Italian designs in Northfield

May 2007

Men, if you want to buy a really stylish suit this spring that feels like a dream, visit Lou Marchiano in Northfield. This fine men’s store features top quality fabrics and Italian designers in its large inventory of dressy and casual apparel.

Norman needed to freshen his professional wardrobe up a bit. We stopped at Lou Marchiano’s during a great sale, which they often have. Admittedly, the clothing is a bit higher than at some mass market and department stores, but the beautiful selections and complimentary expert tailoring by Mario will make it worth the splurge.

SHOP WHILE STROLLING OCEAN CITY’S BOARDWALK

The signs are everywhere that the shuttered seasonal businesses and those that operate year round are gearing up for another busy season in Ocean City.

My husband Norman and I decided to take a walk on the Boardwalk on a recent brisk Sunday afternoon. Since spring has been missing in action so far, the wind was howling, but plenty of people eagerly welcomed the outdoors after their winter doldrums. Although many shops were still closed or refurbishing in preparation for their openings in May, several were open and ready for business.

Ladies, if you like versatile, fashionable handbags at reasonable prices, the Bag Boutique is a good place to look. In addition to everyday bags, they have a nice selection of evening bags, at discounted prices, which look like designer items. I did buy two bags - one is real leather and the other is a lovely sequined evening bag for those dressier occasions. The substantially marked down price... a mere $41.98, plus tax.

Match your new bag with some jewelry at Terry Ivory Jewelry. They operate two retail shops - one on the Ocean City Boardwalk and the other in Stone Harbor. They genuinely want to assist the customer. When perusing their inventory, I realized that they displayed a limited inventory of post earrings for pierced ears. Most were the wire styles, which I cannot wear.

The sales associate spent several minutes examining every tray in the store to find earrings that would work for me. Unfortunately, they were not the colors I needed, but she was just as accommodating and pleasant as if I had purchased several pairs.

After walking the length of the commercial area, we ducked into the Ocean City Coffee Co. Open since 1879, the 5th generation of the original Smith family now operates the store.

Sold by the pound, there are 110 coffee bean blends, single origin coffees and flavored coffees, sold in decaf and regular forms. The Ocean City Coffee Co. also sells 18 types of teas. They ship within 24 hours of an order year round. The front glass also displays a delicious array of tasty baked goods. Just in time for the beginning of summer, next month I will offer more information on some great stores on Asbury Avenue, the main shopping street in Ocean City.

FABULOUS FLOWERS

Sure, fresh flowers are nice, but they fade too soon. Silk flowers can be just as lovely, and last for years.

In a prior column, I described the beautiful hand-painted vase I bought at A Journey Through Italy, a charming shop in Smithville. I took that vase and another old one to a local florist in Somers Point. However, after six weeks of waiting, she had nothing for me, and no idea of when she would complete the job.

I took my vases down the road to Somers Point Floral and Event Planning, which turned out to be a great decision. Owner Anthony Delareto has a gorgeous shop, and his staff has wonderful ideas. The walls of the showroom’s back meeting section are filled with beautiful photos of weddings, parties, bar and bat mitzvahs, and business functions.

I had to wait a few weeks, but it was well worth it. When I came to get them, they absolutely took my breath away. The stunning colors and selection of silk flowers make an exquisite addition to my family room.

Their prices are also very fair and affordable. Good service and pleasant customer service makes all the difference. Somers Point Floral’s showroom also has a beautiful selection of fresh flowers, suitable for any special occasion, or just to treat yourself to something lovely for your home or office.