GREY BOUTIQUE

from SPLURGE! October 2020

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS

50 Shades of Flair

GREY BOUTIQUE OPENS WITH FLYING COLORS

Lesa Dreifort loves the color grey. She can be found driving a grey Range Rover with personalized tags reading “GREY,” and the hue also played a role in her decision to follow a longheld dream of owning her own business.

Grey Boutique, opening Oct. 5 in a 1,765 squarefoot space located near 21st and Webb, will carry women’s fashion, accessories and home decor, according to Dreifort. She’s stocked up on everything in trending fall colors such as chic cranberries, delicate roses and military greens. And of course an entire bouquet of grey — a complete section devoted exclusively to heather, charcoal, asphalt, ash and sleet.

FANCY FOOTWEAR

While she’s catering to women from 18 to 70, Dreifort’s daughters, ranging in age from 29 to 34, may have skewed the demographic.

“My 30-year-old went to market with me this last time, and she basically did most of the shopping for me.” Dreifort laughs remembering the scene in the Dallas Market Center. “When I went into it I thought I’d carry three or four different pairs of shoes. I’ve got like 25 pairs now thanks to her. I was like, ‘All right Amber, stop!’ ”

Those 25 pairs include jelly bean shoes, animal prints, solids, slip-ons, Converse-style sneakers, long boots, knee-high boots, booties, and boots to wear with skirts. “I’ve got a lot of boots,” says Dreifort. “And skirts — skirts are in this year.”

In Grey Boutique you’ll find fashion to go with the footwear — everything from high-rise jeans and raw-hem denim jackets to cardigans and slouchy sweaters, plus the camis and bralettes to wear under them — all in a spectrum of rich fall colors. For accessories and home decor the shop will offer backpacks, hats, scarves, candles, PJs and much more. There will even be a corner with “cute dog stuff” including bows, collars and squeaky toys in memory of Max, the Dreifort’s beloved Yorkie who recently passed.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN INSPIRATION

Since 2009 Dreifort has wanted to own her own business. At the time she wrote a business plan for a hair salon and spa, but she says God had a different road for her to take. Instead she ended up at GraceMed Health Clinic where, among other things, she founded the Say Grace Race, “the largest 5K in Wichita,” which raised $600,000 over the first nine years.

The dream of owning her own business lingered in the back of Dreifort’s mind. At times it felt like chasing rainbows, but in January of this year she left GraceMed and embarked on a soul-searching road trip to Colorado. It was on Elkhorn Avenue. in Estes Park that she discovered The Grey House, a mountain boutique packed with unique items.

“When I walked out I decided that’s what I wanted to do: I wanted to open a boutique,” Dreifort says. She interpreted her favorite color appearing in the name as an auspicious sign.

Dreifort came home to Wichita and told her family and friends the news. “I have three daughters and two granddaughters and one on the way,” she explains, “along with seven sisters and many nieces, and all my wonderful girlfriends. And I thought a boutique would be perfect for all the great women that I have in my life, and my love for fashion.”

When it came to naming her new venture, everyone agreed that it had to be none other than “Grey Boutique.”

Opening a new business in the age of Covid gave Dreifort only a moment’s pause, even though it means taking extra precautions. “I’m 53 years old and I felt like, if I’m going to do this, this is it. It just felt like the right time.”

Grey Boutique Open House

Monday, Oct 5, 12–6 p.m. 9746 E. 21st St. N. Wichita, KS 67206 316.670.6899

Regular hours: Monday–Friday, 10–7 Saturday, 10–6 Closed Sunday

A QUICK GUIDE TO FALL’S FASHION TRENDS

Even though social events and spontaneous outings may still be limited this season, why not look your best when you get the chance? The cooler weather is sure enticing us to put on a cute outfit and enjoy one of the area’s outdoor patios. Don’t worry if you’ve forgotten how to put together a stylish ensemble, our fashion experts from The LBD, Etc. and Grey Boutique are here to help. Make sure your fall wardrobe features some of these pieces if looking trendy is your goal.

“Wearing graphic tees with ripped jeans and any kind of Converse-style shoes can be an easy and fun look,” says Lesa Dreifort, owner of Grey Boutique.

Classic Graphic Tees

Detailed Dresses and Blouses

“It’s all in the details,” says Candy Hardesty of The LBD, Etc. “Think puffy sleeves, tie details, leather (real and vegan), and smocking.” Dreifort also emphasizes oversized Victorian sleeves, which create the illusion of a slimmer waist and add an instant feminine touch to your ensemble, she says.

Bold Sweaters

In addition to baby cardigans and sweater dresses, Hardesty says statement sweaters are on-trend, featuring designs with lightning bolts, stars, trim on the neckline and more.

Leggings and Comfy Pants

“With Covid-19, more people are wearing leggings, yoga pants and comfy pants,” Dreifort says. “These are easy to dress up or down.”

Chain Necklaces

For jewelry trends, look no further than the chain necklace. Pair this piece with everything, Hardesty says.

High-Rise Jeans

Hardesty says you’ll see high-rise relaxed taper jeans, high-rise straight-leg jeans and cropped jeans over booties. You can’t go wrong by adding a new pair of this staple to your wardrobe.

Reptile Print

Snakeskin and reptile prints have been around for a few years, Hardesty says, and once again the prints will be on shoes, boots, purses and tees.

Lace Bralettes

“In rich fall colors you can wear a bralette under oversized, low cut or see-through sweaters,” Dreifort says. “Throw on a hat and a pair of booties and you’re styling!”

Mindy Short, Stephanie Kuhiman, Cherie Schneider and Sherry Thomas KIDS Network, SIDS Scramble 2020 Committee Zak Kuhlman, Troy Schneider, Pat Short and Jeff Thomas