Head to Hanover for fall shopping

College town finds in the Dartmouth/Lake Sunappe area

The Pink Alligator photo by melissa boulanger

When it comes to shopping there’s nothing better than college towns. It’s there you’ll find hip stores, trendy styles and unusual items fit for just about any personality. Hanover is that type of town and more.

Save your gas, there is simply no need to travel to Boston for that perfect, professional look. Rare Essentials is the “go-to” place for women’s suits, casual wear, comfy wear and flirty nights.  Leather is already big this fall and here you’ll find a great selection of truly fine leather pants and jackets (from Remy) that don’t disappoint.  For years, this has been the place for soon-to-be graduates of Dartmouth to shop when looking for their first interview suit. Leave it to the staff to pull colors and accessories to top off any outfit. Don’t forget shoes! Your feet will adore you if you pick up a pair of Stuart Weitzman pumps to pound the pavement.

Cancel your subscription to that fashion magazine; what’s in and hot this season can be found at Indigo. This store has all the name brands your body loves including: Lilly Pulitzer, Kate Spade, Hunter (Wellingtons) and JoJo Loves You (the original “bling” earrings). Grab a button-down shirt from Rails (cool plaids), pair it with jeans from Hudson or J Brand and finish the look off with a nice pair of Frye boots (tall or short) and you’ll be the bomb.

It’s football season and there’s no better place to load up on great fitting jeans than Bella Clothing & Shoes. This little boutique has more options than an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet. Look for BB Dakota (tops and sweaters), Citizens of Humanity jeans and the vastly popular Esley label that offers a blend of sexy and sophisticated wear at affordable prices. You can load up here for scarves, belts, accessories and more. 

Oh, that nip in the air makes me think of layering and there is no better place to find great pieces than Clay’s. Here is where you will find comfy and flattering clothing for all occasions. Look for Flax, Habitat and Very Vineyard. The Parsley & Sage reversible jackets are a frugal shopper’s dream come true (think two for the price of one).  It’s all about color, fashion, affordability and confidence, and Clay’s delivers. The new manager has a great eye for mixing things up a bit.

When looking for deals at a consignment store, think location first. If the shop is in a college town, chance are good you will find bargains and that can be said of  The Pink Alligator. This  shop carries a list of labels that reads like the A-list of a Newport cocktail party. Look for Raymond Weil watches, Ferragamo shoes, Lilly Pulitzer, Chanel, Prada, Burberry and more.

Fall is the perfect season to change things up in the home décor department, and hues of chocolate and golden yellow to burnt orange and red offer some choices for creating that warm and snug feeling. C. Beston & Company is the place to go for inspiration and intrigue. From flooring (Company C) to drapery and upholstery, this interior design firm offers home décor items and furnishings to make a room “pop.”

There is nothing better than receiving a written thank-you note over an e-mail and the best place in Hanover for a proper note is That Little Spot of Red. This happy boutique is a blend of fine paper, stationery, specialty cards, fine pens and thoughtful gifts. And then there’s the laugh-out -loud aisle full of giggles such as the instant underpants (add water) and bacon-flavored toothpicks ($8). It’s probably best to go with the 2015 Garden of Birds Calendar, which is stunning.

Drumroll, please. Let’s clap our hands together for the new kid on the block, Lemon Tree Gifts of Hanover. This is a gift store on Red Bull. The smokeless lifetime candles (lamp oil) in jars artfully designed botanicals are a must for any home. Look for birdhouses made from recycled hard-cover books, baby gifts, entertainment ware, unusual lamps and so much more. If you had to choose one place to do all your holiday shopping, this might fit the bill.

If you could earn a culinary degree from Dartmouth, then Main Street Kitchen would be the classroom. This is where you will find only the best in terms of kitchen gadgets and tools, cookware (All Clad), bar ware, cutlery (Wusthoff, Henkel) and more, including high-end linens, table décor, bath supplies and items a well-appointed home should have. Bring in your favorite knife and have it sharpened ($3) or pick up a new one. The frozen yogurt maker ($59.95) makes a wonderful gift for freelance writers.

Hungry? Follow the aroma and you’ll land at Umpleby’s Bakery & Café right around the corner from Main Street. The generous sandwiches are served on fresh-baked bread and the soups and chowders are always made from scratch. If you have a sweet tooth, then you’ll be in bliss; the pastries and homemade pies are divine.