Dressed to Express

Anna Maria Lenihan is the primary buyer and window dresser for woodees, a new, hip boutique geared towards teen girls and young professional women at 33 Broad Street, Westerly.

What do you love about woodees?
I’m only 18 years old and I run woodees. I love working right next door to my grandmother and mom, who run Woodmansee’s Boutique. Being downtown is a lot of fun. I have been able to meet some great people through the store. While it is a lot of work, I do enjoy every minute of it. I am so lucky to be able to have this opportunity.

The first thing I notice when looking at woodees are all of the really cute dresses. What is your personal favorite dress style?
My personal favorite is the high-low maxi dress. You can just throw it on and go and still look great, but you can really dress it up, too.

I also noticed a lot of stripes. Are they going to be big in fashion this spring?
Who is to really say what is in fashion and what’s out? Just because you love stripes doesn’t mean I have to wear them. We could both put on the same outfit and it is going to look completely different. Fashion is about creating a style that you love, something that suits your personality. Woodees allows people to express themselves through clothing; it’s not about what’s in or out. You have to love it!

Lace has been a wardrobe go-to this winter. Is there a way to continue that in other seasons?
Lace is a fabric that you mix in with other fabrics. It works best when mixed with different fabrics and textures. Denim, cotton, leather, whatever you put with it helps make the outfit.

What is a fashion secret that you can’t live without?
Confidence. Confidence is key. You can have on the worst outfit in world but if you walk with your head high you will look like a million dollars. You need to own the outfit you wear. Sometimes I put on an outfit most people would question but I wear it confidently and I rock it. I wear clothes that I love, that make me happy and suit my personality. People’s opinions don’t affect me. Wearing clothes that make you happy affects your personality. Dress happy to feel happy.

What is a spring look that anyone could try?
Dresses! They are just a fun and easy outfit. With all the different styles you are sure to find one that suits your body and personality.

What is the biggest fashion-don’t that you see far too often?
Just because it is in fashion doesn’t mean everyone can or should wear it. You need to wear clothes that compliment your body.

If someone were going to splurge on an item, what piece would you recommend?
For me, I feel that spending a little extra on something that you love and that will work well into your wardrobe is always worth it. Something you can easily dress up or down, a piece that you will get a lot of wear from. Something that is timeless; you build on your wardrobe this way.

What is a staple that everyone should have in their wardrobe?
Every wardrobe is different, so how you can you say that everyone should have the same one piece? I love wearing funky pants, whereas my mom refuses to wear anything but skirts and dresses. A staple is a piece that you personally benefit from when adding it into your wardrobe.