What's Old Is What's New
After 16 years of running a boutique dedicated to new designers, Wendy Freedman, owner of Polka Dots & Moonbeams Modern at 8381 W. Third St. in Los Angeles, has realized that the unique clothes in her store are “accidentally sexy.”
So what is casually sexy to her clientele of women mostly in their 20s and 30s? Lately, it is designer names such as Los Angeles’ Ella Moss and Frankie B., as well as England’s Ted Baker.
Baker’s long linen and cotton coat with a Victorian flower pattern retails for $281 and is a top seller. Ella Moss’ stretchy skirt, retailing for $102, sports a new-wave flair and a flattering fit.
“It hugs your body in the right places,” Freedman said. “It thins down your thighs and rounds out your tushy.”
Frankie B.’s blazer, retailing for $154, has been a hit because the blazer’s lining comes printed with orange and white polka dots.
Also moving fast have been colorful canvas sneakers by Report, which retail for $36. Freedman characterizes them as a “girly girl Vans.” Another big seller is a grass-green hooded terry-cloth top by Juicy Couture, which retails for $78.
More than 20 years ago, Freedman opened sister store Polka Dots & Moonbeams Vintage, located seven storefronts away at 8367 W. Third St.
Vintage manager Tamsin Hollow said these stores have a particular synchronicity. “A lot of times, I’ll see some vintage come through here, and one season later, the modern store will be carrying a piece inspired by that vintage,” she observed, adding that 1930s and 1950s dress styles are the latest in vintage vogue. —Alison A. Nieder
