La Chic Boutique offers modern take on clothes
<p>Justine Murray, left, and Michele Verzier, right, spent a busy afternoon Thursday with the soft opening of their new store, La Chic Boutique. (Photo by CAMERON RASMUSSON)</p>
SANDPOINT — As far as Justine Murray and Michele Verzier are concerned, business is simply better together.
Both veterans of boutique and quality second-hand shops, the two have moved on from their original locations to team up on La Chic Boutique, a new downtown shop perfect for women seeking hip, contemporary styles.
“We both hit it off, and from the very beginning, we knew it was meant to be,” Murray said.
La Chic Boutique specializes in relatively modern clothing — typically produced within the last 10 years by recognized designers. Murray and Verzier carefully inspect each item turned in by customers for quality before stocking their shelves. And the process couldn’t be easier from the other side of the counter — shoppers can simply drop off a bag of their high-quality, modern clothing and the owners will inspect it later. The previous owner then receives 40 percent of the selling price in either cash or store credit on all accepted items.
The store inventory includes skirts, dresses, jeans, tops, bags, boots, belts, art and some vintage clothing. Shoppers will be able to find popular and established brands while browsing the shelves, including Free People, True Religion, Lulu Lemon, Athleta, Title Nine, Lucky, J Crew, Delias, Anthropologie, 7 For All Mankind, Dansko, North Face, Born, Citizens Jeans, Hudson Jeans, Miss Me, Forever 21, Joes, Pins and Needles, Soprano, Icebreaker, Mystree, Victoria’s Secret, BKE, Coach and HOBO.
Even better, Murray and Verzier aim to keep their inventory fresh and exciting by seeking out clothing from outside the region. Murray has connections in London sending her the hottest British fashions, and the duo have a similar clothing supplier in Colorado. The pair have also scoured the California coast for great deals on beautiful clothing.
“We’re kind of like the (American Pickers), except instead of antiques, we’re looking for clothes,” Murray said.
It was no easy task repurposing their location, 107 Main St., into a boutique, but after plenty of work, repainting and a little help from their artist friends, the shop has been transformed into a bright, vibrant place to browse and buy.
The new store represents a big transition for both Murray and Verzier. Murray started out selling clothing in Foster’s Crossing under the mentorship of Kate and Dave Luers, while Verzier previously owned Sequels in Bonners Ferry. However, both are excited by future prospects.
“We’re feeling great,” Murray said. “This is going to be a fabulous adventure, and the way we see it, you need to take big risks for big achievements.”
Information: La Chic Boutique, 263-0375