New Local Boutiques are Just a Click Away

Meet the faces behind two local online clothing stores and learn what their businesses have to offer

OXFORD PALM

Oxford Palm was created with the minimalist fashionista in mind. Fresh off of a 2019 holiday season launch, the online boutique has flourished into a digital destination for local and national consumers.

The co-founder of the Giftful app, Hannah Onorato, created the brand for those who unapologetically lean on fashion and style as a form of self-expression. Oxford Palm is housed strictly online at OxfordPalm.com, but it’s become a topic of conversation here in Lakeland. The boutique provides simple options when going for a simple look (like the Daphne straight-leg jeans or the Love You A Latte Sweater), and a few accent pieces, like the Fall For You asymmetrical skirt, to spruce up any outfit.

The Lakelander caught up with Onorato and she dished on how she went from computer programmer to boutique owner, her favorite Oxford Palm items, and what we can expect for the upcoming spring season.

Oxford Palm founder, Hannah Onorato

What inspired you to start Oxford Palm?

I’m a software developer, so I noticed this lack of creativity in my day-to-day, and it started to bother me. I didn’t like just working on computer programming and I felt like I wasn’t being creative. I went through this phase where I was brainstorming with [my husband] Cono, and we were trying to figure out a career I could go down where I could use my skills, be creative and incorporate fashion. We were kind of talking one day and realized, “Hey I should do an online boutique.” I always thought I’d do one at some point in life, so we thought I should go ahead and start it.

How would you describe Oxford Palm’s style?

Half of it is styles that you’ll have in your closet for years. You know, those staple pieces that you want to keep re-wearing. And then you have other pieces that are kind of fun; whether you’re going out for brunch or going on a date. Oxford Palm is just everyday clothes, things you can wear to work or out with your friends. Every once in a while, we have pieces that are a little dressier.

What are some of your favorite items?

We have a top called the Hannah top. We named it that because I liked it so much that I kept one for myself. It’s very much my style — it’s loose, it’s thin material, so it’s perfect for Florida. I would also say our black jumpsuit called the Franco. It’s comfortable, it’s cute, and you can wear it for a variety of things.

What do you have in store for spring?

We just released five new items and will be releasing five more with a new item each week. Everything is either orange or white and perfect for vacation!

OXFORD PALM oxfordpalm.com @shopoxfordpalm

BARELY JADE

When Ahna Waddell and Haylee Mathis teamed up to launch an online boutique, Barely Jade, they had big things in mind. While the self-proclaimed boss babes dream of being able to spot a girl donning Barely Jade on the street, for now, they’re proud to offer affordable accessories, clothes, and shoes that will serve as love at first sight for their customers.

But Barely Jade isn’t your typical online boutique. Instead, Ahna and Haylee have spent their first year in business offering pieces that combine simplicity and high fashion, from the Brit Slip Dress to the Gold Rush Hoop earrings.

While they’re getting ready to drop new products this spring, they spent the recent months spreading the word at pop-up shops and vendor gatherings such as Haus Mrkt and Oak Grove Events. The ladies spoke with The Lakelander about how their collaboration began, what sets them apart, and where they hope to see Barely Jade sooner than later.

Barely Jade founder, Ahna Waddell

Barely Jade founder, Haylee Mathis

How did you two team up to create Barely Jade?

We always knew we wanted to start a business together. We both have a love for fashion and shopping. One day it kind of hit us that we should start an online boutique. We started going over ideas in the summer of 2018 and worked on things, went to markets, and finalized the boutique in March 2019, and launched a month later.

How is Barely Jade’s style unique?

Our style is unique because it’s not really a “boutique” look. We really pay attention to more fashion-forward looks and more of an L.A. meets NYC vibe. We really pay attention to what we order and make sure what we pick out is [something] we would wear also.

Where do you hope to see Barely Jade in five years?

We hope to have a successful storefront that people can come to. We had a conversation in June on the plane to our second market in NYC of how cool it would be to walk the streets of a city and say, “Oh, hey! That girl’s in Barely Jade!” because the brand is that well known. That would be amazing!

BARELY JADE barelyjade.com @barelyjade