Tucked away in the whimsical yet developing Plum Creek plaza is the What To Wear Boutique in Edwardsville, Illinois. The location overlooks Plum Creek and creates the type of atmosphere that gives the boutique a unique charm.

Jill Dorsey and Sharon Bull started the boutique in 2009 when it became clear that the Edwardsville area needed more shopping choices for both men and women. As an Edwardsville native, I completely agreed!

Recently, we spoke with Sharon to discuss her inspiration and thoughts on the upcoming Spring designs that you, the fashionable StreetScape reader, can find locally! We all can’t jet off to NYC every year for fashion week so thank goodness for the local boutiques and designers that come to our rescue! What to Wear will also be showcasing their collections at the Greater St. Charles Fashion Week in August!  

Kelly Ann: You have experience buying for upscale merchandisers like Nordstrom’s.What do you look for when choosing pieces for the boutique?

Sharon:We look for unique items that you do not see everywhere else and that do not break the bank.  We also try to have local vendors in our store.

Kelly Ann: What kind of atmosphere should shoppers expect when visiting?

Sharon: We have a relaxed friendly atmosphere with very knowledgeable salespeople.  We want our customers to feel like they are shopping with their girlfriends.

Kelly Ann:What is one spring essential that every girl must have in her closet this year?

Sharon: A great pair of white denim and something “nautical inspired”. It is a huge trend for spring.

Kelly Ann: Do you have any favorite designers? Are any featured in your store?

Sharon: Some of my favorite designers are Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Tory Burch…just to name a few.  Our items are designer “inspired” without the designer price tag.

Kelly Ann: I noticed that your store also offers something for men. This definitely sets you apart from many other boutiques. What can men expect to find in your store?

Sharon: Our men’s selection consists of denim and fun shirts for a night out on the town.  We have a corner of the store dedicated to men’s and we try to keep it special.

Kelly Ann: What To Wear often participates in community event’s. I was able to witness Dining With Divas first hand. It looked like a lot of fun! Tell me about your upcoming event, “Spring Into Style”.

Sharon: We try to have at least one event per month. Whether it is a charity event, a fashion show, a men’s shopping night, or a Girls night out happy hour. We are co-hosting a spring fashion show at the Sunset Hills Country Club in Edwardsville, IL, Saturday March 12th 9:30-12:00. It is open to members and non-members.  It is $14.50 per person and includes brunch.

Kelly Ann: How can people get tickets?

Sharon: For tickets contact Sunset Hills Country Club at 618-656-9380.

Kelly Ann: Where can people find out about the next What To Wear Event?

Sharon: We post our events on facebook, or you can call the store to be added to our contact list. 618-655-0222.

You can also visit What To Wear at whattowearboutique.com

Spring promises to bring a softer side to fashion.  Take a look at the beautiful hand dyed silk pants.  They are long, full and flowing like the spring flowers in the wind.  The simple colors are combined to create an artistic and soft impression.  For sure a comfortable yet sophisticated romantic looks will line the boutique walls.

This August, Streetscape Magazine is hosting the 3rd annual St. Charles Fashion Week. Fashion week is made possible because of a collaboration of the areas best designers, boutiques, vendors, and a team of individuals dedicated to finding the pulse of fashion in St. Charles and bringing it to you.

Streetscape has continued to put an emphasis on community each year. Fashion Week gives local people with a “passion for fashion” an opportunity to come together and attend an event that both local designers and boutiques use as platform to launch the seasons trends, staples and products. Of course none of this can be done without an experienced and talented backstage team. Naturally, we will introduce you to them and share their tips of the trade and techniques!

We have created a blog that will allow you to keep you finger on the pulse of the latest fashion trends, boutiques and designers. We’ll have boutiques; vendors, designers and even entertainers share their views on trends and the fashion world! You will have an inside look into a designer’s world: how trends and clothing lines start as a sketch and end up in your wardrobe! Their collections often tell a story or reflect their personality.

So, stay tuned, add us to your Google Reader, and get an inside look at what Streetscape, local designers and retailers have to offer you this season.