shoppin

For some, April Cornell embodies the privileged New England look, combining Martha Stewart's passion for details and doo-dads, Victorian opulence and a rather affluent Cambridge clientele.

Actually, this clothing and linen specialty store chain, based in Canada, has 35 stores in the U.S. from coast to coast--obviously, the New England aesthetic is spreading (no shopper need be without his or her duvet cover). Also, belying its image, the store lacks that cold "look but don't touch" Victorian mentality. Signs literally plead with customers to "Please Touch," noting that "to fully appreciate the beauty of our prints, we invite you to unfold, examine, and explore their many patterns and textures."

For those with a touchable fabrics fetish, April Cornell is an excellent store to browse--not just for dresses or linens, but also for "touchable" glassware, furniture, and even candles. The staff is surprisingly relaxed and friendly, clad in chic April Cornell originals (direct from Canada--ooh la la!). Assistant manager Emily J. Shull explains that "it's a nice place to browse even if you're not going to buy anything. I think we just have beautiful things." Even so, she concedes that she doesn't see very many Harvard students shopping in the store (not a surprise).

Nestled between Sage's market and Billings and Stover Apothecaries, the store has an unassuming facade. Inside it exudes a close, homey feel. Even the low ceilings and stuffy atmosphere of the second floor are reminiscent of grandma's attic--a questionable image for an allegedly high-class clothing store.

Just like Martha Stewart, April Cornell is indeed a real person and she designs all the dresses and linens. Her French-Canadian background appears to have influenced her design, for patterns in Martha's fave Provencal style appear nearly every season. April's signature pale blue and yellow color palette also evokes a distinctly French feel. These hues dominate the store and can be found in many different collections, from the new "Fields of Clover" Spring line to "Summer Sorbet." But don't get caught saying "blue" or "yellow" in the store: instead try "peri" and "soleil."

Flower patterns abound on Cornell's dresses and linens alike. This spring's best-selling dress is pale violet with a creamy white magnolia bloom and green stemmed print. Long, loose, and rayon with small horizontal pleats across the chest, it sells for $69. Most dresses share a similar style, cut generously to be what Shull describes as "comfortable and functional." Cornell also carries remarkably cute children's clothing. A girl's play dress in the yellow, blue and green "Fields of Clover" pattern has alternating yellow and blue buttons down the front and comes with a doll wearing the same outfit. A cloth hat and purse complete the ensemble.

April Cornell's selection of linens can at times be overwhelming. For example, those looking for that perfect tablecloth are inundated with options. Even before choosing a pattern or color, the customer must select the proper shape and size of cloth. Many shoppers may require guidance when considering the many options: the cafe, breakfast, European, dinner, printed round, topper, and harvest cloth. One ought never fear, though, a handy diagram explains all the pertinent differences, clearly indicating how the cafe cloth creates "the perfect table for romantic bistro dining" while European is most appropriate when holding "smaller dinner parties the way Europeans do."

The store neither advertises nor distributes a catalog, but the in-store catalog for April Cornell linen collection provides an entertaining read in the style of the J.Peterman catalog (of Seinfeld fame). The shop puts an interesting twist on catalog writing, turning flowery prose into poetry. An example is this rhyming verse description of a collection--it has the utter incomprehensibility of haiku: "Tinted organdy in lime and Dresden blue, luscious velvets and jacquard--a hint of old, a tint of new."

April Cornell's merchandise has more 'character' than the bland, mass-produced items at rival Crate and Barrel across the street, and since they don't advertise, the store has an exclusive feel. So whether creating a fantasy dorm room, checking out the Provence collection, or just chilling with the 30-somethings wandering the store, April Cornell provides a chance for students with sufficient cash to be (or at least meet) the Martha Stewart of Cambridge.