Featured Designer: Krista Larso

N.H. Designer to the Stars — Under the RadarKrista Larson is an internationally-known fashion designer who flies below the radar. Raised in Salem, N.H., Larson went to school in Rhode Island, dabbled around in New York and then gravitated back to the Granite State to set up shop. Her clothing is all made in New England, and though it is a bit pricey, it is unique, quirky and elegant. Some of her better-known customers include Carly Simon, Helena Bonham Carter, Meg Ryan, Andie MacDowell and Whoopie Goldberg.

How would you describe your work? It’s definitely vintage inspired, yet a lot of the fabric is modern that I design to make it look a certain way. It can be layered and feminine or, depending on the fabric, it can be conservative. It is also one size, which is a little unique. I use a lot of drawstrings and bustling so that my clothes can fit someone who is a size 0 to a size 20.

How does living in New Hampshire influence your design? A lot of my designs have been inspired by where I live along the Exeter River. I do things with leaves on them. We are inspired by foliage and we make a lot of the flowers that go into the clothing.

What’s ahead for fall? I’ve got great colors — a bronze, a sage and a terra cotta that came out beautiful. I’m doing some tweeds and some boiled wools, so look for some great scarves. I like the natural colors of the fall season.

Who would you like to see wearing Krista Larson? I’d love to see Michelle Obama wearing it, any of it. I’d love to find a way to get her some stuff.Bring It On BabyScooter Britches
Here’s the scoop: Scooter Britches, Main Street, Littleton, is where picky parents (especially first timers) shop. Scooter Britches overflows with clothing, baby gear, furniture (Natart), toys and gifts for babies and toddlers. Rental furniture and items make short weekend visits to the mountains easier. The store features a sparkling clean and colorful 50′ x 15′ play area for toddlers.

“We are the closest baby store to the closest maternity hospital (Littleton Hospital) in the area,” boasts owner Kim Woodson. “We carry a lot of last-minute gifts for those first hospital visits.”

Scooter Britches
42 Cottage St.
Littleton
(603) 444-8004Rush to LUSHThe Cosmetic Deli
Take a number and stand in line — LUSH, the famed eco-friendly skin, hair, body and bath store, is now open at Rockingham Park Mall. Products, displayed deli-style, are handmade from organic fruits, vegetables and essential oils and arrive so fresh some have to be refrigerated! Order up a slice of Honey I Washed The Kids soap, a creamy honey toffee blend ($9.75), and pick up a few Happy Pill bath bombs (Prozac-inspired half mandarin orange and half yellow grapefruit-scented bath fizzies). Try the new Vanillary Atomizer (just out) made from vanilla pods, sandalwood, jasmine and a faint hint of burnt caramel.

LUSH
1 Mall Rd.
Salem
Visit www.LUSH.com or call (603) 890-3455New DigsFor Artistic Roots
Main Street, Plymouth, is about to become a magnet for art lovers. Artistic Roots, a cooperative arts center featuring the work of more than three dozen local artisans and crafts people, has just relocated to 75 Main St., in the site of the former Jigger Johnson’s restaurant. Part retail, part gathering place, Artistic Roots includes some artists’ studios and a performance place. Look for furniture, pottery, jewelry, fiber and more. The quilted lampshades depicting New Hampshire’s four seasons by artist Annie Hager are stunning.

Visit www.artisticroots.com
Or call (603) 536-2750 for the fall workshop scheduleNo Passport NeededThe Pottery Company
Step through the door of The Pottery Company, 121 Water St., Exeter, and begin your journey discovering the many colors and distinctive patterns of handmade pottery from villages throughout Italy. You’ll find a wide assortment of pottery that is both decorative and functional, including tiles, backsplashes and dinnerware. The hand-painted Arabeco soup bowls, which come in several sizes and colors, are dishwasher safe and elegant for serving hot steamy chowder on chilly fall nights ($20-$28).

The Pottery Company
121 Water St.
Exeter
www.thepotteryco.com
(603) 770-2968