Last Updated on March 19, 2023

“This is wonderful,” my volunteer co-worker exclaimed, pulling a gorgeous black shirt embellished with fabulous yellow florals and sparkling beads from a rack in the Ladies’ Boutique.  “My sister would love this!”

“Not if it fits me,” I laughed, leaving my post at the boutique’s cash box as she extended the hanger toward me;  “this would be perfect for my trip to Paris.”  I  unbuttoned one of the most beautiful shirts I’d ever seen and donned it over the black shell I was wearing.   Et voila!!!  Parfait pour moi!

This shirt definitely was meant for me!  It glowed, and so did I.  It was perfect for late evening dinners in the Paris neighborhood we will be staying in.  And it was a Bob Mackie

(atelier label, 100% silk) with the tags still on it!!  For ……….. wait for it ……. $10.00!!!  And, PS … I also found a beautiful yellow shell to go with my lucky find!

Right now, the boutique is chock-a-block full of such gorgeous finds for Spring … lots of Chico’s, Talbots, Alfred Dunner, and other well-known labels (including more Mackies).  Lots of “Spring into Summer” jackets and tops, both pretty and practical.  Lots of purple, if that’s your bag.  And if you don’t find something fabulous on your first visit, come back the next week for another look …. because the inventory is constantly changing.

My trip to Paris is in September, and will fulfill a promise to my granddaughter when she was 4 that when she turned 12  I would take her, her mom, and her favorite aunt to Paris.  And this Bob Mackie shirt over a simple black or yellow tank and a pair of nicely cut black pants will take me to any restaurant we might choose to eat in on any given evening.  It’s the sort of find every traveler hopes for … a unique item at a killer price that will make me look great, pack easily, and not take up much space.

What more could I wish for except a week of perfect September weather in Paris??

The Ladies’ Boutique is located on the terrace level of Herbert’s Run, and is open on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dayle Dawes/for the Ladies’ Boutique