Byline: ROBERTA T. VOWELL
BY roberta T. vowell
THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
LOOKING THROUGH the racks at Dots is like checking out the candy counter.
The goodies are sweet, cheap and not the most sensible stuff.
Dots, a Midwest-based clothing chain which recently opened a Portsmouth branch, is not in the business of investment dressing. It specializes in trendy clothes, at prices low enough to justify their short lifespan.
Consider the mock-shearling knock-offs. In the soft pastel tones filling wardrobes this winter, they'll delight a teenager. And at $26, the one-season wonder won't crush mom.
'We get everyone in here from businesswomen to casual people,' said Tonya Mitchell, assistant manager. 'Lots of people come in for a special touch for holiday parties.'
Chic choices: long-sleeved T's in red, black and white trimmed at the neck with wide bands of lace dotted with beads and sequins ($8, by Red Paint), a pantsuit featuring black slacks and a filmy, burgundy top ($18, by Rag) and a simple black spandex and rayon, knee-length dress with cowl neck ($16, by Rag).
Dots specializes in thrifty interpretations of trends. An apple green peacoat is $24 (and reversible), a fur-striped poncho in pastel shades is $39 and calf-high scarlet lace-up boots with fleece cuffs are $22.
The Midwest-based chain has more than 300 stores, including one on Military Highway in Norfolk and the Portsmouth store, at Victory Crossing, where Victory and Airline boulevards meet.
T.J. Maxx on steroids. The newly reopened store in Virginia Beach is one mighty Maxx.
The London Bridge area store, at the corner of Virginia Beach Boulevard and Great Neck Road, has been rechristened T.J. Maxx 'n more.
Most of the 'more' is in the housewares department, which is loaded with the usual china, linens and baskets but now has expanded to lamps, rugs and furniture.
The store has also pumped up the purses, with twice as many bags and daring choices. Check out the sunshine-yellow vinyl bowling-bag style ($25, United Colors of Be netton), a slinky, yet understated, red suede and patent leather shoulder bag ($145, Via Spiga) and a whole line of rapper Eve's Fetish brand ($24.99 to $34.99).
Fabulous finds are hidden in the evening dresses, like the black, ruched-side gown by Michael Kors, marked down from $695 to $144.
On a more practical note, the store carries a wide range of black velvet separates from Willi Smith, including long and short skirts, tops and dresses. Prices range from $19.99 to $29.99. Could be the perfect final note for a holiday party outfit.
Heading north? This book could prompt many a road trip: 'The Shopper's Guide to Washington, D.C.' (Karen Ertel and Stephen Koff, $15.95, Capital Books).
This invaluable paperback is divided into traditional shopping categories (fashion and accessories, bookstores, music, sporting goods, toys, games and hobbies) and into shopping neighborhoods (Georgetown, Dupont Circle and more).
It is not inclusive. If the authors didn't think a store rated a second look, it didn't make the book. Big chains are not included, because they can be found anywhere.
What the book does well is spotlight quirky, one-of-a-kind places, such as Backstage Inc. (theatrical supplies and novelties), Boot Hill Western Store (handmade cowboy boots and clothes by Crazy Cowgirl) Elder Crafters of Alexandria (beautiful things, all handmade by seasoned workers who also man the store) and tiny fashion boutiques and art galleries.
'The Shopper's Guide' is available at Amazon.com and at capital-books.com, where you'll find other great titles including 'Dirt Cheap, Real Good: A Highway Guide to Thrift Stores in the Washington, D.C., Area' and 'Quest for the Holy Grill: 50 Crummy But Good Restaurants Within Rambling Range of Washington, D.C.'
* Reach Roberta T. Vowell at
446-2327 or roberta.vowell@
pilotonline.com.
