Daughters, be sure to take your mom to this Columbia boutique
La Bella Rosa sits on North Main Street in Columbia, its big windows showing off the boutique owners’ philosophy on fashion: “Where casual meets classy.”
Owners Julie Derr and Carla Steibel are often mistaken for mother and daughter, both blond and smiling.
“Well, Carla is 27 years younger than I am,” said Julie, who is 51. “I have a daughter about her age.”
Julie and Carla started the business together in 2014 out of Julie’s basement. In January 2015, they subleased a space in Columbia. then moved into the location at 109 N. Main St. in June 2015.
The age gap between the two provides perspectives on fashion from women at different places in their lives.
Julie said it struck her that women buying clothes and accessories for younger women, like daughters and nieces, “wanted something, too.”
“Our goal is to have a unique shopping experience where a mom and daughter can both come away with something to make them happy,” she said. Sizes range from XS to 3X. Prices for clothing and accessories ranges from $4.99 to $79.99 and include Pink Pewter decorated stretch headbands, jewelry and some sterling silver pieces as well.
Petite sales clerk Kelsey Alexander, 21, modeled a short dress that could just as easily be worn over leggings or skinny jeans by a taller person.
Pretty camisoles are layered under long checkered shirts, while long, lacy fish-tail vests cover flowy dresses. Rompers, lace-panel inserts and some ruffled hems are on the racks, too.
Check out the fall collection of Not Rate leather booties, too.
La Bella Rosa Boutique
- Where: 109 N. Main St., Columbia
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays; to 7 p.m. Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
- Information: 314-440-0039, labellarosaboutique.com, Facebook
This story was originally published August 18, 2016 at 8:00 AM with the headline "Daughters, be sure to take your mom to this Columbia boutique."