Calling all Gossip Girl fans! If you want to know where to find the chic, trend-forward looks from your favorite show, you must run - not walk (be warned, the cute, reasonably priced merch flies off the hangers!) - to B. Lux. The ultra-femme boutique in Hudson is located amongst the popular shops and restaurants composing First & Main.
Owners Lia Kalin and Michelle Bryce, lovers of all things pink and girl-licious, met initially through their husbands and quickly became friends. Naturally, their mutual love for fashion and previous retail experience spawned stylish daydreams that included the opening a local boutique.
For these two illustrious ladies, dreams became a quick reality, as they conceptualized their stylish idea in November, secured a lease at First & Main in January, and after several months of eating, drinking and breathing B. Lux exclusively, opened their doors in March to reveal as the owners put it, “fun, comfortable and sassy” dresses, tops, shoes and jeans that definitely won’t break the bank.
A peek inside this jewel-box-of-a-shop reveals a girly-girl’s fantasy – bubblegum dressed walls, dainty crystal-strewn chandeliers, perfectly posh blush-toned velvet slipper chairs, and sophisticated French accents done in the perpetually popular hue-to-do: black.
Past the lovely Audrey Hepburn images dotting the walls and of course the fashionably fabulous window display designed by Kent State Merchandising student Ron Knight, are the trendy items that local women of any age can’t seem to get enough of.
According to Lia and Michelle, it’s not unlikely for the six pieces of an individual item they bring into the store to sell out within a day or two. But never fear, the store is flooded with new looks on a weekly basis with typically eight to 10 new items arriving each week, so there is always a new treat to purchase or admire each time shoppers come for a visit.
The looks displayed at B. Lux tend to be more on the casual side with a big emphasis on comfy basic knits with unique details. One item in particular, a supple fleece-lined jacket with ruffle front in grizzly gray ($68) is the quintessential “throw-on” piece for fall that would be divine paired with leggings or jeans, and of course this season’s favorite boot style: over-the-knee.
And speaking of over-the-knee boots, you can nab a flat pair at B. Lux to truly polish up your look. No one will be able to resist this funky style by Chinese Laundry that sells for a mere $110 and will go with just about everything this season. Snatch up a pair for yourself (before I do!)
Other great finds include this crinkly champagne-tinged frock with swelled up bits of fabric embracing the u-shaped neckline. This particular piece would be an easy get-up for a fun, flirty night out with friends and will spare you extra expense for looking so good, as it retails for a cinch-y $42. The piece is by Atlanta label Pretty Angel.
What else? A trio of ultra-versatile and uber-cute ballerina flats. Nab a black pair with chiffon fluff and cluster of geometric gems, a brown pair with a copper beaded over sized bow, or a darling gray pair with grosgrain ribbon and captivating crystal detail – how much for these must-haves? $46 will afford you to walk away with style, not to mention earn oodles of "ooh-la-las." Awesome!
While the shoe selection is abbreviated at the current time, the ladies plan on expanding the selection within the very near future – news any shoe-a-holic will surely appreciate!
Tia and Michelle say their most sought-after sellers are the rhinestone back pocket pinched denim by Miss Me. The jeans are flattering for all shapes and ring in less than the look-a-like brand True Religion. Check out these $78 super-classics that the owners swear you will never want to part with.
Sweetly-scented perfumes and delicate, multi-colored jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings neatly and artfully take up the corners of the shop and dress-up the wrap desk.
The ladies love to support local artists, so many of the items sold feature the wares of locally recognized designers like Couture Revelation.
Additionally, the ladies at B. Lux have encouraged some talented pre-teens in the area with design aspirations to create some lovely hair accessories that are also sold in the store. Lia and Michelle said that the hair clips and headbands that feature pretty petals, precious metals and perfectly powdery colors sell rather quickly and that the little girls who design them are so much fun to work with! A career in design could most certainly be in the cards for these stylish pre-teens!
In keeping with the duo’s passion for supporting the local area, they are involved with local philanthropic events including the upcoming Hattie Larlham fashion show, and assist current Kent State fashion students in expanding their portfolios by enlisting them to design their visually stimulating window displays.
For those of you who always seek a great deal, the ladies of B. Lux offer specials and deals quite frequently, and encourage you to visit their website www.bluxboutique.com for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, show your love for all things B. Lux and become a fan on their Facebook page as well.
Sample the wondrous wares this boutique has to offer at 46 Park Lane, Hudson, OH 44236. The store is conveniently located in the First & Main shopping plaza and is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Sunday 12 - 5 p.m. Lia and Michelle can’t wait to lead you on a fashionable escapade complete with honest style advice, un-intimidating wardrobe must-haves, and sensible prices. Shop on!
