Basic Instinct

Just in: RILLER & FOUNT, a celeb-favorite line of basics that are anything but boring.  Made with super high quality, silky smooth fabrics and uber-flattering cuts, these are going to become your summer staples. The "Bear" tank, which we have in-store, was featured in this month's PEOPLE STYLEWATCH magazine as one of their six "universally flattering" summer picks. (That's it in the top right corner - they praise its curved hemline for adding subtle shape!)

And everyone from Kristen Cavallari to Rachel Bilson to Halle Berry have been spotted out in the "Ariel" tunics - they can be worn as deliciously slouchy tees or flirty little dresses. Quality, versatility, and a great reputation...what more could you want?

How adorable and effortless does she look? Come snag yours today before they stroll on out of here!

Summer Lovin'

It may be a tad premature, but you know that feeling you get when the summer you've been dreaming about finally starts to become a reality? We're getting giddy about two lines here @ Nolita: one's an old standby and the other is brand new, and in both cases we're crushing hard.

It's no coincidence Siwy denim's collection is named "Untamed Love" - that's exactly how we feel about their amazing jeans. The "Hannah" slim crop in stock right now is literally the perfect skinny, while the "Anita" flare is  spot-on trend and can be worn so many different ways. Siwy is a California-made, New York-inspired line that is a celeb favorite.

We don't care how you feel about Kate Moss, you can't deny the girl's got style. Check out how the icon wears her Hannahs:



And you Nolita fans know it wouldn't be summer without tons and tons of delicious YFB. (For Nolita newbies, that's Young Fabulous & Broke - a line that we've carried and loved for years.) Designed by one of our lovely owner's best friends in LA, YFB is designed for young Hollywood and never fails to deliver everything you need for a hot hot summer - tie-dyed minidresses, bright and juicy tanks, and cargos and maxidreses you'll never want to take off. Here's a preview:

Check back here, nolitaonline.com, and facebook for updates on new pieces from these lines and much more, and get your summer started!!

Tell Us What You Want, What you REALLY REALLY WANT!!!

Nolita has a secret to tell you: lately, we've been feeling nostalgic for our roots. Now that we're back in our original neighborhood, we have an itch to get back to our original concept as well. Here's what we're thinking: more denim, less decoration. In other words, we'd like to get back to basics, clear out many of the clothing lines we're currently carrying and stock tons more denim and simple, quality basics. But before we make any major changes, we want to hear what you want. Help us out by giving your honest feedback. What can Nolita do without? What items or lines would you miss if you could no longer find them here? What would you like to see more of? How can we make the experience of shopping for new jeans even more fun and accessible?
Post any ideas, comments, criticism, and suggestions by clicking on the "comments" link below. You have the option to make your post completely anonymous, so don't hold back, and tell your friends about this opportunity to help us shape Nolita into the best boutique we can be!

Weathering a Missoula Spring

Crazy spring weather driving you...crazy? Us too. While we wait with bated breath for the onset of true spring weather, we thought we'd share some of our best tips for coping with all of the rain, hail, mud, snow, and general dreariness in the meantime. Add your own in the comments!

• What to wear, what to wear...When it's sunny in the morning, snowy in the afternoon, and rainy in the evening, dressing both appropriately and fashionably is a challenge at best, and a pain in the a** at worst. Our temporary fix is to continue layering, but not necessarily in the same way we've been doing for the past few months. We're loving springy, cropped jackets (like the linen Julie Park version or Hudson's classic signature denim, both in-store) over your usual winter-wear and sweater-dresses on unseasonably cold days. Pair with tights if it's below 60 degrees. And speaking of tights, we've recently discovered that despite the traditional taboo of wearing them with open-toed shoes, they look great with the chunky platform sandals we've been waiting to break out. Who cares about rules?!? For more ideas, check out these tips from one of our fave fashion blogs, WhoWhatWear: http://www.whowhatwear.com/website/full-article/www-styling-tips-1595/



• Tip #2: Pick up this season's sunglasses a bit early. Nothing makes us feel more prepared for sunshine than sliding on a fabulous new pair of shades, even if they're only useful for the occasional glint through the clouds. Purchasing them now gave us a huge mood boost - and no guilt trip - as they are totally wearable even when it's not-so-nice outside (unlike that new bikini).

• To go with your new sunnies, you need two more things: the first is a TAN. We have given our very best effort to embrace pale skin and are officially over it. Fast fix: Brown Sugar Tan Spa. Whether you're a tanning traditionalist and prefer some good UV bulbs or like to keep it UV-free by going with a Mystic spray tan, you can get either at both lovely Brown Sugar locations. They have amazing package specials going on right now too- find them on facebook!

• The second necessity is pink lipstick. You probably already have a few pretty, neutral versions in your makeup bag, but we're talking PINK! It seems a little crazy and you might attract some stares, but you'll be amazed how much hot pink lips brighten up your whole face...and your outlook! One important note, though: stay away from anything with glitter, glimmer, shimmer, shine, frost...you get the idea. With a look this bright, it's best to stick to matte finishes and stains. Our favorite versions are NARS Pure Matte lipstick in Carthage and Maybelline Color Sensational lipstick in Fuschia Fever. Pat them on with your finger for a subdued yet sophisticated look that stays put. And keep the rest of your makeup minimal!

BOYFRIEND/GIRLFRIEND alert!

Nolita has a new official crush...BOYFRIEND/GIRLFRIEND! We all know and love Rachel Pally for her jersey maxi dresses and colorful swimwear, but now the L.A.-based designed has teamed up with her long-term boyfriend Kevin Circota to bring you a new his-n-hers collection! (Adorable (& jealously) Alert: they met in pre-school and twenty years later fell madly in love). Their line is stocked with vintage, super-soft cotton t-shirts that will fit into any girl or boy's idea of comfort! Several styles in, including versatile racer tanks, v-neck back tees, and magically soft graphic t-shirts. Spruce up your spring wardrobe with some BF/GF lovin'!  

