Looc

By Marni Elyse Katz
August 26, 2010

Audra Boyle has a very clear aesthetic vision, but she doesn’t come by it in any obvious way. In her Boston boutique Looc, Boyle masterfully blends New England prep with South of France sophistication for a look that’s so spot-on classic glam, one wonders why it isn’t done more often, especially considering it's wearable for women of absolutely any age. In fact, earlier this summer we spotted a post on her Facebook page mentiioning a 20-year-old and 80-year old who both bought the same piece of clothing at Looc and both rocked the style, each in her own way.

By combining nautical and menswear elements with pieces that are entirely feminine but never, ever fussy, Boyle strikes a balance that’s at once comfortable (even comforting) and chic. She might show a seersucker swimsuit with an oversize statement necklace, or a perfectly cut sheath with a wicker bucket bag. Or perhaps a menswear trouser paired with impossibly high, but strong (not spindly) heels, and a blouse with a hint of ruffles.

Looc opened in Boston’s South End neighborhood three years ago and is styled to perfection. It’s a former photographer’s studio, with exposed brick at the back, whitewashed walls, and white painted floors. Boyle added clean nautical touches, like the sailcloth dressing room curtains and rope details, along with a mix of period furnishings, including a pair of Louis XVI style chairs she found at Brimfield and left unfinished in plain old muslin (so French!), a Lucite cocktail table and crystal chandelier.

As for the name, Looc is French slang for “hip” or “chic”; it’s also “cool” spelled backwards.

We recently chatted with the Boyle about her look and labels.

The Inside Source: First, what designers do you love for fall? Will Looc be carrying any new lines that you are especially excited about?

Audra Boyle: We’ve been enamored with Isabel Marant and Ulla Johnson for some time. Equipment will be a new line for Looc this fall. It’s been re-launched from the original line and they have just about the most perfect, laid back, but feminine shirts I’ve seen. You will want to wear it with your straight leg jean and your pencil skirt.

TIS: How do you describe the Looc aesthetic?

AB: The Looc aesthetic is simple: preppy but urban, French but All-American, pleated skirts and pearls but leather and rock-n-roll all at the same time. Rather than follow a certain trend or look, the store reflects a lifestyle. For summer, what you would want to be wearing on a bike ride or to a day at the beach during a weekend trip to Nantucket? For fall, what would be the outfit you’d want to throw on for a Saturday spent apple picking in the orchards?

TIS: Any tips on achieving the Looc look?

AB: The key is to add an element of menswear somewhere to your look, whether it is doing flats with a skirt or pants with a great pair of heels. And sometimes, by adding no accessories at all—that is, wearing it cleanly and simply—does the trick. You can complete your look by adding a masculine element, but never overdo it.

TIS: Where do you find your inspiration?

AB: The things I see in the old pictures of my mom and grandmother are most influential on my taste. I might take a cue from a color I’ve been over for the last few years, but now ready to have back in my life. I find inspiration in international magazines like French Vogue or British Harper’s Bazaar, blogs like hanneli.com or lucylaught.blogspot.com, and films that include "An Education," "Grey Gardens," "Love Story," "A Philadelphia Story," and "Coco Before Chanel."

Specific iconic relics and images that evoke nostalgia for me include tailgating in old woody Wagoneers, yellow rain jackets, camel hair coats, Burberry trenches, apple orchards, road trips, fireplaces, horse races, barns and Wyeth paintings, Longwood Gardens and Chadds Ford, Pennslyvania where I grew up. You can take an image and translate it into a whole story; it takes on a life of its own. I think, "What would I be wearing in that story?"

** Images provided by Looc. **

Audra Boyle’s eBay picks:

Roll over items for details

NEW Authentic Hermes Cavaliers Silk Shawl Scarf

"Hermes scarves are eternal classics.”

(buy it now price, $323.99)

Pair of Karl Springer Style Pace Lucite Chairs Mid-Century

“These Lucite chairs would be amazing reupholstered with a clean, conservative fabric.”

(buy it now price, $899)

NEW Chesterfield Vintage Cigar Leather Sofas

“Leather chesterfield sofas are so classic and work with a lot of different decorating styles.”

(buy it now price, $2,999)

Vintage Lilly Pulitzer Floral Garden Maxi Skirt

“Vintage Lilly Pulitzer is pretty easy to find. If a whole dress is too much for you to handle, try a skirt with a cute white Christina Lehr tee from Looc!”

(buy it now price, $199.99)

Vintage Brass Industrial Nautical Cage Exterior Sconce

“These sconces would be pretty awesome in a powder room.”

(from $55)

Nantucket Basket Purse Whale Bone

“Nantucket Lightship Baskets with long leather straps that can be used to tote around in the summer and fall are absolutely lovely.”

(from $15.50)

Hans Wegner Style Rocking Chair with Woven Rope Seat

“I love anything with rope and nautical accents. This Hans Wegner rocking chair would be perfect on a beach house porch.”

(from $100)

Authentic Chanel Rope Chain Necklace

“Chanel belts that can work as necklaces too are amazing. Layer them to make a statement!”

(buy it now price, $438)

Handsome Antique Eagle Topped Convex Federal Mirror

“This mirror reminds me of my grandparent’s home. I have one in my entryway and love the look and feelings it evokes.”

(from $59)

Vintage ‘80s Carolyn Tanner Navy Blue Gold Cord Belt

“I love to pair fun statement belts from Christopher Ross or Carolyn Tanner with classic khaki shorts in summertime.”

(buy it now price, $35.99)

Pop Art - The Three Phases of Jackie by Andy Warhol

“I love the pops of color from art and accessories in a room. Andy Warhol’s pieces are a perfect way to accomplish this. If you can’t afford the real thing, prints from eBay will do the trick.”

(buy it now price, $39.95)