Diane von Furstenberg said, “Style is something each of us already has, all we need to do is find it.”
Well, the staff at Northwest Bergen Lifestyle has found some terrific styles from two distinctive local shops, and we are pleased to share our discoveries with you. Meet Kristin Dahl, owner of KD Boutique and Ralph Lauretta, general manager of Sal Lauretta. Both are located in Midland Park and offer personal service that far exceeds anything you’d find in a local department store. Our “Trend Setter” feature includes curated looks from both stores, along with a little insight from Kristin and Ralph on the upcoming trends for fall. Let's find your style!
KD Boutique has the essence of one of those light and airy boutiques you would visit in Martha’s Vineyard or perhaps Hilton Head. Her styles exude that easy-going vibe in comfortable, wearable fabrics.
Having a long history in the garment center of New York City, Kristin Dahl opened the doors of KD Boutique six years ago, after presenting home parties and pop-up shops throughout Bergen County.
“Our manufacturers are switching gears because of COVID, and re-creating their fall lines, giving us unstructured comfort wear while incorporating the latest trends," says Kristin.
KD Boutique carries clothing that can be easily transformed…a t-shirt dress that’s perfect to run errands in can be topped by a great jacket or sweater for a home office Zoom call. Joggers, stretch denim, and vibrant pieces have been popular throughout the pandemic. “People want cheery, fresh colors. Bright tie-dye is a huge trend, she says.”
Her vendors know what she’s looking for in her shop, and Kristin (and her customers) benefit from her long-term relationships with them. “I like to stock clothing lines that you won’t see anywhere else,” she says. “The shop’s look is focused on elevated, every day fashion--classic, chic, and stylish. I carry the clothes that you can wear all day—from your virtual meeting to outdoor evening dining!”
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Growing up in Vittoria, Sicily, Sal Lauretta learned the art of men’s tailoring trade from his father, Raffaele. In 1962, Sal and Raffaele left Italy for America and brought with them their trade skills in European tailoring and style.
The tradition thrived in the US as Sal and Raffaele opened their first store in 1974. Since then, Sal Lauretta for Men has become widely known as northern New Jersey’s premiere specialty menswear shop and tailor. The same techniques learned by Sal so many years ago continue to be evident in every piece of made-to-measure clothing created. Sal's son Ralph is an integral part of the business as the general manager of the store. Ralph enjoys sharing style trends with his customers and strives to provide the friendly, “customer first” service that is lacking in many retail stores.
Due to the pandemic, dressier men’s fashions and formalwear are less in favor at the moment. “Fall styles will have a more relaxed feel,” says Ralph. “There will be more loungewear and looks that will feel good to hang out in. Many men are working from home, so we are definitely moving toward a more casual focus this fall.”
Keeping the inventory fresh and relevant, Ralph has requested more laidback fashions from his usual vendors and has sought out new manufacturers who are well known for casual wear. “We are swapping out the dressier looks for more informal styles and stocking plenty of looks that will be perfect for fall outdoor dining, such as outerwear and sports jackets in shades of brown, olive green, gray and navy. You can be comfortable and still look terrific.”
