FAIRHOPE, Ala. — “Classy, sophisticated, trendsetting and eclectic” were just some of the words local clothing stores used to describe the typical shopper in Fairhope.

Sarah Schemmer of The Cat’s Meow says they offer just what our town is looking for: “cool, casual and comfortable clothes at affordable prices.” The oil tablecloth purses are what she predicts will be the big holiday seller this season. Reminiscent of your grandmother’s laminated kitchen tablecloth, these oil cloth tablecloth purses are cheerful, casual purses that wipe clean in a moment. They range in price from $24-28 and have already started flying off the shelves.

Co-owners of The Colony Shop, Debbie Moffett and Kim McLemore, have a different type of purse that they expect to be their best seller this season. The “red butler bag” by Jen Groover, that was featured on “Oprah,” is unique because of its many compartments to help the busy woman stay organized. They also boast large collection of crushed taffeta, faux-fur laden, unique gowns and outfits made by the popular designer, Lee Anderson, to go with these stylish handbags.

Purses seem to be a highlight of this season. Even Southern Waters Outfitters, a store usually known for casual, sporty clothing made for the outdoorsman, have had a hard time keeping their Kavu “keeper” bag stocked. “It seems to be an every teen must-have,” said store manager, Jim Knox.

Owner of Giovane, Judy King, can attest to this trend as well. King can’t keep her popular Jonas Brothers bags in stock at her newly opened pre-teen clothing store nestled quietly in Fairhope’s French Quarter. “My shoppers are fun, creative and energetic and our clothes and accessories reflect those qualities,” she said.

“I will be back here later with my birthday money,” said Chloe Chowaniec, 11, soon to be 12, one of Giovane’s above-mentioned “fun, creative and energetic shoppers.” Chloe added excitedly, “I also think Adrenaline (Fairhope's surf and skate shop) and Ooh La La’s stuff is cool.”

The other popular item mentioned quite a bit by store owners were the pashmina scarves and leggings. Utopia ran out of their wildly trendy Houndstooth pashmina already. (Don’t worry ladies, more will be in soon.) They also have a variety of leggings that are the latest style moving quickly out their doors.

Katie Wanous of Private Gallery also listed pashminas at the top of their list, along with hobo wallets and suede fringe boots.

The two charming door greeters at Sadie’s of Fairhope — Lily, a King Charles spaniel, and Lucy, a little white Maltese — help to make shopping fun at this friendly shop. Owner Sadie McLean says their hottest item so far this season is a trendy wrap sweater. It comes in several popular winter colors such as black, brown and gray.

“I shop Fairhope because its stores are unique and cute,” said Nellie Silva of New Orleans while shopping at M&F Casuals. “They have personality … I was passing through on my way to my Orange Beach condo and couldn’t resist stopping.”

While browsing through a few shirts at CK Collection, Ginger Scruggs, from Little Rock, Ark. said, “I shop Fairhope because I want to support this beautiful city and its local businesses. Plus the flowers around town get prettier every year.”

Fairhope has a retail clothing store to suit any shopper. Town & Country appeals to the “distinguished and classic” shopper with plus sizes available and on site, free alterations. Burkes offers high-end department store clothes at closeout prices. Bay Boutique and Uptown also feature distinctive women’s clothing.

With so many stores to choose from, it is apparent that Fairhope has ladies’ fashion all wrapped up and “in the bag.”