Thursday, August 30, 2007

La Belle Boutique

How many times have you driven down Yakima Ave. past "La Belle Boutique" in that corner of the old mall near the Hilton and thought to yourself: "I really should go in there one of these days"? There are always interesting-looking things in the window, and besides, I think if someone is brave enough to open a boutique in the vast empty landscape of the old mall in an almost-declared-dead downtown we OWE them a visit, don't we?

La Belle Boutique turned out to be a pleasant surprise, full of a wide range of style categories: some romantic and lacy, some sporty and colorful, some young denim and floaty tops, even some old-lady polyester.

New for fall were some beautiful tapestry jackets, short 3/4 puffy- sleeve gathered jackets with tie belts, and lighter blazers.

Not just clothing, La Belle carries some beautiful antique-looking jewelry, cute bags, and funky gift-type items.

There were lots of those great Three Dot t-shirts in every color, dresses by Jonathan Martin, several clever variations of the LBD, and "Mu" Jeans, which I'd never heard of. Also on the floor, some lesser-known brands like Ravel which makes beautiful, crisp white eyelet blouses and skirts and pants to go with. I tried on a gorgeous white shirt with a collar made of fabric roses--a little ridiculous and overwhelming on me, but for someone who's tall and stately it would be a fabulous piece.

So, go on in one of these days. There's a half-price rack and I'm sure some of the summer stuff will be marked down soon. The one employee that day didn't seem very interested in selling anything so if you're the type that likes to browse unbothered, this could be a plus. Evidently the owner, Carmen Young, has another job at Comp. Mental Health so she wasn't there. But she has made some great buys and has stocked her little shop with lots of wanna-have items. And like I said, she's a brave woman to locate it downtown! It's like finding a little jewel box!

La Belle Boutique
509-469-2070
321 E. Yakima Ave. #100
Yakima, WA 98901
Carmen Young, Proprieter

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

"How many times have you driven down Yakima Ave. past 'La Belle Boutique' in that corner of the old mall near the Hilton and thought to yourself: 'I really should go in there one of these days?"

I've thought the same thing each time I pass it. Now I think I'll take a look after reading your blog! Thanks!