SPRING STYLE FROM DONCASTER

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Doncaster is known for its beautiful, quality clothing worn by sophisticated women around the country. It's also one of North Carolina's great family-owned businesses that has thrived since it was founded in 1931 in Rutherfordton. Its business model is to sell directly to consumers through a nationwide network of wardrobe stylists.

The stylists will be showing Doncaster's Spring line through Feb. 12. Marguerite Rupar, one of Charlotte's Doncaster stylists, invited us to her Dilworth studio for a look at the new offerings of custom-fit pants and jeans along with elegant dresses, jackets and tops. Details: 704-370-0433; www.doncastercharlotte.com.

Here are five of our favorite styles: 

The classic blazer gets an update with notched lapels and origami-like folds that add interest, not bulk. In Twine (shown) and Navy. $450.

A "bubble" pattern adds fun to this coat that looks equally great dressed up or down. In Sunset (shown) and Twine. $795.

A "bubble" pattern adds fun to this coat that looks equally great dressed up or down. In Sunset (shown) and Twine. $795.

An inverted pleat on the blouse and the flare of the skirt are modern yet forgiving. In Navy (shown), White, Black and Crimson. Blouse, $225; skirt, $250.

An inverted pleat on the blouse and the flare of the skirt are modern yet forgiving. In Navy (shown), White, Black and Crimson. Blouse, $225; skirt, $250.

This silk blouse can be worn three different ways. In White and Black. $275. (Silver and crystal pin, $95, sold separately.)

This silk blouse can be worn three different ways. In White and Black. $275. (Silver and crystal pin, $95, sold separately.)

A subtle zebra print in gold and white adds style to this elegant, and versatile, jacket ($650) and dress ($395). The jacket is also stunning with white pants.