Shop Localista: Dem Two Hands Is Breathtaking World Of Textures

Dem Two Hands sits atop the corner of North Fullerton and Claremont Avenue like a tropical blossom springing from a fairly nondescript vase. While the vibrant foliage and colors surrounding the store's engaging entrance hints at the creative nature of this unique Montclair women's boutique, actually entering it transports shoppers to a breathtaking world of colors, textures, and global treasures that celebrate the mind, body, and soul.

If idle hands are the devils playthings, then divine inspiration has obviously been working overtime at Dem Two Hands; owner Marion Lake pulled the store's name from colloquial language of her native Guyana, referencing work crafted by hand and stocks it with handcrafted creations. Working with her own hands — particularly as a seamstress — is a gift and talent that Lake learned from her own mother and a skill that she built on when she came to the states as a teenager and studied at FIT, earning a degree in Textile Design.

A 20-year Montclair resident, Lake opened up shop 18 years ago and has stayed in the same location since, earning a steadfast following of customers earned by their unwavering desire to dress clients as, well, themselves. "My customer is a woman who wants to look like an individual," explains Marion. "I want women to feel comfortable in their skin, regardless of their size, shape, or age." To achieve that goal the store readily offers expert alterations at no extra charge — a rarity in today's off the rack world and a policy that makes choosing clothing here more a creative collaboration than a purchase.

The store takes prides in melding comfort and beauty in unique clothing that flatters the female form in all its forms. "We can dress everyone — all body types — small of the top, large on the bottom, and the other way too," says her sister, Marcella Gance, who also works at the boutique. "All ages, too — from sorority girls to the mother of the bride who doesn't want to look like mother of the bride." In fact when combined with the sister's skillful advice, clothing here has an almost uncanny knack of wonderfully suiting the wearer once it leaves the rack and enters the dressing room, so shoppers here should leave any preconceived notions about what they 'should' or 'can' wear at the door.

In addition to female fashions for all seasons, shapes, and styles, Den Two Hands also offers an exotic, luxurious array of jewelry, accessories, toiletries, and décor gathered from all corners of the globe. While the pieces are diverse, they stay true to one singular criteria; Lake only stocks things she absolutely loves. Her sister is equally passionate and knowledgeable about the store's offerings, particularly in terms of the international nature of the vendors. "Name a country," Marcella exclaims, proudly, with a sweeping arm gesture scanning the entire two-room space. "I'll take you there! Israel, Bali, India — even Montclair," she says, stopping at a color wall covered with her sister's very own couture collection.

Lake, whose husband is also an artist (the musical kind with a passion for jazz), has raised two children (now grown) in town and is deeply rooted in the community. She also delights in seeing her work walking about in public. "When I'm out somewhere and see someone in something I've made it's a great feeling," she says. "Seeing their personality change the personality of something I've made in such a positive way is wonderful."

"Dem Two Hands is about helping women feel great in the bodies they already have," adds Marion before getting back to work. And that's a pretty great business plan, if you ask me.

If that isn't enough to get you to rush into this rare retail experience, this should help: Marion is offering the Patch Localista deal of the week. Just mention this Patch article and she will generously take 25 percent off any already discounted sale item! Offer good this Friday, September 10 through Thursday, September 16.

Now go forth and feel gorgeous, gals!

Dem Two Hands: 61 North Fullerton Avenue, 973.783.8344

Hours: Mon to Wed, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thu to Fri, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m. to  6 p.m.; Sun, noon to 5 p.m.