Spirited Style

Whether at work or play, color and fashion have always set the rhythm of Jenny Hall’s life. As she grew up the granddaughter of legendary Furman football player and restaurateur Vince Perone, you might think Jenny would sizzle in the kitchen. But the boutique is where she turns up the heat, showcasing the same business savvy as her Italian grandpa, while draping the masses in showy silks and pretty patterns. Her newest venture, Harringtons, at West Lewis Plaza, is as hot as August in Greenville. The fashion-forward entrepreneur and blogger sat down to share ideas and trends with TOWN.

TOWN: Congrats on the new store. How’s it been going since you opened in April?

Jenny Hall: Oh my. We were planning on opening in the fall. But local retail sales were strong, so we opened earlier. We did more in our first day than we expected to do in the first month. It’s been insane.

TOWN: Can you pinpoint reasons for your success?

JH: Greenville has amazing retailers, but I felt like something was missing. One of my many goals was to cater to everyone. I didn’t want folks to be intimidated. I wanted reasonable price points and high-end price points in the same location. I wanted the shop to be somewhere a college girl can find a top for $40 and her mom can shop here too for a special event.

TOWN: When did you start in the fashion industry?

JH: I went to J.L. Mann and my parents always said, if I wasn’t playing soccer, I had to work. My first job was at Limited Too, and then I moved up to Limited Express and Victoria’s Secret. I majored in retail management at U.S.C. My sisters are also into fashion. My twin sister is the PGA rep for Southern Tide and my baby sister owns Vann & Liv across the street.

I didn’t want folks to be intimidated . . . I wanted the shop to be somewhere a college girl can find a top for $40 and her mom can shop here too for a special event.

TOWN: Ever worked outside of retail?

JH: My twin and I sold vacation packages in Hilton Head right after graduating. We hated it, but loved the beach. I came back to Greenville about 2005 and did some other things. I was working at TPM as a digital strategist and content marketer, when I started writing a fashion blog just for fun. My friends kept asking me to text them what to wear and put outfits together for them, and then another friend suggested I start a blog. Before I knew it, businesses in town wanted to collaborate with me. I knew I’d end up back in fashion.

TOWN: What should shoppers look for in July?

JH: We start receiving early fall pieces in July. I like to start looking for fall staples and think about layering. Maxi skirts are good because you can wear them into fall. The cute sleeveless tops that tie at the shoulder? Pair those with jeans, or a maxi-skirt, and layer.

TOWN: You’re 5’3”. Any advice for those of us on the shorter side, trying to make a fashion statement?

JH: I get it! There are tricks. This is really important. If you love a style, consider getting alternations to make the outfit work with your height. A lot of short people say they can’t wear a maxi-dress. All you have to do is throw a belt on it and pull it through. This will make it more fitted and look like a different dress. Styling can change any outfit.

TOWN: We love the bar in your store. It’s hard to leave.

JH: That’s my Italian side coming through. You always offer someone who enters your home a glass of wine. Those who come here are family. What I love most about retail is the interaction with people. I want to make them feel good in their clothes and when they leave, I want them to feel confident.