La Bella Rosa honored at ribbon cutting

 

Members of the Solvang Chamber of Commerce gathered Feb. 15 for a ribbon cutting to launch the grand opening for La Bella Rosa Fashion, 442 First St., Solvang. Open since late September, the clothing store focuses on regular and plus sizes in affordable fashion, including accessories.

“We’ve had a lot of repeat customers since we opened,” said co-owner Jamie Martinez. She and partner Christine Hembree of Santa Barbara, wanted to bring comfortable casual clothing to the region and have selected such designers as Cactus Clothing, Shana K, B.B. Simon, Casual Land, Amy Brown, and Chic Buds to display in the store.

 

“Shoppers can find everything from hot trendy separates and basic must-haves to designer outerwear, jewelry and handbags,” said Martinez. “We also have items that have a little bit of sparkle – clothing and accessories that are casual but have that bling so many people want.”

Because items with crystal embellishments are popular, the store stocks t-shirts, purses and wallets, jewelry, key chains, and business cardholders, as well as Swarovski Crystal iPod and cell phone accessories and watches, all decorated with a little sparkle for originality, according to Martinez.

 

A resident of Buellton, Martinez and husband Rigo have four daughters, all of whom love to spend time visiting Mom at the store. Martinez sold real estate and was a mortgage broker for years, but owning a clothing store was something she always wanted to do.

Her partner, Hembree, has two daughters and helps select the clothing lines and maintains the company web site, where additional clothing is available.

“We’ve seen people come in and wander through the store and then leave. But after a short while they return and buy because we are a unique shop and our prices are affordable,” Martinez said.

“We currently have an inventory that changes about once a month, which keeps the locals coming back again and again,” she said.

 

Customers can shop at the boutique online as well at www.labellarosafashion.com. Gift boxes are available, and standard ground shipping is free on web orders. Customers who visit the store through March 31 also can enjoy 10 percent off all purchases, Martinez said, but they need to ask for the discount.