A Perfect Fit

Check out Neena's racks for comfortable, stylish picks

By Shayna Miller

Madison’s a city where sweatshirts and lounge pants are all too common—and I’m not just talking about college students’ preferred clothing choices.

So it’s nice to see a shop that caters to an easier aesthetic—without looking like you rolled out of bed. Deneen Carmichael’s shop Neena shows shoppers that they can dress chicly and comfortably.

“The pieces I carry have detail to them—but they’re also not things that look like a Nike tank top from Dick’s,” remarks Carmichael. She’s referring to fitted tanks with mesh cutout detail; yoga and fitness pants in a variety of cuts; and drapey, gauze-thin tops that can be thrown on after being active.

Carmichael’s mission is simple: “It is fitness stuff, but there are enough cool details to make them special.”

Of course not everything’s for the gym—tagua-nut bracelets, a batwing cardi and tanks that are more streetwear than mat-wear—and it’s easy to be seduced by looking at Carmichael’s own fashion style. Dressed in leggings and a sleek top, she makes dressing for comfort look so easy and fun.

Carmichael’s historic corner space in downtown Middleton is lovely, with picturesque windows, lavender walls, a repro tin ceiling,
spacious dressing rooms and even a 1910 ice cream counter that’s now her register area. The shop, like any good boutique, has a clear point of view and a well-edited mix.

A little comfort mixed with style is never a bad thing.

Clockwise from top left:

BREEZY AND EASY
Beyond’s cotton shawl cardigan in a bamboo/modal blend is a perfect topper for most any look and is great for warmer weather. $100

BRIGHT BUY
Elan tanks would be perfect under a blazer or paired with shorts on easy summer days. Even better is the variety of colors and cuts you can choose, like this asymmetrical version. $24–$27

WORK IT
We love this alo “Response” track jacket—it’s got thumb loops and fun waist and shoulder details. $75

STYLISH FIND
This gorgeous Beyond wrap cardigan can be worn two different ways. $90

CLOSET ESSENTIAL
These Tees by Tina are layering pieces that come in three styles and eighteen colors and prints. “They’re amazing—they’re one size fits all—people don’t believe me, but they always fit!” says Carmichael. $22–$34

PERFECT PANT
“These sense pants come in a palazzo, bootcut or Capri. They’re great for yoga, travel—really, for anything. You can even wear the palazzo pant with a heel to dress it up!” Top, $56, pants, $90–96

1827 Parmenter St., Middleton. 821-1171. Shopneena.com

Shayna Miller is associate and style editor of Madison Magazine.

Read Miller's weekly Window Shopping blog here