Photo Credit to Rebecca Pilotte Photography 

As part of our Living Locally series I’ve started this spring, I decided to poll my friends on Facebook and when I’d see people I’d ask them all sorts of shopping questions, specifically,  what their favorite local places to shop were and why. Most people got excited about 1 or 2 stores and had a quick  pitch of why they liked each place. After talking to a few hundred people who live in this area, I feel that I had a good idea of what most locals like!

I decided to visit each store recommended to me, chat with the owners and learn about what makes them special and unique– as well as do a fun fashion shoot with a friend!

Last month as I visited the stores I felt that this series would also fit in perfectly with April’s theme of Inner & Outer beauty.  (Read my intro post to the Beauty Series) Over the next few weeks I’ll share some of the best places to shop in Northwest Arkansas based on YOUR suggestions. Even if you don’t live in NW Arkansas, you will probably still enjoy all the posts because we are getting fashion tips from the experts! With a wide variety of shops visited, there is something for everyone.

Wit & Whimsy {Fayetteville}

First of all, I just love the name. Wit & Whimsy perfectly describes this adorable clothing boutique full of unique and classic pieces. Ben (of all people!) said that I should run in one day and I am so happy I did! I asked my friend, Lori Goforth, to come have fun shopping with me a few weeks later. Trista, the owner, is delightful and LOVES helping you find that outfit or accessory that makes you feel amazing and compliments what you already have in your closet. The thing I appreciated the most was the amazing customer service! I never felt awkward or out of place just looking. In fact, quick story- I received a hand written thank you note for shopping at the store after my initial good experience and I got on the Wit & Whimsy Facebook page to send a direct message to tell the owner how amazing the person helping me had been- and it was Trista the whole time! She was easy going but extremely helpful and her goal is to break down the Boutique stereotypes so all women feel comfortable shopping at her store. I loved watching her put together outfits for Lori & I– her love of fashion was evident as she helped us, speaking of Fashion Week in New York City and what trends are happening this season.

To try to better understand her heart and story, (as well as get the scoop on this Spring’s Fashion and advice on what to get mom for Mother’s Day,) I asked her a few questions:

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What makes your store special? 
There are only six pieces per item, so if you like to stand out from the crowd, it’s the perfect place for you! We get a lot of compliments on our customer service and how friendly our staff is—it’s just the way we do business, because personally I hate when I go into a store and no one even speaks to me, or even worse, acts like I’m intruding! There’s also the Icing on the Cake Rewards Program, which our customers love, for every six purchases, we total those six and you receive 10% back in store credit.

Perhaps a brief history? 
Exciting fact: I was raised on a dairy farm in small town in Southern Missouri, ok…it’s not that exciting, but most girls I know didn’t grow up milking cattle or bottle-feeding calves twice a day. And as fun as shoveling— well, you know—is, I have always, always wanted to open my own store. I really thought my favorite part would be the clothes…like the world’s largest closet…but I’ve fallen in love with the people and that has become the part that makes it incredible.
So, at 21 I combined my love of fashion, giving gifts, and making people smile and opened my first store in my hometown. Some people may think that’s really young, but it’s really the perfect time to do it…you’re just stupid enough to believe you know everything about everything.
Little did I know, one day trip would change my world. My sister and I came down for a day just to check out Fayetteville, and after that day, I could no longer imagine staying in my small town. I was having a love affair with a different town, and let’s be honest, Fayetteville is amazing! So, after making some quick decisions, I packed up the store piece by piece, and Wit & Whimsy opened only four months after my first visit. And I absolutely adore it here.

What is a hot spring/summer must-have for us (late 20’s to mid-40’s, college educated, stay at home moms)?
Pink is very on trend right now—fuchsia, peach, rose—you name it! And coral is flattering on any skin tone.
Boxy bags- This hot shape adds a more of the moment touch to an outfit, but is classic enough you’ll still be able to pull it off next year.
Ruffles- So pretty, and very flattering—just wear them where you want to draw the eye.

What should we buy for mom for mother’s day? 
These cuffs would be my first go-to. (See Collage- the photo 2nd to the bottom on the right!) They are different from what you see everywhere else and are timeless. Plus, even women with large jewelry collections seem to only stock up on necklaces and earrings.

A lot of my readers have young children- what is something that is an easy accessory or multi use outfit that they can feel beautiful wearing? We focus on inexpensive fashion in general but like I say on my page- we know when we NEED to spend money to get something amazing and unique.A long, easy-going tank is probably one of the most versatile pieces you can have in your closet right now. You can wear it so many ways, like early Spring, when it’s still cool, layer it under a jacket or cardigan with leggings. And when the weather warms up, pair it with a scarf, skinnies and sandals. Plus you can transform it from girly to edgy just by changing the accessories.
But the easiest and most inexpensive way to update your wardrobe is with fun accessories and jewelry. A scarf or bright necklace goes a long way to make tanks, tops, and dresses look fresh for Spring!

Thank you Trista! I can’t wait to see you again!