It’s quite obvious-I love to shop! I love to find great boutiques that offer unique items and I’m a true believer in supporting local businesses.

I’d like to take time in this blog to highlight some of my favorite haunts. Having been in retail for, well let’s just say, for a very long time, I hold the bar pretty high. I look for the things that I like to offer my clients both now (as a personal shopper and stylist) and when I managed stores in the past. I love a store and a team, that offers fabulous customer service, honesty, friendliness and genuine interest in my taste and lifestyle.

When I frequent a store it’s not just for the clothing and accessories - it’s the whole package I’m looking for! I want to feel confident when I recommend a store to a client or friend.

Curate, North Palm Beach, FL-You fit the bill!!

Kerry Diaz, owner of Curate and I had a nice interview about the story of Curate! You will see why I love shopping there. I think Kerry and I have a lot in common!!

Kerry (right) with her mom behind the scenes at a charity Fashion Show.

1) What sets your store apart? (i know the answer to this but…)

We think our job is to uplift women -- and we do this in several ways. First, customer service -- we are honest, kind, and gently nudge women to look their best, even if it is just trying a new style or realizing how beautiful they are (inside and out). We also feel we need to do good, or at least limit harm in the clothing industry, so we focus on American produced items and those that are part of a special cause -- either a local emerging designer, or a product that gives back to charity or preserves a time honored handcraft where the artisans are paid a living wage.

2) What is the mission behind curate?

It’s really our name -- to look at all the amazing things that a woman can bring into her wardrobe and her life and select those that we think are most special. We are curators -- we select items that we think would be great additions to someone's look and life.

3) What is one thing you think customers should know about your store that they may not be aware of?

We usually only purchase one size of each item, and we purchase every size available -- so you don't see yourself everywhere you go, and we accommodate most sizes of women, xs to xl.

4) What are a few of your must-haves?

A good updated denim jacket that is either fitted, has special hardware or embellished in a unique way, - for "winter" or over air conditioned restaurants, (a denim jacket is a also a good way to make a "dressier" outfit or dress usable for every day, girlfriend (wider leg, but not as big and sloppy as a boyfriend) jean, mules in a solid color - perfect year round in Florida, sunglasses that protect your eyes, fit your face and make a statement.

5) What is your professional background and how did you get into retail?

I am trained as an attorney, and have licenses to practice in 3 states but spent most of my career in policy and nonprofits. I got the fashion bug in high school, as a member of the Fashion DECA club, which put us in local state and national competitions -- I got first place in the county and state and 2nd place in the nation in Marketing and Merchandising. I still have the trophies! But I tried to be reasonable and went to Villanova, earning an English degree and then on to law school back home at Florida State.

6) I always see you supporting different benefits with fashion shows etc? It's clear that giving back is important to you! How do you do it all???

None of us do it all! Social media just makes it seem like we do. Giving back is part of my DNA and its part of our family ethos, so the store is just a natural extension of how we live our lives. I am a big believer in community and creating a village that supports people in need. As former foster parents, we are especially drawn to causes that help foster children, the homeless and vulnerable children.

7) What do you do for fun in your down time?

Read historical novels, Watch my boys play sports, travel as a family, create flower arrangements, exercise and spend time with family and friends.

Having fun shopping with Lindsay, Assistant Store Manager! And she is fabulous!!

8) What is a typical day like with your team?

It is always different, but it is almost always fun. We believe in creating a culture and environment that is fun, forgiving and warm so each day starts with reading the notes left by the team member who worked the day before. It is both informative and inspiring -- our team is so supportive of each other and our clients. We then follow up with clients who have items on hold or have placed special orders. Then the day takes on a different path every day.....this can include receiving new merchandise, ordering new merchandise from designers, steaming clothing (which also provides a "free" facial!), working with clients to find a gift or specific outfit, or creating a whole travel wardrobe for a client. Then there is re-merchandising the store, changing the mannequins, taking pictures, posting on social media and tweaking the back end of our computer system.

9) Can you share a hint of what we will see in your store for Spring?Summer?

Off white and Color! both warm and cool, so there should be something for all skin tones. I am really into green right now, as are our designers, so look for amazing shades that are unexpected but amazing. We are also offering a slightly higher denim rise (but not too high!), and "muscle tees" -- its less structured than a basic tee and more coverage than a tank.

Our style also gets more casual and usually a lower price point in the Spring and Summer. It’s a lighter take, because our lifestyles are lighter in the Summer. But we will of course still have special event dresses for "seasonal" charity events, weddings, and graduations.

10) Do you have a favorite fashion era?

I am obsessed with the 50s right now because I am watching the show The Marvelous Mrs. Mazel, set in New York City in the 1950s I love the cut of the dresses, which are feminine and sexy in a very obscure way, the hats, the beautiful gloves and of course the jackets -- I am obsessed with jackets! A jacket can define a look and elevate any outfit.

11) Do you have a particular style icon crush?

Thats easy, Iris Apfel. Not because I would necessarily dress like she does, but I admire that she trusts her instincts, wears what she wants and what makes her feel good and she is willing to take a risk.

If you’re local and haven’t been you should check out Curate at
12224 U.S. Highway 1
North Palm Beach, Florida
(Juno Shoppes, 1/2 mile north of PGA Blvd, next to 3 Natives & Yankee Peddler)

You can also find them online at..Curate-Website

Curate-Facebook or Curate-Instagram

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