What's in Store? Checking in at HONOR's New Manhattan Boutique

(Image credit: Elana Fishman)

published 14 July 2011

Back in February, I caught up with Honor designer Giovanna Randall backstage as she prepared to unveil her second-ever collection. Fast-forward just a few short months, however, and Randall now has a swanky new downtown storefront to call her own. An unabashed haven of girly glamour in a neighborhood known for modern hotels and alfresco eateries, the boutique boasts gilded steps, a gleaming tea bar, antique typewriters, and even a downstairs den stocked with a library's worth of art books. In short, it's not quite your average try-on-and-buy store. So when Krupp Group and the Honor team invited me down to Gansevoort Street to take a few of Randall's designs for a spin, I couldn't resist!

I immediately made a beeline for this tulip-skirted brocade frock—my favorite piece from the spring collection. This floral print was one of the primary anchors of last season's lineup, even popping up in the form of an oversized, buckle-on bow that the girls and I had entirelytoo much fun playing around with. Accessorizing tip: if it seems like it wouldn't go with anything, it'll likely match everything.

I'm a sucker for a good trench coat, and Honor's take on the classic wardrobe staple did not disappoint in the slightest. Paired with this lacy lemon-yellow skirt, it's a great look for the work week.

How is it possible that my own closet holds exactly zero yellow pieces, yet I was drawn to everything canary-colored while browsing the racks at Honor? Here's hoping it's a sign of cheery times to come.

I've been slow to jump on the formal shorts bandwagon, to be sure, but this little pink pair was too fun to pass up. Just the thing for a picnic in the park--but be careful where you sit, of course!