimes peplumed… or over sized, as in “boyfriend”. Chose a matching set or play with contrast.

Zelda Suit

Babette

Assuming you already own a pencil skirt ( if not, it’s time to add one), the new one to opt for is fuller…flared or pleated or A-line. .. knee-covering length is fine, but the newest ones drop to mid-calf.

Pants go from pencil-slim and the classic, straight trouser to palazzo-wide. Proportion counts:top wide pants with small tops… a big jacket with slim trousers! And just when we thought that pants could not sit any lower on the torso ( indecent exposure?), that waistline and hi-waist pants are on the rise!

If your favorite way of dressing is the dress, opt for a sheath.

The choices are endless: simple or embellished it’s the best alternate to wear under one of the new jackets. The dress-and-jacket combo is a sure fashion bet.

Magaschoni Cashmere

By the way, your new jacket may well be a chic, gutsy knit. Who doesn’t love the wearability of knits…whether it’s a cardigan, a pullover, or a fabulous knitted coat.

Poet's Blouse

And there must be romance in your fashion life! You must go for one
of the romantic blouses, ruffled, ascoted, softly bowed…to top your new skirt or trouser…to go under your most tailored jacket. A romantic blouse = Fashion 101 this fall and winter.

Nicole Miller Sheath

Martini time or not… the real cocktail dress is back and never looked prettier. It’s short, feminine, elegantly sexy …seductive really ( think of those movies of the 40’s and 50’s you’ve rented from Netflix). Most likely it’s a little ( big) black dress….but it may be equally glamorous in one of the rich shades of purple, burgundy, royal blue. It may even be a print! A floral print! Yes, winter florals are blooming on dark grounds and looking refreshingly hot!

Zelda Embroidered Coat

To top it all ..a new coat for your fall-winter wardrobe: you may want to wrap up in a long coat…button up a princess-seamed one…belt a trenchy style. It can be in a hefty wool…. a chunky knit…or even brocade or glossy satin for evening.

For big evenings on your calendar….you may want to go for something short , great with that infamous one-shouldered neckline….or a full-flown gown in shimmery satin or lace,lace!

The best ornament for fall 08 is the necklace! Dont be shy about piling on the chains by day, the big,chunky stones for evening. Fabulous and bold fakes at yourneck and wrists! Arm-candy …big,bold cuffs, an armful of bangles and beads.

And stay ” muffled and scarfed ” for the sake of fashion! It’s a way to add color and bizas to the simplest outfit. Finally…. those favorite black opaques are back, slimming your legs, anchoring short cocktail dresses. On a dare: experiment with bright color legs when you’re in that little black dress.

Have a wonderfully happy fall and winter this year. Let’s face it: very little makes us happier than putting on some new and exciting clothes!

I love visits with Edie, because her fashion sense and intuition for what’s hot and what’s not is always impeccable. This time, as usual, Edie had something new up her sleeve for me to see - and buy for our little shop in Princeton. After our appointments at several chic salons in L.A.’s fashion district, Edie and her friends Ali McGraw and Barbara Brown took me on a tour of L.A.’s more spiritual locales - including an eastern temple. “Indian is in”, she commanded. And she was right! I picked up a shopping bag full of intricately embroidered women’s tunic-length caftans, an arm load of gossamer scarves, and a bundle of amber-colored bangles. I flew back to Princeton with them yesterday, and they’ve flown off the racks! While summer’s Dog Days are still with us (as well as a few beautiful scarves and tops) stop in and take a look. If nothing else, it will transport you back to a serene time and place. Namaste, Edie & Ralph. Can’t wait to visit again soon! Barbara

Mark your calendars for an amazing line-up of Fall Fashion Trunk Shows from designers including: Nina McLemore, Due Sorelle Jewelry, Lafayette 148, Emmelle and Yansi Fugel.  See our EVENTS page for dates and details.