Must-have Items for Spring

Northern boutiques weigh in on what styles are selling now.

By Ross Boissoneau | April 13, 2019

It’s spring (some days, anyway), and rumor has it summer is right behind. Once stripped of our bulky parkas, hats, and boots, what will we need to stay in step with the styles and update ourselves in accordance with the warmer weather? We asked several stores across the region to pick one must-have item from among the hundreds they have in their shops and tell us why it’s required spring or summer wear. You’re welcome.
 
Glitz & Spurs, Traverse City
Start things off with a striped cardigan in what owner Katie Grossnickle calls a “blushy rose. It’s a very popular color.” It’s lightweight and you can easily throw it over a top.
 
Bearcub Outfitters, Petoskey
Clothing buyer Alex Lapp said the Prana dress is great for anyone. Women from age 20 to 60shave tried it on and everybody has loved it. It fits all body types and heights. “You can walk your dog in it or go out to dinner.”
 
Ella’s, Traverse City
Wide leg jeans. Made in the U.S., these are great for switching it up, a welcome and roomy change from the skinny leg jeans that have been squeezing and dominating the past several years. They’re easy to to dress up or dress down, and sales floor manager Kara VanHorn adds they are “flattering, comfortable, and so much breezier than skinny jeans.”
 
Golden Shoes, Traverse City
“Birkenstocks are back, and it’s the biggest they’ve ever been,” said Bill Golden. When the ortho-friendly sandals’ popularity peaked 20–30 years ago, it was mostly with college-age people, he said. “Now it’s from [age] 12 to 70s. It’s the craziest thing I’ve ever seen.”
 
Wooly Buggers, Gaylord
Owner Linda Morgan said the Cha Cha dress is flattering for any figure and comes in a variety of bright colors. “It can be dressy or casual. You can wear it to weddings or for dinner, it’s cute with a jean jacket or shrug.”
 
Eleven, Traverse City
The Kim White ring clutch comes in numerous colors. Crystal Enriquez said the glittery one is her favorite. “It’s sparkly for going out, day or night, spring or summer. It’s carefree and stylish,” she said.
 
Hull’s of Frankfort
The Bordeaux Cardi Wrap is made of the same soft fabric as the original Bordeaux Wrap; however, the Cardi does not have buttons (as the original wrap does). The Cardi Wrap has more fabric and is more flowy, too. One size fits all, in a dozen different colors.

Lima Bean, Suttons Bay
Ambre Blends fragrance oil is handmade in the U.S. and available in five scents, all of which are plant-based and sourced from pure vegan ingredients, and unisex. Unique because it is not a traditional perfume made with alcohol (which evaporates, causing the aroma to disappear), Ambre Blends are activated by body heat. Very little is needed to emanate a true, long-lasting aroma.
 
What to Wear, Traverse City
Everything old is new again? Well, maybe. According to owner Darla Stites, kimonos are again very in this summer, now with small touches of velvet and a trending toward more vintage patterns. 
 
Plamondon Shoes, Traverse City
With a Vibram Megagrip outsole, and a “Rock Solid” lifetime warranty, it's no wonder Outside Magazine ranked Bedrock-Cairn 3D Pro sandals as the Best Water Shoes of 2018. This award-winning sandal is perfect for navigating steep trails or slick rocks. Its unique, fully-adjustable strap design, allows each user to get a precise custom fit.
 
The Outpost of Manistee
Who doesn’t like to wear a pop bottle? These Micro-D Snap-T Pullovers from Patagonia pair well with jeans, sneakers and nothern Michigan sunsets. And they’re made from a combination of manufacturer’s waste, worn-out garments and yes, used soda bottles. 
 
Cottonseed Apparel, Glen Arbor
Cottonseed’s artistic, embroidered jackets make for an easy spring update. Staff recommends pairing an embroidered jacket with a favorite pair of jeans or throwing one over a sun dress. A versatile piece that can be casual or dressy.