RI Style Diaries: Behind The Scenes With Lois Hollingsworth At ZuZu's EG
Recently I had a chance to chat with Lois Hollingsworth, the woman behind ZuZu's (Petals), the boutique that got its start over 25 years ago on Thayer St. in PVD and has since expanded to other locations in Barrington and of course, East Greenwich (where we met up last week). Over the last two and a half decades, ZuZu's has been the go-to for anyone who has a special occasion and wants a gorgeous dress, from prom girls to their moms and everyone else in between. In fact, during my retail days, we usually ended up sending many of our customers over to ZuZu's because of their extensive selection of stunning cocktail dresses and gowns. #TrueStory
"(One of our focuses) is touching on a trend, but not diving into it...because we want you to wear your dress this year, and the year after that, and the year after."
Lois
As you can see from the quote above, Lois really cares about carrying looks and lines that are current but not so trendy that you'll only get one seasons wear out of them, flattering and well made. She stressed repeatedly just how important it is to her to carry merchandise made from better quality fabrics. Made in the USA (a rarity these days for sure - Check the labels next time you're out shopping.) is another topic that's near and dear to her clothes and style loving heart and I was pleasantly surprised to find that many of ZuZu's key lines are actually made right here in the United States, including the following:
- Jude Connally - This NYC made line of updated, modern printed dresses (and more) is known for being super stylish and super comfy. It's also wash and wear which means saving on your dry cleaning bill too. And Lois herself wore it while visiting Africa this summer. (See photos below.) If that doesn't speak to how easy and effortless it is to wear and care for, then I don't know what does.
- Mahi Gold - NE chic, nautical themed prints made in nearby Chatham, MA.
- Amanda Uprichard - A colorful line of dresses (See multi-color stripe dress above.) that the designer started out of her bedroom in Queen's.
- Nicole Miller - Yes, many of the RISD grad's namesake label dresses are still made in the USA. Good to know, right? (Speaking of RISD, Lois is also a graduate.)
Celebrity Factor
Miss Rhode Island 2015 Allie Curtis, Ava Anderson of RI-based Ava Anderson Non Toxic, and Sarah Vickers of the popular lifestyle blog Classy Girls Wear Pearls and RI-based Kiel James Patrick (whose nautical inspired bracelets Lois also carries btw) have all shopped ZuZu's.
Kiel James Patrick's update on the iconic sailor's rope bracelet
Her Local Favorites
I couldn't possibly wrap things up without asking Lois for a few of her local favs. She was kind enough to loop me in on her go-to restaurants, which are: Rasa on Main Street in East Greenwich (same owners as Rassoi in Pawtucket), La Masseria also on Main St in EG, and the Edgewood Cafe in Cranston.
To keep up with what's new and exciting at ZuZu's for fall/winter, click here to check out their FB Page.
Ciao For Now,
Patty J
Photo Credits: Photos of Lois in Africa courtesy of the ZuZu's Facebook Page. All other photos courtesy of Ashley Farney.