No it’s not a lie… shopping is getting bigger & BETTER in Lexington!

I figured big things were happening at Lexington Green when my mom called to tell me how excited she was about the opening of Loft in the newly remade shopping center on Nicholasville Road. But then when I heard Anthropologie had opened up there, I got pretty excited myself. I love Anthropologie, and until I moved to New York City, my experience with this super hip women’s clothing (and home) retailer was strictly through online shopping. It figures Lexington would get an Anthropologie after I moved away!

Regardless, I’m excited to share with you all of the exciting things happening at Lexington Green. Doris Benson, a partner in in the shopping center and former president of Langley Properties, is pretty excited, too. She said Langley made the decision more than two years ago to turn Lexington Green into a place that would become a female-friendly shopping destination. And with the stores that are already open, as well as the ones on the way, it sounds like they’re well on the way.

Benson said Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Whole Foods Market, Comedy Off Broadway, Artique and Central Baptist Healthworx will remain in Lexington Green, but even those stores work well with the new “female-friendly” model. And, of course, Worlds Apart’s flagship store there will still be attracting shoppers to its unique boutique. In addition, a new restaurant called Palmer’s will open soon in the former Regatta location, on the lake side of the center, and its lighter fare and variety will likewise be appealing to women, she said.

So what is new at Lexington Green for all you shopping savvy women? Here is a quick rundown of the Lexington Green fashion center lineup:

1. Anthropologie

This “lovely” store was the first tenant Langley signed for the refocused Lexington Green, Benson said. She said it’s doing quite well after a couple of months being opened and had exceeded the store management’s expectations. No doubt! The 20-year-old store that caters to a mix of clothing, accessories, gifts and home décor is edgy but sophisticated. Personal style is the fuel behind this store, and they are offering custom and signature pieces for every individual that walks through the door. For me, you can’t go wrong with taking a peak inside this new Lexington shop. It’s a step forward for contemporary shopping in central Kentucky.

If you can’t get to the new store soon, check out their website or Facebook page . My favorite pieces right now literally came out this week. I am obsessed with the Watercolor Ikat Skirt, Bands & Blossoms Peplum Top, and the gorgeous Crescent Bib Necklace. Not to mention, I love all of their housewear items.

2. Loft

I could very well be a fan of Loft by osmosis – after all, my mom started taking me along on shopping trips there when I was fairly young. But I really like the sophistication and style of their clothing and never hesitate to pop in when I can. Benson said the Lexington Green store has made a big impression – every time she runs into someone she knows, they thank her for bringing Loft to that side of town (a second Loft is located in Hamburg).

Loft clothing and accessories are affordable, sophisticated and consistent with trends for a broad age range. I particularly like their floral prints, cardis, and dresses. Check out one of their new stunning floral dresses under $120 HERE.

3. Hot Mama

Hot Mama is a lifestyle brand that empowers moms to look and feel beautiful through curated, trend-driven apparel + accessories. I previously didn’t know too much about the brand, but after a few minutes of research I was immediately on board. I think any and every mother and woman deserves to look this good in clothes. The trends are on point, and the styles are affordable and ready to wear. And if you haven’t seen their site, you are going to love their accessories and dresses ladies! Take a look HERE. It’s going to be a great addition to Lexington & Lexington Green.

4. White House Black Market

Soon to open in Lexington Green is White House Black Market, another one of my favorite stores! Maybe that’s because of its trademark simplicity. “Our clothing remains a symbol of who we are: the honest simplicity of black and white…,” its website states. The retailer started as The White House in Baltimore in 1985 and it opened Black Market 10 years later. In 1997, they combined to become White House Black Market.

Perfect timing for their grand opening because black and white ensembles are all the rage for spring and fall 2013. The neutral color combo was all over the runways and is to be seen everywhere come warmer temperatures. I’m especially loving their Connect-The-Dot Dress  and their Tiered Solid Tunic. You’ve got to check out the rest of their new collection: HERE.

5. Chicos

This is another store that I’m not all that familiar with but I know a lot of women who are – and from what I hear, once you fall in love with Chicos, you’re hooked. Chicos to me represents every woman, and as they say about their well-known brand, “There’s a little Chico’s in every woman.”

I love that Chicos main focus is on trends that inspire they everyday woman. Their new spring line concentrates on a statement neckline, a new feminine hemline, a stacked wrist… and much more. I’ve picked a few pieces that I absolutely adore from their newest collection: Floral Print Jacket, Sequin Splendor Top, and the Classic Tegan Dress. See more: HERE.

That’s it for now, although Benson tells us that there could be a couple more stores signing on. So I highly recommend you check the new Lexington Green out – and then keep going back for more! As always, if you all visit and take pics you better share them here with @LexWhatWear…

Please don’t forget to check out today’s Kyforward.com post HERE!