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Arts & Entertainment

Here Come the Sundresses

Two Hoboken boutiques showcase an essential summertime piece

The sun is out ladies, and that means it's time to freshen up your wardrobe. Out with the snow boots, the sweaters and the thick jackets. Once all that winter stuff is back in storage, sundresses can fill those hangers. (afterward, of course, you show them off in Pier A Park).

Two Hoboken boutiques located on Newark Street have the styles and trends to help you show off your feminine side at reasonable prices.

Heart Beat boutique has been in business for a year and a half, and is making quite a name for itself.

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As far as sundresses are concerned, employee Jennifer Theeparajah predicts the usual bright colors and floral patterns this year. But, the newest dresses combine different patterns and fabrics.  

"Dresses with two components," said Theerapajah, "with a belt in the middle, it looks like a shirt and a top."

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Heart Beat's price point is below average in Hoboken with dresses ranging between $28 and $68. And if you spend money on new dresses in this economy, you want to make sure the dress is versatile.

"You can just wear a cardigan to dress it up," said Theeparajah about the summer dresses.

A few blocks away, Hoboken Style has been accommodating the fashion needs of local and visiting women for more than 12 years.

"Our prices are very reasonable," said employee Maryam Afsharpour. "We have the same clientele that keeps coming back."

Afsharpour also predicts bright colors and floral patterns, but said that we'll see a lot of pastels this year.

"After such a miserable winter, everyone wants to wear color," said Afsharpour. "Peach, pink and purple in shorter dresses."

To change the look of your outfit, Afsharpour recommends adding a statement piece of jewelry such as an oversized ring. Dresses at Hoboken style cost between $29 and $59. The store is currently offering a 30 percent off sale. 

To dress up a sundress, both boutiques recommend wearing it with a nice pair of heels and matching fashion accessories like statement rings and necklaces. For a more casual look, throw on a pair of flip-flops or sandals and use and oversized bag.

When choosing your dress, avoid heavy fabrics. Cotton and light linens are more comfortable and breathe easier. Remember: dresses are now coming in different cuts and styles, so strapless bras are always a safe bet to keep the look classy. 

However you decide to wear your dress, there's one thing you should leave out: leggings. They were fun for a while, but seem unnecessary for the hot summer months.

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