35 Perry Street, Chester
973-945-9133
By: Jason Chupick
Upon entering You’re Not In Kansas Anymore boutique this fall, shoppers will be greeted with a revamped showroom and an explosion of color and fun. Merchandising at this Chester mainstay is done so one sees the cohesiveness in collections that encourages the choice of an entire outfit – for perfect extra color. You could categorize the boutique’s collection as edgy while also being accessible, approachable, and not ephemerally trendy.
A number of factors are adding up to the renewed buzz for “Kansas” lately: perhaps the change of seasons, the anticipation for a Holiday season with the cautious return to gatherings, parties, and the office.
Talk to regular customers and you’ll find women seeking unique pieces–You’re Not In Kansas Anymore is one of those places that comes to mind when people say “where did you get that?”
It is so important to have style – not trends in clothing and accessories – that will stand the test of time. Owner Barbara Chupick helps women style their outfits in the most flattering styles and colors for all occasions.
A lot of the store’s stock is sourced from small design houses, generally from new young designers. “I have a special place in my heart for emerging designers. I helped so many students put together their portfolios when I was a teacher, and many of them went on to design careers after attending schools like FIT, Parsons, and Pratt.”
As covered by an earlier edition of Bernards-Ridge Connection, You’re Not in Kansas Anymore reacted and adapted to the fashion industry’s disruption during COVID-19, and continues to run on a more nimble model – working with designers on shorter runs which makes for exclusive displays and staying in touch with clients via its email newsletter (the store’s favored mode of communication). Containing first looks, snippets about trends and pop culture, and invitations, Chupick boasts of an extensive list of loyal readers to her weekly note.
Clearly, people want clothing and jewelry that make their lives the way they wish they were.
You’re Not in Kansas Anymore is located at 35 Perry Street in Chester. Call 973-945-9133 for more information or visit the store’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/KansasinNJ