Margaret Logan Style

I was driving out of the Old Port the other day when a gal strolling down the sidewalk, arm in arm with a very cute fella, caught my eye. It was a gorgeous, sunny early afternoon (one of our first truly warm days of spring) and they were heading into a restaurant, no doubt for a cozy little lunch. Perfect.

Now this gal looked stunning. She really had it together. A gray, subtle plaid jumper, fabulous legs and tall black boots. I think that’s what caught my eye. It was such a simple look, but well put-together and obviously comfortable. And those boots made the perfect finishing touch.

Until she turned to walk into the restaurant. Then I saw them. Those heels. Those dreadful, awful heels! If I said to you, “Gene Simmons,” you’d get the picture. Horrid, wide platforms that might have been cinder blocks for all I knew. These were not cute stacked heels with a 60s retro vibe. Nor were these the kind of platforms that Stevie Nicks adores. At least one could argue they are currently in style, personal preferences aside.

Nope. These had Herman Munster written all over them. I found myself asking, “Where does one even find a pair of boots like that?” I mean, I would be splayed all over the sidewalk if I even tried to ambulate in those things. She gets an A for effort in that department. But other than that, it was truly a fashion “don’t.”

Now, we’ve all had our moments of glory. Trust me, I know. And I shall spare you all of the wretched details. But this moment was truly a let down, because it is always such a treat when you see someone who actually made the effort to look their best and succeed at it.

It’s funny. As I was pondering this, driving along Commercial Street, still very much enjoying the sunshine, a man standing in the bay of a garage of some fish company along the wharf caught my roving eye as I drove past. There he stood, smoking a cigarette, trying to catch some of the warm sunshine in his tired old tee, long shorts and high rubber boots. I just had to chuckle. I love the dichotomy of a place like Portland. And I just love that his boots were, in fact, the perfect finishing touch.

That small city conundrum? Check out my Prom segment on 207 to see more of what Portland has to offer for special occasion dresses. Stylish, sophisticated, short and long, colors bold and subdued…something for everyone, even here in Maine.

Margaret Logan on ‘207′ April 24th 2008

The same dilemma presents itself every year, right around prom time. In a small city like Portland, our shopping options for formal wear are pretty slim. What we all wouldn’t give for a Nordstrom or a Saks at the mall, right? A nice, modern department store with a fabulous women’s department, multi-level of course, brimming with current designers and a broad selection of styles and price points.

Since that’s a shallow pipe dream, off we go to Boston for a big city fix and a healthy dose of proper shopping. Of course, if you tally the investment in gas, parking, food (because if we’re going to the big city, we simply must go out to lunch) and the actual garment, suddenly your prom dress has broken the bank before you’ve even had time to think about shoes and accessories. Oh dear.

It is indeed a conundrum. But one that might be on the verge of being remedied. Enter Spoil Me…(formerly Spoil Me Rotten), a boutique on Exchange Street that is carving out its own little niche in special occasion and bridal. Whether you are seeking out a dress for a black tie event, an evening wedding or yes, even the prom, Portland now has a shop that is tailored especially for you. With options. Various price points. And designer names you’ll no doubt recognize, like these two lovely numbers by Nicole Miller, which will also be featured on 207 this Thursday night on Channel 6.

The shopping experience continues to broaden here in southern Maine, and good for us, road warriors one and all.

Speaking of windows, J’adore on Fore Street now has two to its credit since the very unfortunate loss of Making Faces last month. A real hit for the Portland gal who loves make up and good skin care products, we must now head to Portsmouth for our Philosophy face cream and Paula Dorf lipsticks. Once again, our dear, ever-so-mysterious Portland, lets another one get away. Positively tragic.

But perhaps the lamenting will be brief… J’adore’s new addition features bath and body products merchandised against a backdrop of natural wood floors and a neutral, calming color scheme. Stop by and welcome this new incarnation to the neighborhood, or pay them a cyber visit at www.jadoreboutique.com.

There’s a new store window in town that just happens to be one of Portland’s best. It sits up high on Middle Street, one of the main arteries of the Old Port, giving pedestrians and passing cars a fabulous view of stylish clothing that has been well hidden until now.

I’m talking about Akari. Yes, the hair salon and day spa formerly in residence on Fore Street is now at 193 Middle Street. To say its undergone a face lift would be an understatement. Inside, walls and exposed brickwork are white washed, giving the old, multi-story building an urban, clean, spacious feel. Head upstairs and take a seat on white leather chairs with chrome frames while you wait your turn for a coiffure, and you’ll feel transported….it’s entirely too cool for school, and a delightful distraction from the everyday world that awaits outside.

Akari’s clothing boutique, which used to be tucked away, almost an afterthought, in the basement of the Fore Street location, now takes center stage. And it’s about time. With lines like Theory, Kensie, Kooba and Penguin, there is always a fashion forward, contemporary little something just begging to be brought home.

Like this stylish number that caught my eye as I was racing past the other day. There is nothing as sophisticated, clean and timeless as black and white. Add a geometric print to the mix and suddenly you’ve got a dress that is modern and easy to wear, with a price point that couldn’t be more perfect – $88! The dress is by Kensie, and the accompanying black handbags, called the Isabella and the Mattie, are from Kooba.

So walk on by…And just try to resist the temptations that beckon from within.

Visit Akari online at www.akaribeauty.com or give a ring at 207.772.9060

A smattering of colorful spring styles made an appearance on 207 March 25th. All the basics were covered – a fabulous trench, a bright short spring jacket, gorgeous dresses and lots of bold color, especially yellow.

Footwear doesn’t always take center stage during these segments, and there were two little numbers that definitely warrant an additional mention. The Bianca and the Lyla sandals from Tibi, shown below. Bold, versatile and sophisticated, these shoes make an incredible finishing touch.

Left to right: the Bianca neutral tie sandal $335, and the cobalt blue Lyla $345, both from Tibi, available at Stiletto Shoes, www.stilettoshoesonline.com.

Check out the 207 spring segment at:

Margaret Logan on ‘207′ March 25th 2008

Clothing compliments of Helene m. Shoes and hand bags compliments of Stiletto Shoes, Portland, Maine.