Move over Anthropology, the Village of Arroyo Grande has its own store, which is locally owned and operated, making a splash.
On June 1, Lynda Beshwate opened Luxe Boutique, featuring not just name-brand clothing, but local artists’ wares, and antique furniture — strictly one of-a-kind items.
As I approached Luxe Boutique, much like anything else in the Village of Arroyo Grande, it was quaint, and cute, but subtly made its mark. Luxe Boutique sits right next to Gather Wine Bar, which is twice as tall, and if it hadn’t been for the vintage clawfoot tub garden right in front of the display window I would have walked right past it.
I was expecting a two-story shop loaded with an assortment of overpriced goodies, but as soon as I stepped through the door I realized I was wrong. For a small space everything is well placed, and not cluttered.
Clothing, handmade handbags, art, and furniture all run through the store. The home décor is not as prominent as the clothing and handbags, but it is there, and they are thinking of new ways to showcase it all. The display window reflects the store, and should draw in any age group, and everything seems reasonably priced.
Jewelry starts as low as $3, like a bracelet the proceeds for which benefit a charity, and some clothing pieces start at just $25. The locally made purses, however, are a bit more, around $100 and up, but when I took the time to look at the thick leather straps, and stitching, I decided that a well-made purse is actually worth the price. And every girl needs a well-made purse that will last, right?
As for the art, it is strictly locally made. Steve Bewley, who even designed the clothing racks from old bicycle rims, is the showcased artist. A great deal of detail and thought went into this boutique. Luxe Boutique is obviously something that Beshwate had been thinking of for quite a while.
Beshwate had started out in the old Serendipity shop with Jana Saputo six months before it closed. When it closed, it just so happened that Sweet Desire candy shop went up for sale, and Beshwate, with the help of her husband Greg, took the leap to open her own store. Beshwate took on Saputo’s line as well, and Saputo does the display window, and runs the store on Sundays.
The whole feel of the store is welcoming, and oh yes, I will be back for you, handmade leather strapped purse.
Luxe Boutique is open seven days a week, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. They are located at 124 East Branch St. in Arroyo Grande and can be reached at 489-6000. You can like them on Facebook or visit their website luxeboutiqueag.com.
Fast fact
Celebrate Morro Bay’s city flower, the dahlia, with the Morro Bay Garden Club when they host the Dahlia Daze wine reception on Friday, Sept. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. and family fun festivities on Saturday, Sept. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The family fun activities will include a flower show, live entertainment, raffle prizes, refreshments, and kids activities, and the admission is free. It will all take place at the Morro Bay Community Center at 1001 Kennedy Way. For more information you can contact them at 225-1633 or visit their website, morrobay.org/events.
Intern Lareina Gamboa compiled this week’s Strokes. Send your business and nonprofit news to [email protected].
Comments