Sarah Campbell
The Boston-based fashion designer chose New Canaan for her first Connecticut location, and local ladies will love the selection of sophisticated pieces and playful sportswear. You’ll also find Campbell’s signature Magic Dress, a combination of stretch fabrics and crinkly textures that hugs the body in all the right places. Kim Taylor, wife of musician James Taylor, is one fan of the dress; shes’s worn it to birthday parties for Sting and Paul Simon. saracampbell.com
Jack Wills
If you’re not familiar with this clothing line aimed at co-ed students who want comfort as much as style, then imagine a very British Abercrombie & Fitch. Jack Wills sells good-quality, smart-casual clothing. There are soft flannels, colorful hoodies, relaxed wool blazers and fun finds like flirty tartan skirts and the Woodlea faux fur coat. There’s a loungewear line, too, that includes a cotton onesie for the teen who doesn’t want to grow up. Manager Stewart Dunlap, a native of the U.K., coordinated the store’s opening in October, following the successful launch of the Jack Wills store in Greenwich. jackwills.com
Blaze-In Sportswear
Good news for the prep-school crowd: The standard English blue blazer just got a natty makeover. This company customizes school blazers with linings featuring the school colors, and gold buttons are embossed with the institution’s crest. The blazer itself is a solid, well-made piece crafted from worsted wool and featuring hand-stitched detailing. Cost per blazer is about $179. blazeinsportswear.com
Jack Spade
Browse the selection of messenger and travel bags that put this brand on the map. The dapper dudes who work here know a lot about the technology behind the bags that are designed to look better the longer you have them. (The secret is waxed cotton over heavy canvas). In addition to bags, there are clothes, accessories and quirky gifts. jackspade.com
Merle Norman
Buying makeup is an intimate process, as the shop consultant gets to see your face in its fresh-scrubbed, foundation-free glory. At Merle Norman, stylist Stephanie Lynn makes that process comfortable and pleasant. Lynn has a deep knowledge of skin care and the product line, plus an easy way with her customers. merlenormanstudio.com