Katie Miller
Arco Avenue
B Y MARY S T R AT O N SMI T H
P H O T O B Y A A R O N P H I L L I P S
ONE
OF AMERICA’S wittiest men once said, “Clothes make the man.” Perhaps Mr.
Twain didn’t say “woman” in that statement because that’s something
women have known for years. But Madison resident Katie Miller may be
proving a new adage: the accessories make the outfit.
“I have always loved fashion in general, but clothes were my first
love,” Katie says.
“Once I realized your shoes and accessories can make or break your outfit, they quickly rose to the top of my list.”
After growing up in Philadelphia, Miss., and attending Mississippi State
University, Katie moved to the Jackson area in 2008 with her husband
Jordan. While working in the area’s retail venues, she soon noticed a
gap in the types of shops. “Jackson has major chain stores, department
stores and high-end stores, but I wanted affordable, fashionable shoes
that every other woman in America didn’t own,” she says. “So, when the
opportunity came along for a store, I knew a shoe and accessory boutique
would be filling a void in the area.” Katie combined her retail
experience with pointers from a strong role model in the industry and
took the plunge herself.
And so Arco Avenue was born. Just like Katie’s personal style, the
inventory at her boutique ranges from classic and traditional styles to
trendy and fashion forward pieces. She takes special care choosing the
items she stocks, searching for lines not otherwise sold in the area and
mixing those with her favorite designers.
The word arco is Italian for “arch,” and the interior of the shop
resembles a chic French boutique, mixing natural elements with the
sparkle and sheen of unique wardrobe completers. And whether you’re
looking for the perfect party shoe or the latest trend in nail polish,
your shopping experience is personal—from the beverages offered at the
door to the help in finding what you’re looking for from the selection
of shoes, handbags, clothing and beyond.
Even her jewelry line is exclusive. Katie designs and creates her
Vintage View pieces from antique and vintage shoe clips, brooches,
drawer pulls, medals and keys. “My favorite thing about it is that every
piece I make is unique. I also do custom pieces for people who have
their grandmother’s or mother’s jewelry and want a new way to wear it.”
Katie’s go-to shoes in her own closet are her platform black pumps, her
Frye riding boots (a line she sells in the store) and her metallic
driving loafers. In fact, she says she’ll likely keep her Frye boots
forever, since ”Frye boots are very well made and really can last a
lifetime.”
Now, let’s hear Katie’s favorite footwear for...
Date night? “Animal print flats or heels. You can wear
these with jeans or a dress.”
A little black dress? “A great pair of pumps in any color.”
Attending a wedding? “Wedges are perfect for an outdoor wedding.”
Shopping on a Saturday: “Riding boots are great for inclement weather
and dropping temperatures of fall and winter. In spring or summer, wedge
sandals are cute and comfortable!”
As winter begins to make its way out and warm weather fashion makes its
way in, Katie is looking forward to what’s trending for spring and
summer. “I’m most excited about the colors coming in,” she says. “The
Pantone colors for spring 2012 were just released, and the shoes we are
getting in definitely reflect that trend. We have gorgeous shoes
arriving in colors that include Margarita (mint), Tangerine Tango,
Starfish (gray/neutral) and Solar Power (yellow with a hint of orange).
“And so says the shoe-lover, “The women here like to show that they are
one-of-a-kind. What better way to show it than through clothes, shoes
and accessories?”
Arco Avenue is located in Ridgeland at The Township at Colony Park.
For more information on Katie’s shop, check it out on Facebook or visit
www.arcoavenue.com.
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