Warm days are ahead and being able to spend time outdoors as well as shop is a major bonus in my book. The Lehigh Valley has some great boutiques and resale stores, as well as shopping destinations for the whole family.
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley
This is probably one of my favorite outdoor shopping locations to frequent. On a warm, sunny day, the open-air layout makes your feel like you're somewhere on the west coast. There are plenty of big brand stores such as Gap and L.L.Bean, and then they there are also smaller boutiques such as Francesca's which has trendy pieces at a very reasonable price point. Plus, the restaurants are amazing, so you can spend a good portion of your day there. The movie theater is also a plus if you want to make it a night out, or drop the kids off while you head to dinner at White Orchid.
The Hamilton District
Downtown Allentown is now the place to be. Between fifth and 12th street you can find unique stores such as Sorrelli, which offers unique handcrafted jewelry for the sparkle lover, and assembly 88, which has menswear for the modern, confident male. There are also a lot of restaurants and breweries that range from higher-end fare to gourmet burgers. Perfect for late afternoon shopping and then dinner and drinks at Bell Hall, which has a huge outdoor eating area and a knife juggling bartender.
Resale Stores
I recently attended Lehigh Valley Fashion Week and caught the Clothes Mentor Show. Unlike a traditional consignment store, Clothes Mentor gives your immediate payment for your better-brand, gently loved merchandise that they are interested in. They also follow high standards of authenticating each piece, so you know you aren't getting something that is fake or poor quality. One of my friends found a Louis Vuitton "Speedy" bag for $150, so, need I say, it's worth checking out.
About the Author
Carrie Mehl is a fashion and style specialist. Originally going to school for fashion, Carrie has always had a deep appreciation for design and style in which she incorporates into her daily life.
She has had an extensive career in marketing management, focusing specifically on creative strategy, branding and digital. Carrie has applied her vision and expertise in a variety of industries from finance to media. Within all of her roles, she has been fortunate enough to sharpen her knowledge in many areas such as styling, creative direction and content development. She has led projects for national companies, from wardrobe styling to designing a 20,000+ square-foot wellness center.
Her goal is to provide styling tips for everyone, discuss the application of designer trends and marry the world of fashion into functional lifestyle.
