Boutique Fashion Comes to Arlington Center

Arlington has long been a popular destination for food lovers. But for fashion-forward shoppers seeking the latest trends? Not so much.

Orange Hanger, a new women's clothing boutique located at 675 Massachusetts Avenue, may change that. Owner Natalie Zekos opened the airy, contemporary shop on April 2, and says the reception has been extremely positive.

"Customers have been so happy and thankful that we're here. I'm elated because people have been so nice," Zekos said. "Warm and welcoming would be the best words to describe it."

Business has been strong, says Zekos, with summery tunics, breezy dresses, and classic but casual T's as her strongest sellers. With a selection of clothing lines to choose from – at affordable price points – the store is attracting a wide audience of shoppers.

"Girls from Arlington High School are picking up jeweled flip flops for summer along with older women who are planning to travel and need great clothes."

Her most-frequent visitors? Young mothers with strollers who pop in after a visit to Henry Bear's Park "who want something nice to wear to a birthday party," Zekos said with a smile.

Orange Hanger joins nearby women's retailers such as the recently-expanded Helena's, Pink Dolly, Camilla's, and Porch & Wardrobe to make Arlington a true shopping destination.

"If we want people to come here and shop, this is exactly what we need," said Kristin Botnen, an Arlington resident and mother of two, who recently stopped in to Orange Hanger. "It's a beautiful little gem and they were really helpful. I loved everything in there!"

Zekos, who lives in Leominster and plans to move to Arlington, said the choice of Arlington for her business was based on instinct. "When my mother and I began looking at spaces, we visited many towns around Boston. We stumbled on this and it just felt right. It gave me a great vibe that I feel very confident about."

Zekos – who counts Coco Chanel and Audrey Hepburn among her style influences – studied fashion design before entering retail where she has worked in shops "from Boston to Beverly Hills," she says. The light-filled boutique, complete with orange hangers and cheerful accessories, carries brands like BB Dakota, Johnny Was, and Gretchen Scott as well as a wallet-friendly line of jeans called Recession Denim. The selection also includes stylish yet practical bags by JPK Paris, jewelry, scarves and belts.

If Zekos' style influences were international icons, her personal inspiration lies closer to home. Her mother, Dorothy Zekos, has been her daughter's right hand in conceiving the shop and designing its lively interior.

"We had endless conversations about the look for the shop," Zekos said. "Contemporary was definitely what we were going for but warm. That's why we liked orange. I think it reflects my own personal style."

Her style tips for her ideal customer? "A look that is feminine but strong. Classic styling with a twist, be it an interesting color, a sleeve detail, or beautiful neckline – something that will set them apart."