Get it En Avance

© Katherine McPherson / MFb

The sophistication is palpable when you enter En Avance, a sleek and sexy boutique located in the heart of the pulsing Design District. Owner Karen Quinones brought En Avance to the Design District two years ago, after 18 years on Lincoln Road. “I was looking for an area that was a destination for high end fashion, and the design district really fit this idea. It is quickly becoming a premiere location for fashion and design, and the Lincoln Road scene was also really changing. I felt overall the design district better fit our concept.”

© Katherine McPherson / MFbEn Avance carries mostly European labels including French designer Barbra Bui, Parisian designer Majestic, and the ever-popular London designer La Petit S*****. Quinones travels to shows and showrooms all over the world to handpick the designs she carries in the store. “I go everywhere from Milan, Paris, London to Spain. Every year I get inspired by a different location and find emerging designers to work with. This year it’s the designer P. Art from Ibiza."

The white walls and soft lighting of the store set the mood for a tranquil fashion experience. En Avance can impeccably outfit you to look chic for a day of running errands or attending a black tie gala. The simplistic colors and cuts of the many jeans, tanks, wraps and scarves, work together to form an everyday outfit that can be spiced up with a pair of Camilla Skovgaard saw heels or dressed down with a pair of Vera Wang Lavender Label flats.

For an evening out choose between gorgeous Issa gowns (made popular by the world’s most famous woman, Duchess Catherine Middleton,) flirty Robert Rodriguez minis or beautiful Melissa Odabash and Tucker maxi dresses. Basics from A.L.C. get a luxurious upgrade with tanks, sweaters and shirts that will take your everyday dressing to the next level. Add a touch of animal print with a handmade clutch from B.Mag bags, and you’ll be Miami-chic in no time. Says Quinones, “a big spring/summer trend to watch out for is military. Look for olive tones and accessorize with green/gold jewelry.

If you’re looking to breathe some summer life into your wardrobe, stop by En Avance for a high-fashion take on the basics and beyond, with a European twist.