Steppin' out in style

Is the shoe boutique finally making a comeback in the Triangle?

Scout & Molly's owner Lisa Disbrow is the latest to take the leap. She said last week she'll open Walk, a new boutique, in the former Shop 2012 space at North Hills, selling designer shoes from about $80 to $450.

The December opening comes on the heels of Kristen's Shoe Boutique, which opened in September at Cary's Arboretum, and after a number of area clothing boutiques -- Uniquities, Vermillion -- have branched into shoes. Add Fleur to the list; it now has a shoe boutique within its Cameron Village store.

Scout & Molly's, however, is the first to expand with a separate boutique.

For shoe lovers, it's a welcome revival. Four years ago, shoppers could hit boutiques such as Plush and Pattini Shuz, who raised the style bar with designer shoes by Marc Jacobs and Cynthia Rowley. Both have since closed, along with Georgiano's at North Hills.

Disbrow says she frequently heard customers asking for a store near her North Hills Scout & Molly's store selling mid-priced shoes. So, she decided to fill the need.

Walk, which is named for Scout & Molly's logo of a girl walking her dogs, will act as a complement to the Scout & Molly's clothing boutique, with shoes from the same designers Disbrow sells at the store, such as Nanette Lepore, Tibi and BCBG.

She'll also carry shoes by Theory, True Religion, Calvin Klein, Jeffrey Campbell, Dolce Vita, Oh Deer!, Isabella Fiore and Dru New York.

Style morsels

Here's what's coming in fashion and style in the next few weeks.

Lucy's shopping card is back in time for a little pre-holiday shopping. Buy a Lucy's card for $50 and you'll get 20 percent off at more than 250 area stores, including clothing and shoe boutiques such as Harold's, Main & Taylor, Vermillion, Scout & Molly's, Liles Clothing Studio, Uniquities, Tyler House, Fleur, Tres Chic and Ciao Bella.

Buy the card at designated participating retailers such as Certain Things in Cameron Village, Denim & Lace at Cary's Arboretum or Sofia's in Carrboro. For a complete list go to www.lucyscard.org.

The card is good from now until Saturday. Proceeds support mental health services at the Lucy Daniels Center for Early Childhood.

Hamilton Hill jewelry in Durham this week has another round of designer jewelry trunk shows. The "fab four" shows get started Friday at noon and run through Saturday at 5 p.m.

Look for work by Dana David, New Jersey husband-and-wife designers who work with white and yellow gold creating young, hip styles that are getting plenty of attention from the fashion press. Gellner Pearls are back with the company's signature interchangeable clasp and distinctive selection of pearls. Also look for silver jewelry by a New Mexico-based husband-and-wife creative team called Somers and colored diamond jewelry in magenta, teal and brown from Etienne Perret, who lives in Camden, Maine.

Brides looking for a contemporary wedding gown might want to head to Enchanting Moments in Fuquay-Varina for a trunk show Thursday through Saturday. The entire 2008 collection of Augusta Jones gowns will be at the store. The gowns, each individually embroidered and hand-beaded, are known for their clean lines with a modern twist. See the collection at www.augustajones.com or make an appointment to see the dresses by calling 552-6393, ext. 102.

Kristen's Shoe Boutique in Cary has ordered more Beverly Feldman shoes, new Letty evening bags and new styles for the holidays for a shopping event with the personal shopping company Polished from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday.

And Julie Wills is putting the final touches on her new Still in Style consignment accessories event, which will open to the public Nov. 15 at 5 p.m. The sale continues Nov. 16 from noon to 8 p.m. and then the leftovers go on sale half off Nov. 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The sale, which will include designer handbags by Gucci and Coach and department store name brands, will be held at Fellowship Hall at Capital City Christian Church on Garland Drive in Raleigh. Find out more at www.stillinstyleconsignment.com.