When Erica Hanks and Sarah Ashley started their North Carolina boutique SHOWROOM, they wanted to create a retail concept that uncomplicated workwear. They’ve filled their store with stand-out brands that champion fair labor rights and mindful manufacturing. We caught up with the two to see what they’re eyeing this season.
What designers are you currently loving?
EH: I'm very excited to bring Aje, Maria Farro, and Dorothee Schumacher to our site. Aje has such a cool Aussie vibe - she’s bold and confident and yet has a ladylike rebel vibe at the same time. Maria Farro makes the most beautiful sandals by hand on the island of Crete, and her packaging contains zero plastic. The sandals are so striking and such an upgrade from the typical flip flop or gladiator sandal. Dorothee Schumacher makes the best tailored pieces at the luxury contemporary level, and her style is definitely for the modern woman who likes a suit with a graphic tee and sneakers, or a short with boots. It's high-end quality at a reasonable price point.
SA: My first obsession is Anine Bing. The brand has such a simple yet sophisticated touch evident in all of their silhouettes. You can expect to find pieces like graphic sweatshirts and leggings, as well as tailored blouses and trousers for the workplace. Second is Munthe. This Scandinavian brand is so exceptionally made (in a sustainable way) at a really sharp price point. Lastly, La Double J is a new favorite of mine. The brand is mostly known for its wild prints as well as classic silhouettes. The South Georgian in me is a sucker for a busy pattern and maxi dress!
What’s on your boutique playlist right now?
EH: There's been a lot of Harry Styles recently, which is the perfect soundtrack to the season, now that the sun is coming back out and temps are warming up. Also there have been afternoons where we need to put on some 90's rap to keep us from fading!
SA: It depends on the vibe for the day but we love anything from the Mamma Mia soundtrack to early 2000’s hip hop and R&B!
If anyone could walk/shop through your store, who would you love to dress/style and why?
EH: For me it would be Kristen Stewart. She has a cool, androgynous menswear vibe, but still looks killer in a dress.
SA: For me it would have to be Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. AOC embodies the working woman in every aspect and it would be an absolute privilege to dress her.
What trend are you most excited for this season?
EH: This season I’m really excited about the cutout trend that feels very of-the-moment. Cutouts may not be an obvious choice for all women, but they can be incorporated as much or as little into our customer’s look. This is the type of challenge I embrace - how to interpret a trend for our target woman. Our take on cutouts strikes the right mix of sophisticated and sexy, but always feels appropriate for work or the weekend.
SA: Pastels! There is something so calming about the color palette and it can be easily dressed up or down for the office.
Erica's Picks
Our Anine Bing Max pant right now is a big fave of mine, it's a chic and sleek work pant with ankle slits that I wear now with a heel and will later pair with a boot in the fall.
I love the Maria Farro Flip Flop - they take me back to the time I was in highschool. I was a skateboarder and my boyfriend was a surfer, so we lived in flip flops when we were growing up. This handmade leather upgrade is my jam!
Our La Double J Jennifer Jane dress (named after the designer, JJ Martin) is such an easy choice for running errands in but is properly chic day dress at the same time.
Sarah's Picks
My favorite is the Safari Linen Dress by Matthew Bruch. I’m short so things that give me a waist, have short sleeves, and a v-neck are number one in my book! Just looking for my tan so I can wear this dress without blending in.
A high waisted, tiered skirt with a loud print. It’s a light cotton so it can be worn with a graphic tee and flip flops for a casual weekend or with a button down for the days I’m in the office.
Madalene V-Neck Sweater by Equipment (in any color) is a staple piece that I believe everyone should have in their wardrobe. It’s a super soft, lightweight cashmere that can be worn with anything from tailored trousers to denim.