Sunday, March 02, 2008
Life, Style

Spring fling

Lisa Brown Atlanta a premium destination for fashionable finds and friendly service

CREDIT:Kirsten Ott

By Lisa Baron

I don’t know about you, but I don’t get dressed up to go shopping. It’s kind of like dressing up to go to the gym. You’re going so that you can look good later so why do you have to look good just going there? Sometimes you want to be able to shop for the cocktail dress of your dreams, the perfect knock-him-off-his-feet first date dress or maybe you are in the market for a fabulous fitting pair of the best branded jeans. And sometimes you just want to wear your hair in a bun, your body in a pair of sweats and your face clear of makeup. The trick is you still want to be treated like a human— even though at the moment, you really aren’t looking like one.  Welcome to Lisa Brown Atlanta. Lisa Brown Atlanta is an upscale clothing boutique with a comfortable and unpretentious attitude. Owned and operated by the very gracious—and gorgeous—Lisa Lazarus (she got hitched last month), this store has all the wow we crave, the vibe we want and none of the pretense we hate. 
 
It’s not hard to be enchanted by Lisa Brown Atlanta. Tucked into the corner of the Trader Joe’s Shopping Center off Roswell Road in Sandy Springs, the shop’s walls are bathed in delicate alternating stripes of cream and lavender. Dainty crystal chandeliers dangle from the sky illuminating rows and racks of the seasons must have clothes, handbags, earrings and necklaces. 
 
Whether you’re a regular shopper or you just stop in every now and again to check out the store’s incredible sales, you’re treated like a member of the family and greeted like you’ve just arrived home—literally. Because when you open the door to this vibrant and current shop, Lazarus’ Boston terriers Stella and Luca fall over themselves in a rush to greet you. “Stay for one hour or stay for 10 minutes,” Lazarus says of her approach to customer service. While we were sitting  on one of set of two comfy chocolate polka-dotted couches placed intentionally under two flat screen TVs (for husbands, boyfriends and kids to fixate on while the women shop), one of her regulars popped in with her friend’s daughter. “We just stopped by to say hi to the dogs,” she said as the little girl dressed in a leotard and tap shoes knelt down to give each dog a scratch behind the ears. Now, you might come to look at the dogs, but you’ll stay to see the clothes.
 
At Lisa Brown, life is all about the dress. The hip boutique stocks frocks for all occasions: special occasions, charity events, cocktail parties, a special dinner or just a night out with friends. You’ll find an extensive line of dresses from designer Shoshanna (you know, Jerry Seinfeld’s ex-girlfriend), Milly (a hot-topic line by New York–based designer Michelle Smith), and, now Vera Wang’s Lavender Collection also is available here. For shoppers in need of more casual threads, there are rows of Twisted Heart Sweats and Splendid tops in the happiest of hues. “Hanky Panky’s are the best,” says Lazarus. That’s why she carries an abundant amount of these barely there stretch lace underwear in the girliest colors and trends. Curvy women flock to Shoshanna’s swim collection, which is made to accommodate the bustier of bosoms.
 
Whatever the initial draw is—the pups, the laidback atmosphere, Lazarus and her friendly staff—the superb choices of clothes, handbags and accessories are what will bring you back time and time again. Because nothing feels as good as feeling good about the way you look. And isn’t it refreshing when the road to getting there is as comfortable as it is fun? SP
Lisa Brown boutique is located at 6301 Roswell Road. For more information, call 404-255-4949.