La Ree Boutique

If construction cranes can be considered any measure of a city's successful and pending expansion, then Bellevue is the new business and pleasure hub of Washington. Bellevue Square mall is currently among only a handful of other shopping centers seeing impressive sales rates during this economic slump. In fact, the entire Bellevue area seems to be exponentially reaching new heights, both physically and logistically. But for the thousands that come flocking to this pristinely polished city of glossy indoor mall shopping, there is still nothing inside the Square that can hold a candle to the luxe, East-Coast charm of old-town Bellevue on Main Street. Evocative of the sweet, inviting demeanor of Greenwich Village, N.Y., it has overhanging residential complexes and a refreshing abundance of greenery (nearby Bellevue Park is ringed with maple and cherry trees). Old Bellevue, despite its history, would appear to be in its delicate and tender infancy.

Nestled among a French cafes, a Mexican cantina, the whimsical Posh On Main shoe boutique and various other specialty stores is La Ree, every socialite's dream. La Ree is the retail equivalent of Ariel's treasure trove, a portal into a calming, pristinely organized, yet thoroughly welcoming world of style and creativity. The boutique, now approaching its second year in business, is dolled up in powder-blue and chalk-white hues, reminding one of a cottage nook. Its cement floors and low exposed-beam ceiling enhance the sensation of being at home. But in all honesty, there is likely no one whose home has ever been so exceptionally well-styled. The target demographic of La Ree is women between the ages of 35 and 65. That stated, it carries some of the most cutting-edge labels and styles for any age range and most of their products would be considered covetable by the likes of any sensible twenty-something.

Brands featured and continually rotating throughout the seasons include Elizabeth and James, rag&bone, Alexander Wang, Hudson, Helmut Lang, Hanii Y, Missoni, Graham and Spencer, and Monrow. Each piece is displayed neatly and artfully on thin wire hangers, allowing the artistic and individual attention these designer creations were arguably born with entitlement to. Store owner and visionary, Rachael Nov, has a passion for selling pieces that are stunning and yet are practical for her regulars. "I always keep the customer in mind when I make purchases," she said. "But we also try to push the envelope a bit or else we wouldn't be staying true to the vision of La Ree." Scanning through the delicate rows of clothes, one can see exactly what this balance looks like. Next to a line of Current/Elliott denim, and sweet, ornate Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent blouses, there is a strapless silk, black Graham and Spencer jumper. Something that would undoubtedly be seen on the likes of a fresh-faced Blake Lively on the red carpet.

The racks, which line the perimeter of the store, feature primarily business casual dress-wear, with the exception of some lust-worthy denim and feather-soft T-shirts. The inimitable woven horizontal stripes of Missoni are intercut with rich, silk skirts and dresses by Hanii Y and Alexander Wang. It is obvious at first glance there is no lack of quality and modern relevance when it comes to the items on the rack. But, as Nov states, the entire vision for La Ree is not necessarily to be a place that sells the hottest clothes. It is a package deal, a charming place where women can browse, sit down, relax and be among people they trust to deliver the highest quality. This aforementioned sitting is facilitated by plush leather couches and chairs in both the dressing rooms and on the main floor. Flower vases bursting with fresh blossoms are poised upon the antique furniture, which also serves as an artistic medium to display jewelry, accessories and folded stacks of T-shirts and sweaters. There is a side table with a basin of Love Quotes scarves which, in case customers weren't already informed of, are pointed out as a favorite of celebrities such as Lindsay Lohan, Jessica Alba and Jessica Biel, in a framed magazine pictorial.

On the floor beneath the racks of clothing, there are rectangular rock gardens with all white stones, lending a Zen quality to the already-peaceful environment. To top it all off, there is a flat-screen T.V. near the front counter that continually plays Nov's favorite mood material. "We always play Audrey at all times," Nov said, in reference to Audrey Hepburn. "Otherwise, it's a runway show, whatever is current." During my visit, the film of choice was none other than "Breakfast at Tiffany's." On a silver tray just beneath the screen looking delicious enough to eat, actually presented next to a crystal bowl of tiny assorted lollipops, are a small collection of Oliver Peoples sunglasses. Inside a black case near the cash register presented atop plush black velvet are a line of Ted Rossi jeweled snakeskin cuffs.

Everything in La Ree is done with the utmost of care and attention. Each item is chosen and displayed like a piece of artwork and each interior aspect was crafted to evoke only the most soothing state of mind, which is an impressive feat considering the thousands of dollars worth of merchandise just begging to be manhandled. Perhaps that is why La Ree's quality is so pronounced. Leave the manhandling to the bustling mall stores, with their endless piles of mediocre fashion and corporately dictated decor. There is no genuine experience to be had in the mall, despite even the best attempts at customer service. La Ree offers that which most perfectly characterizes the ideal "boutique experience." It is a sparkling gem in an ever-expanding world of cubic zirconia. It is truly an asset to this city that grows ever-larger by the second.