Pyramid Printed Slouchy Top, a must for both his closet and her closet!

well doesn't this make you crave a cuddle session? Get your own Pyramid Print Scarf Wrap, that easily doubles as a blanket for those breezy picnic afternoons or late-night bonfires! Truly a versatile piece; wrap it, scarf it, or blanket it.  

The duo offers a sneak peak into the love that goes into the creation of their line.

Be the Change...

Lots of noteworthy people have said lots of noteworthy things about change. You thought I was going to continue the title of this post with the words "...you wish to see in the world," the famous Gandhi quote, right? Well, while we like that very much, it's not exactly what I'm thinking.
Here's a more appropriate one for this post, I think:
"Without change, something sleeps inside us, and seldom awakens. The sleeper must awaken." -Frank Herbert
As you all know, Nolita has been through some major changes in the last week or so. We packed up and returned to our old neighborhood, the Wilma block of South Higgins. And while we're a touch sad about leaving the lovely North Higgins neighborhood, we're also brimming with excitement and hoping that this move will serve as a sort of "awakening" for us.
In fashion, as in most everything, things move fast. Trends change before you know it, the economy dives, influences fade or come rushing into our minds from the most unexpected of places...and this is one of the reasons we love it so much. It gives us the chance to actively participate in the world around us; to respond to our shifting culture with our own ideas and interpretations of what's relevant, fun, and beautiful, and then bring them all to you.
We're striving to view our relocation not merely as a change of address. We're puting tons of thought into what's fresh and vibrant, while still retaining the chic, downtown-cool aesthetic that you've grown to know and love. We're looking forward to shaking things up for spring and bringing back the best of the best. We hope a little of our inspiration and aspiration rubs off, or that you at least enjoy its fruits through the fabulous lines we've picked for spring!
I'll leave you with a few more words of wisdom, this time from self-proclaimed "dictator of taste" Blair Waldorf (of Gossip Girl): "Fashion is the most powerful art there is. It’s movement, design and architecture all in one. It shows the world who we are and who we’d like to be."

MOVING DAY IS HERE!

You've all been so patient, and for that we thank you unconditionally...but the wait is finally over!! We're ready to announce to you, friends, our NEW LOCATION!

Nolita will re-open

Monday, February 28 at

101 SOUTH HIGGINS AVENUE (previously "Tsunami") next to The Wilma in the Hammond Arcade. We can't tell you how excited we are!! Be sure to stay tuned, and come see us on Monday for AMAZING specials. Help us imbue our new space with the fabulous, fashionable, fun energy you know and love!

We will remain open at our current location, 531 N. Higgins, throughout the moving process, so please stop by before Monday to chat, pick up great inventory at clearance prices, ask any questions, and share your input on our new space!

Wanna look like Megan Fox? Us too...

Don't know about you, but we're going a little batty in anticipation of spring. Personally, I'm dying to throw on a loose, airy t-shirt and some soft seventies-inspired denim. Thankfully we're picking up two lines that totally epitomize cool-girl spring style, and the best part is that they're arriving next week!!! Wildfox Couture and Seneca Rising are both Cali-based and crafted in the sexiest, breeziest materials and cuts imaginable. We're turning over a whole new leaf with these lines, and we're not the only ones who've taken notice. Here, photos of said cool-girls out and about in Wildfox and Seneca Rising. Get inspired, get giddy, and get in here before they're gone!

From top, L-R: Megan Fox in Wildfox, Wildfox Couture, Halle Berry in Wildfox, Kate Hudson in Seneca Rising, Beyonce in Wildfox, Kristin Cavallari in Wildfox, Sienna Miller in Seneca Rising, Allesandra Ambrosio in Wildfox, and Leighton Meester in Seneca Rising

And for the record, Allesandra: we recommend pants, but whatev!
 

   

Spotlight on...COLOR!

Maybe it's that we've finally had a few days of sunshine here in Missoula, maybe it's that we've been having so much fun putting together spring orders, or maybe we've just got a major candy craving...but we can't stop thinking about, gushing over, and feasting our eyes on photos of bright, colorful clothes spotted lately on our favorite TV shows and awards-season red carpets.  Just a few of the looks we're drooling over:

At left: Leighton Meester as Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl in THREE of our current obsessions: shorts with tights, a fresh, flattering high-waisted silhouette, and a bright pop of flower-petal pink.  LOVE everything about this look.  If you're not a pink type of girl though (we usually shy away too) then take a cue from Elizabeth Olsen (yep, younger sis of Mary-Kate & Ashley). She gets it just right by pairing an unexpected orange scarf with her cozy neutrals.  Totally winter-appropriate, but with a twist.

Practicality aside, we have been loving the awards show coverage and the chance to fantasize about the amazing gowns, even if the closest we'll ever get to one is watching E! News.  Some of the actresses we feel nailed it with spring color:

 So inspired by 14-year-old (!!) Hailee Steinfeld's interpretation of this stripey Prada runway look. Super cute, and the black keeps it from looking like it belongs on Hannah Montana.

Two more gowns we love, for different reasons: Mila Kunis's intense blood-orange Alexander McQueen and Jayma Mays's sweet, succulent melon Jenny Packham.  Whether you want to make a bold impression or go for something a bit more understated, explore color this season! 

And keep checking in-store and at http://www.shopnolita.com/ for our punched-up spring inventory!



Trend alert...

Quickie fashion fix: cutie actress Elisha Cuthbert spotted at Toronto airport in a faux leopard jacket strikingly similar to the Velvet piece we have in-store (see photo below).  We say great traveling taste, Elisha!