Colgate Couture: Something New

Welcome back, my fellow fashionistas! This year, it seems as though the first-years are not the only ones who are new in town. For those of you who don’t already know, fun and affordable fashion has made its way to Hamilton. Steph is a boutique where chic and quality clothing is always in style! Located on 7 Lebanon Street, next to the Hamilton Movie House, this new member of downtown Hamilton had certainly gotten off to a fantastic start.

Stephanie Crawford is the store’s owner and buyer. Originally from Manlius, New York, Crawford felt that there was a need for a clothing store here in Hamilton, not only for the college students but also for the surrounding community. With a variety of labels such as Splendid, Velvet, Glam and BB Dakota, Steph is home to both recognizable designers and reasonably priced pieces that are also well made.

Crawford’s motto is that fashion should be fun, and while she wants to bring new styles to Hamilton, she also wants to steer away from any pieces that are too trendy to last more than one season.

“I wanted to bring in styles that could really go across the board,” Crawford said, “Things that girls would feel comfortable wearing if they were doing a presentation or even for a job interview.”

But don’t worry you Jug-lovers, Steph also has its fair share of “going-out” tops and dresses.

When asked what trends students should expect for fall, Crawford stressed that plaid, again, will be really big, along with long tunics and oversized sweaters. Hold on to your skinny jeans and leggings, because those will compliment the loose and comfortable tops and dresses that are sticking around for another season. We’ll also be seeing a lot of coats this fall and winter, and Steph promises to keep us on track with the latest styles.

As for pieces that will carry over from summer, Crawford insists that layering these summer styles will be key for fall.

“I have short sleeved dresses and skirts in here that you can pair with leggings, then throw a sweater over it, and a scarf to finish and you are good to go!” Crawford said.

She also mentioned that strapless dresses will survive the chilly weather as long as you add some tights or leggings and compliment them with a long sweater, leather bomber jacket or even schoolboy blazer.

Crawford expressed that there are a few items every college girl should have in their closet. Included in these are your basic layering pieces: tee shirts, tanks, leggings and tights, as well as skinny jeans, classic sweaters, fun jewelry and of course, scarves!

“Scarves can change up your whole outfit,” Crawford said. “You can just take a tee and throw a pretty scarf on with it and jeans and it’s a whole different look!”

Steph is filled with great pieces and Crawford has certainly transformed it into a welcoming space.

“I just want it to be a fun place for the girls to stop in,” Crawford said. “Sometimes you just need to look at clothes!”

So definitely stop in and say hello and check out all that Steph has to offer. Whether it’s just to browse, to pick up a birthday gift for a friend or to find that perfect shirt for your date on Saturday, this is the place we have been waiting for!