Fashion Forward

November 2021—Your Guide to Local Style Standouts

Darci

Darci Jacob, Owner
ShopDarci.com • (941) 330-2800
1441 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236

Darci has been clothing stylish Sarasota women since 1997—first running the Caché store in Southgate for many years, then partnering on a successful boutique for five years, and finally going out on her own in October 2020. “I always loved wardrobing the incredible women of Sarasota and beyond,” she says. Here, she shares an introduction to her current shop located on Main Street.

What do visitors discover when they step inside Darci? 

They will find a variety of apparel and accessories for women of all ages and occasions.  I carry sizes 0 to 20, from casual to black tie formal.  I want our guests to feel like they are home when they come in, and we welcome them with open arms.  For men, there’s even a man cave in the back where I serve beer, wine, and champagne. It all about the customer experience.  

What influences the curation of the objects you offer?  

I listen to the needs of my clients so when I go to market, I look for what they want—it’s all about them. Right now, we’re moving into fall fashions, such as denim that features embroidery and embellishments. This season, animal is a huge influence, and we have a selection of graphic T’s, wear to work tops and dresses, and palazzo pants. Jumpsuits are also hot this season.  

We carry a variety of trends exclusive to Darci Downtown and designers including Frank Lyman, Tribal, Clara Sunwoo. Azi, Damee, Pretty Women, Jess and Jane, to name a few. We even carry fun gift items, such as rhinestone tumblers. 

Looking ahead to spring you’ll see a lot of chiffon and flowy fabrics, off the shoulder tops, cool and light weight dresses. Come in and discover fashion done right!

Gemz Fine Jewelry

Sheryl Davis, Owner
GemzFineJewelry.com • (941) 752-0900
11161 E State Road 70 #107
Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

Serving discerning customers in Lakewood Ranch and beyond is the goal of Gemz Fine Jewelry, says owner Sheryl Davis.

What makes your store unique?

Our store opened in 2013 and I, as the owner, am the driving force. My goal is to make everyone who comes in here happy, one at a time.  Customers know that service is a key part our industry. Even though many retailers have forgotten that part of it, I have not.  I am very different—service is always my first priority.

What influences the pieces you offer?

We specialize in unique and custom rings, pendants, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings—as well as bridal and wedding keepsakes—all featuring an array of colorful and sparkling gem stones and diamonds. When you step inside our store, you will notice that the interior is very down to earth, just like myself.  Secondly, you will begin to notice that our jewelry is unlike any other, because I design so many of the pieces. I can even design something right from a picture.

Right now, one of our most intriguing pieces is a ring with a 5.20 carat color change Alexandrite with over 2.00 carats of diamonds.  Another very unusual piece is a 7.00 carat unheated Paraiba Tourmaline with diamonds.  As you look around, you see many other pieces with unusual characteristics and gemstones. 

Can you tell us more? 

I love helping clients create pieces that have special meaning. For example, a customer collected foreign coins on vacation and I used those to design a bracelet that reminds her of happy times. We also repair jewelry and watches, restring pearls, set stones, provide documentation for insurance, and buy and sell diamonds—any shape, any size. Stop in, introduce yourself, and explore! I will show you how we can make a difference.

Moon & Co Eyewear

Fatima Moon 
Licensed Optician / Owner
MoonCoEyewear.com • (941) 260-8523
105 S. Lemon Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236

Fatima Moon, owner of Moon & Co., is inspired by that moment when a delighted client says, “Oh my goodness, I can see!” 

What will visitors discover when they step inside your shop? 

Beyond all the beautiful designer frames and the shop’s contemporary European design, they’ll see a butter yellow couch and a welcoming smile. You can’t help but to feel at home!

We carry some of the finest and most distinctive eyewear in the world, with materials such as heirloom buffalo horn, highest-grade Japanese titanium, stainless steel, wood, and the finest plastics.  Our products are made to last year after year and enrich your eyewear collection. 

What’s unique or special about your offerings?

Perfect vision all comes down to one thing: the lenses! You can have the most elaborate frame in the universe, but what good is it if you can’t see out of it?  That’s why I trust Shamir. Shamir is an optical company in Shamir, Israel, hence the name. It is the founder of the Hi Definition technology, and one of the leading brands in the optical industry.

Every set of eyes is unique, as is every face structure. Cookie cutter prescriptions lenses have a place in the market but do not ensure good vision.  Here, every pair of glasses is customized in-house. Our in-house lab affords us the flexibility to create and customize to your unique face and Rx without the wait.

