In 1994, Jill McGowan took a leap of faith and left a stable job with benefits to start a business with a simple mission: to create quality clothing for women that would endure fashion whims and changes. Celebrating her 30th year of business in 2024, McGowan continues to focus on quality apparel with style and integrity that holds up over time. READ FULL STORY
“We call them ‘shirts,’ not ‘blouses,’ for a reason,”Jill McGowan says of her timeless, stylish, nearly indestructible women’s apparel. Going by her Exchange Street shop’s longtime success, it seems that hardworking women in Maine and beyond want their garments to put in as much effort as they do daily.
Today racks of McGowan’s beloved shirts fill a bright and cozy room in a historic Old Port building. There’s lots of variety even in her trademark white, with cuts from easy to elegant and a globe-spanning range of fabrics: Belgian linen, Italian silk, Swiss cotton, Japanese silk. Jewel tones, neutrals, and stripes diversify the selection, which includes dresses, pants, and jackets as well as shirts. Photo by Christina Week, Maine Home + Design
The Fashion Designer, Jill McGowan Owner, Jill McGowan women’s clothing store TAKE A HIKE / Mackworth Island Once owned by Governor Percival Baxter, who donated acres of land to the state, the island is rimmed by a 1¼-trail. mainetrailfinder.com BYO BITTE / Schulte & Herr They serve classic German food, like spaetzle with caramelized onion and cheese, a fresh cucumber salad and potato pancakes with lox. Bring your own wine or beer. 349 Cumberland Ave.,schulteundherr.wordpress.com LITTLE SOMETHINGS / Folly 101 You can find anything: kitchenware, books, gadgets, hats, jewelry, candles and scarfs. The owner has an amazing eye, and her prices are really good. 101 Exchange St., 207-773-5227 THROWBACK THURSDAYS / Top of the East It’s an old-school, get-a-bourbon kind of place at the top of the...
