Inside Rebecca Taylor's Meatpacking District boutique

There are stores in which you coolly browse, observing what’s before you with relative control. And then there are stores in which — like a curious child — you have to touch everything you see.

I was guilty of the latter a few weeks ago during a walk-through of Rebecca Taylor’s new Meatpacking District boutique, where it’s impossible not to run your hands over the racks filled with Taylor’s signature delicate, silky wares — all flowy and springy and fantastically girly.

The serene 1,800-square-foot store — which officially opened on Thursday — is twice the size of the designer’s original Mott Street boutique and draws inspiration from a historic Parisian apartment. Taylor — who was extremely hands-on during the store’s design process — shipped ornate moldings, an original tin ceiling and various fixtures from Europe.

Adding a touch of warmth in the boutique’s rear is a charming sitting area — key for drowsy companions — fashioned out of blue velvet chairs, airy carpeting and fresh-cut flowers.
Another hit: the spacious, softly lit fitting rooms and a designated sale area, with select items up to 40 percent off.

The brand turns 15 this year and, to celebrate, Taylor plans to launch in-store collaborations with brands such as Citizens of Humanity denim and Porselli shoes.
She’s also planning to team up with her jewelry-designer sister Tory to create a sterling silver dolphin charm. The proceeds will go towards saving the dolphins in the Pacific.

With spring shopping at the forefront of my mind — and near-desperate to shake off the persistent winter chill — I was all but ready to buy a pink leopard-print bikini and a ‘70s-style kelly-green floral dress that I had admired on Taylor’s Spring ‘11 runway.
Call me clairvoyant, but somehow I think I’ll be back before bikini season officially hits.