I am very humbled and excited to be offering such high standard products and service to this beautiful city. You no longer have to fly to NY, Paris, or Italy to find the finest and unusual eyewear. You can trust Moon & Co. to provide unmatched customer service and the latest technology the lens industry has to offer.  Looking forward to  “SEE”ing you!

Blue Door Salon & Spa

Nicky Nagy, Owner
theBlueDoorSpa.com • (941) 747-0111
5234 East State Road 64,
Bradenton, FL 34208

After training in the UK as a beauty therapist, Nicky Nagy fell in love with Bradenton and opened Blue Door Spa to offer sophisticated luxury to the area. 

What will visitors discover when they step inside?

You are greeted in our open and beautiful reception and taken either to the locker room to get into your robe and slippers to start your spa experience or you are seated to visit our Wella Elite Salon. The whole feel is Feng Shui and calm—from crown molding and curved walls to fountains, in relaxing blue with taupe. Nearly 4000 sq ft include a sauna, relaxation lounge, and personal lockers and showers.  

How are products and services curated?

We offer everything you need from head to toe—haircuts and coloring, hair extensions, facials, massage, spa body treatments, manicures, and pedicures.  I wanted to offer high end brands that had support and training, that also give results. Currently we have GM Collin, a fantastic clinical line originally from Paris, and Thalgo a marine based body line, perfect for our area, with scents and feel that evoke luxury and relaxation. For hair, we are now proud to be a WELLA Elite salon.

What services are especially noteworthy?

All of our services are noteworthy, but if I had to pick…the Iles Pacifique Spa Journey offers you a heavenly sensory experience. For the face, I suggest the Gm Collin Botinol Facial, our signature age-defying facial. If you want a fun change, I recommend hair extensions. 

We offer exceptional customer service and a true spa experience, whether you come in for a brow tidy, or you choose to stay the whole day. Check our website for many special events and promotions available for the holidays.

Oh My Gauze

OhMyGauze.com • (941) 388-1964
374 St Armands Cir,
Sarasota, FL, 34236

Inspired by the breathable fabrics of Mexico, Oh My Gauze!® has perfected the art of  comfortable and summery casual wear in a wide variety of styles, sizes, and colors. 

What’s on offer?

Oh My Gauze!® specializes in relaxed, liveable 100% cotton clothing for petite to plus sized women. Our mix and match, no-fuss complete line of clothing is preshrunk, washable, and best of all, nearly maintenance-free. At our Gulf Coast locations at St. Armand’s Circle in Sarasota and in downtown Naples you will also find one-of-a-kind artisan pieces and unique accessories. 

How do you fit my lifestyle?

Oh My Gauze!® offers a rainbow of wardrobe-building choices, including beachy and bold jackets, blouses, pants, vests, dresses, skirts, accessories, and jewelry. Our relaxed and roomy styles let you move and stay comfortable in the coastal climate. 

Oh My Gauze!® pastels, classic neutrals, and jewel tones are the perfect backdrop for relaxed accessorizing. Flowing dresses give you freedom of movement, whether you prefer above knee or ankle-sweeping lengths. Our natural-fiber fashion is designed to fit your lifestyle, whether you’re in Sarasota, LA, Cabo, and Santorini or any other destination. Plus, our clothing packs easily into your travel bags, ready to fly at a moment’s notice!

Can I mix and match?

Absolutely! With our full palate of designs and colors—from gentle and subdued to bold and vibrant—Oh My Gauze!® separates become an essential complement to your existing wardrobe. For example, you’ll find pants in a wide range of lengths and silhouettes, from slim leg to billowy and flowing gauchos and palazzos. And whether you choose dresses or pants, blouses or jackets, remember to add that extra, final polish with our striking, oversize geometric and dream catcher necklaces. They make a unique and eye-catching  statement—the perfect complement to our timeless, carefree clothing!

Rahelia Couture

Rachel Durrani, Owner
RaheliaCouture.com • (941) 330-1600
1420 Ringling Boulevard,
Sarasota, FL 34236

Rahelia has extensive experience in the fashion industry, having worked as a makeup artist, stylist, and fashion coordinator for films and magazines, with a degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Now her Sarasota location provides elegant, unique high-end designer wear to sophisticated, discerning shoppers.

What is your specialty?

My specialty is dressing women who are planning for cocktail, black tie, and special events and want to make a fashion statement that expresses who they are. I cater to contemporary and modern women who do not want to look like a typical mother-of-the-bride or mother-of-the-groom. 

