In the spirit of celebrating our 20th anniversary all year, we’re resurrecting an old series, Day in Little Rock, where various central Arkansans reflect on their memories, pastimes and adventures in the capital city. Up this month is Lila Ashmore. Take it away, Lila.
Being a part of the fashion scene in Little Rock for a few decades now has been a rewarding experience for me. I started out with a part-time gig at Sue Wicker’s in The Heights, then enjoyed my stint as a freelance stylist and later segued to my current role, dressing room coach at Vesta’s. Through this journey I’ve seen some great retail stores come and go, and I can honestly say we currently have the best selection ever.
I call my fellow retail-mates “a band of sisters.” Most of the local boutiques in town are women-owned and women-driven. Yes, we are competitors, but we support one another by referrals, shopping with one another and joining together for community-style shows, etc. During the thick of the pandemic, we all rooted for each other when we were hustling to keep the doors open and our customers happy. The silver lining of that very trying time was a true sense of sisterhood that bonded us for retail life.
Folks can travel far and wide in search of the greatest clothing boutiques on the planet, but they will soon realize that our capital city is a true shopping mecca for any demographic. From upscale boutiques offering European couture and middle price point shops selling affordable collections to stores retailing what is known in the industry as “fast-fashion,” we have it happening in Little Rock.
One of my favorite pastimes, when time allows, is talking shop with boutique owners and staff. Social media has made this much easier, but actual face time allows me to see what all is out there and a chance to catch up. Always on my beaten path is Box Turtle. Owner Emese Boone has created a gem of a shop full of items that have me hooked every time I grace the door. She supports local artisans better than anyone in town, and I am a proud collector of her robe line. (How many robes are too many? Asking for a friend.)
A pop into Barbara/Jean is always a treat. If I’m lucky, I can snatch a hug from veteran makeup artist Vannette Vititow or catch up with my Faulkner County pal Leeann Wallace. Owner Tiffany Robinson has truly brought some talented people together to make this high-end boutique approachable for all. Did I mention their handbag selection?
I remember the first time I walked into B.Barnett. I knew I had entered another dimension of fashion. Understated elegance oozes from every square inch of this upscale store. My friend Marisa Ensminger is the owner, and she makes the trek to New York and beyond to curate a transcending experience for her clients. I recall the first suit I purchased there. I walked out like I had bought a piece of art.
I cannot count on my fingers and toes how many times I have referred clients to my pal Jeanne Johansson down the sidewalk at Scarlet, or to who I call the smartest woman in retail, Erin Hohnbaum at E.Leigh’s. Both shops are on point when it comes to trend, price point and “cool-ness.”
I could go on and on about my love for the Little Rock fashion world, but I’ll end by saying there’s no place like home. My boss lady, Melissa Tanner, has afforded me the opportunity to be immersed in this crazy industry. Dressing clients at Vesta’s defines me in so many ways. I feel proud of Little Rock and the city’s energy when working with clients.