What’s in Store: Angel & Wingman

February 22nd, 2008, 12:56 pm · Post a Comment · posted by Sam Mittelsteadt

Angel & Wingman
The Mix Shops, 7154 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday (until 8 p.m. starting March 1), 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Information: (480) 941-5570 or shopthemix.com

“With my lifestyle, I don’t have time to do a lot of wardrobe changes,” says Jennifer Croll, who stocked her latest store, Angel & Wingman, with clothing for women living a similar “urban-meets-casual desert lifestyle.” That means a lot of travel-friendly but trendy jersey tops and dresses from brands like Susana Monaco, and chameleonlike clothing that morphs from day to evening. (Put a shirt under that sleeveless sheath to make it a jumper; worn without, it’s a classic cocktail dress.)

The core customer: Wants “something sophisticated that could be worn in Scottsdale, San Francisco or the south of France,” Croll says.

On the mannequin (left): Chunky-knit double-breasted cotton sweater by Nanette Lepore, $215. Sleeveless empire-waist rayon/spandex “Audrey” dress by Jennifer Croll, $165. Cotton cap-sleeved blouse with hemstitch detail at the collar and darting by Diane von Furstenburg, $198.

Top-seller (right): Hudson jeans ($159-$195) “have been my favorites for the past year,” says Croll, who even lets us photograph her wearing the pair she has on the day of our interview. “They have an amazing fit and look good whether you’re wearing flip-flops or high heels. I haven’t put someone in a pair who hasn’t loved them.”

High price point (left): T-neck dress by Issa, $539

Low price point (below right): Croll’s own line of “Bordeaux seamless” nylon/spandex tops. “You can throw them in the washer and dryer and they keep their shape,” Croll says of the halter, camisole, tube and tank tops. “People are addicted to them.” Many customers use the tanks ($58) as workout wear because of their built-in support system; Croll even enlists them into service as a top under suit jackets.

Local lines: Her Jennifer Croll Bordeaux line of knitwear was introduced in October and “we had 100 percent sell-through,” she says, which means the inventory sold out.

She’s excited about: Croll returned atwitter from fall-fashion buying jaunts to California and Las Vegas. “The anticipation and excitement, not all markets are like that,” she says. “Even with a looming recession, shoppers will tighten up … but that means they’ll be more focused.” She also promises a development in men’s clothing that will relegate the standard striped shirt to the waste bin. (The bad news: To see what she’s talking about, we’ll have to wait until August, when the merchandise starts to hit shelves.)

ammit

WHAT SAM WORE: 2/22/08

The sweater: Long-sleeved cotton V-neckby Ben Sherman (Last Chance)
The pants: “The Prime” jeans by AG Adriano Goldschmied (Last Chance)
The shoes: Sneakers by Diesel (Last Chance)
The scent: Mentha Body lotion by C.O. Bigelow (Bath & Body Works)