Top drawer

Purls of wisdom

• Who she is: Molly McGovern

• What she’s wearing: Hat crocheted by local artist Jean Strickland, sweater made by her mother, knit striped skirt, cuffed jeans.

• Why we love it: Though the word “cute” is wildly overused, it’s an apt summation — in the very best sense of the word — of Molly’s ensemble. Layers of yarn-crafted apparel (the hat, the sweater and the skirt) make knit-work a focus rather than an afterthought. And why not? With crafty DIY techniques at the forefront of fashion, a handmade pullover, cap or scarf deserves the spotlight. Just be sure to balance the look, like Molly does, with sturdy jeans and boots.

Try this on

Looking for something more street? Urban clothing shops are cropping up around town with oversized hip-hop and club-inspired styles.

• WB Fashions (643-A Haywood Road, 225-4909) specializes in urban family wear. Look for designs by Mecca Femme, Rocawear and Eklectik. Searching for Baby Phat and Dickies in kids’ sizes? This is the place to shop.

• New York Fashions (665 Haywood Road, 225-1772) sells faux-fur-trimmed bubble jackets for him and her, tennis shoe-styled pumps, sweats, Money jogging sets, picture Ts and more. For guys in need of city-savvy threads, here’s your store.

• Movement (85 Patton Ave., 258-0021) just opened in the space formerly occupied by Eckankar. The new shop carries LRG, Live Mechanic, Zooyrk, Academic and more. Currently most of the stock is geared toward menswear, but more women’s items are on the way, including independent and local designs. Visit this boutique for accessories from Tokyo, Seoul and Asheville.