Starting Friday, there'll be a reason beyond that Flow Rider surfing demo for smart, spunky gals with regular-sized checking accounts to browse The Shops at Willow Bend. Elli Grace, a youthful women's line and boutique, opens with the ritzy Plano mall's shops at 10 a.m. on Friday.
The clothes on the Web site are soft and feminine with a pinch of punk art, all lace and tulle and satin in an even mix of black, white, neutral shades and summery prints. Those who've been feeling a little grown up for Delia's lately might take interest in cap-sleeve printed tees featuring dandelions or a 35mm camera in sexier cuts for under $40.
And there are cocktail gowns. A silk, floor-length black lace dress summoning Stevie Nicks about town is a jaw-dropper, and its price follows suit for some at $400. Elli Grace designers Sojung "Sue" Yang and Lamarr Nanton crafted the high-fashion alternative line after cutting their chops at Donna Karan and Armani, respectively, and teaming up to create the successful Manuel Designs.
The pair's return to womenswear purports to blend the fashion-conscious desires of young professional women with reasonably priced pieces, and we all know "reasonably priced" is nothing but relative. Yang and Nanton attempt to sweeten the deal on their eye candy by offering a Happy Hour on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the shop, Nanton told us, with free champagne and wine and a 10 percent discount from 5-7 p.m.
Elli Grace's formal grand opening will be June 26, and Yang and Nanton are planning a party with giveaways and hors d'œuvre for the occasion. We'll keep you updated as we know more. The boutique is located on the second floor in the Saks Fifth Avenue section of the mall.