Each woman who comes in gets individual, personalized attention. I spend an hour with her, often more. We talk about the event and where will it be held, the atmosphere and whether it’s black tie or cocktail, what types of styles she feels comfortable with, preferred color schemes, and price point. 

Then I make recommendations and help her consider options. I’m not just selling a dress; I am fitting a dress to each individual based on their personality, their body shape, hair color, skin tone, and lifestyle.

What else is unique at Rahelia Couture?

I focus on understanding a woman’s goals and personality and preferences, and then work with her to find the outfit that is a perfect reflection of who she is. Not every dress is right for every person, and that’s a fact. But my customers are often surprised at how much I can help them. 

For example, I’ve worked with women who have heavy arms or bust and believed that strapless styles were not for her. But many times I have the ability to redesign a dress and make it work for her figure. I take great pride in bringing out an individual’s unique features and matching it to a special dress, so a woman can look and feel her best.

Silver City Sarasota

Monica, Jewelry Designer / Proprietor
SilverCitySarasota.com • (941) 349-5030
6539 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key, FL

“Tourists always wish they can somehow take their vacation memories with them,” says Monica, master jewelry designer and proprietor of Silver City Sarasota. With this in mind, Silver City has captured and fused Siesta Key’s tropical colors of blue and green water into the Siesta Key Watercolor Gemstone™—a  stunning quartz gemstone that transports you back to our island paradise where the beach sand is composed of 99% pure quartz.

This “Must Stop” destination has been named a #1 shopping destination on Siesta Key by TRIP ADVISOR. Every jewelry piece shining brightly among the cases of this uniquely mirrored store is designed and made by Silver City of Sarasota. The staff of Silver City Sarasota is very proud of their unique designs in Sterling Silver and 14K gold.

What makes this store so unique? 

Monica is a gifted custom designer and her unique designs and redesigns in gold, platinum, and diamonds can be found showcased on the Silver City Sarasota YouTube channel.  “People’s reactions are priceless when they see their finished piece,” she says.  

As you walk into the store, you are always greeted by the friendly staff and family-like atmosphere. The staff “is family,” says Monica. Debra and Suzanne have worked for Monica since the shop’s inception 15 years ago. Arlene joined the family three years ago. 

“The big chain corporate jewelry stores hold no appeal for this generation,” says Monica. “Walking into any larger retailer you can never seem to find the same sales associate you met the first time. Our customers like the warmth and care we offer.” Visit Silver City Sarasota for the unique and beautiful jewelry, friendly staff, and exceptional customer service.

Designing Women Boutique & GroundWorks

DesigningWomenSRQ.org • (941) 366-5293
1226 North Tamiami Tr,
Sarasota, FL 34236

Designing Women Boutique opened in 2002 as a non-profit consignment shop supporting the Sarasota arts community. Through the success of the store along with sponsorships and fundraising, they have given $8 million in grants and merchandise to over 100 community arts and human service organizations. 

In 2018, Designing Women Boutique launched GroundWorks, an innovative program to channel the lucrative consignment market for the benefit of other non-profit groups. This unique partnership with respected area organizations generates ongoing funds for educational advancement.  GroundWorks celebrates its partnership with eight leading non-profits: Girls Inc., Ringling College of Art + Design, Arts Advocates, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, The Out of Door Academy, Asolo Rep, The Players Centre for Performing Arts and the Roskamp Institute. 

GroundWorks has already exceeded initial expectations and become one of Designing Women’s most successful ventures. Additionally, Designing Women offers tremendously successful concierge estate liquidation and downsizing services.

What will shoppers find at the Tamiami Trail location and online?

The boutique has become a premier shopping destination featuring high-end fashion, jewelry, fine art and home goods. Clothing and accessory selections continually change, and shoppers love to stop in to browse the sophisticated and sleek evening gowns, designer shoes, cocktail attire as well as quality attire for many other occasions, casual and formal.  Often, designer styles are available in a range of sizes.

What else is noteworthy? 

Designing Women is proudly inducted into the Crystal Society of Asolo Rep, with over $750,000 in donations to their endowment program. Through millions of dollars of donations to worthwhile organizations, Designing Women continues to make a difference in Sarasota County.  

This year, Designing Women celebrates 20 successful years of philanthropy at its celebratory gala on Sunday, December 12th at Michael’s On East. at 5:30 pm. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Ida Zito, Board President and Sponsorship Chair, 941-726-6785 or through the the website.