Fun, fancy, funky and fabulous new selections at Great Lakes Boutique
By Patricia Nugent
Just coming off its wildly successful Spring Bead Bash earlier this month, Great Lakes Boutique in Mentor is fully stocked with a variety of treasured beads, charming charms, signature jewelry, chic handbags and adorable home décor items.
“As one-stop-shop bead specialists, our customers know they can rely on us to bring in the latest trends and lines,” says buyer Angel Mastandrea.
“Our hottest jewelry lines each have a little bit of that something different. Unique names include Moon Glow, Uno de 50, Trollbeads, Ohm beads, Truebeadz, My Saint My Hero, Palace of Amber, Scout Curated Wears, Redbalifrog charms, and—just launched this month—the Wildflower collection of Henhousebeads in bright purples, blues and greens.”
Angel explains that their clients have a couple of things in common: They appreciate impeccable design and know how to have fun with styles they can mix and match.
One of their hottest new lines is Waxing Poetic jewelry, which includes handcrafted pieces that celebrate the journey of life via keepsake charms, pendants, bracelets, chains and necklaces. In addition to crosses, you’ll find initial charms and gemstone charms for women and men.
“One of our best-selling charms is the Bee Brave Honeypearl,” reports Angel.
“Made with sterling silver and brass for the wings, it’s accented with a freshwater pearl making up the bee’s body. It’s darling.”
Kicky, Color Burst Bags for Spring
Known as the “Perfect Pouch,” the new spring colors of Katie Loxton London’s rectangular clutch bags range from seafoam green to coral, blush pink and lavender, plus a slew of new metallics, too. For added personality, they are stamped with cheeky phrases such as, “Live Love Sparkle” and “All that Glitters.” A delicate little wrist strap allows them to pull double duty as an evening bag.
And their just-right size (6-inches by 9-inches) accommodates phones, credit cards, your driver’s license…what else would you ever need?
The new Amelie handbag by Katie Loxton is also causing quite a stir around town. About the size of a magazine, this crisp classic is accented by trendy bamboo handles.
“This line delivers on designer styles, yet they are priced to fit any budget,” says Angel. “They only look like you broke the bank.”
Introduced this spring, Papaya handbags are stylish works of art. Hand-foiled florals and designs are accented with the company’s signature chunky silk tassel and lotus charm to coordinate with each bag.
Beautifying the Home, Too
New this spring is the Illume line of all-natural soy candles made with essential oils in heavenly scents, like Coconut Milk Mango, Pineapple Cilantro and Santal Fig.
Made from high-quality fragrance oils, the candles smell as beautiful as they look, delicate and long-lasting. The best-selling scent just introduced is called Citrus Crush. It is said to transport you to a sun-ripened citrus grove surrounded by mandarin, grapefruit, summer fruit and a hint of sandalwood. No passport needed.
Another delightful home décor item is the whimsical fish-shaped GurglePot. These brightly colored pitchers make gulping, gurgling noises when you pour liquids from them.
Whimsical also describes the Woods of Wisdom wall plaques, which punctuate any home décor style. Crafted from Amish wood by a local school teacher, the rustic signs are designed with smart and playful phrases that add loads of charm to any home.
Great Lakes Boutique is located within Mentor Corners, at 8920 Mentor Avenue, in Mentor. Hours are Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They do jewelry repair, too. Mark your calendar for the Fall Bead Bash, set for Friday through Sunday, September 27-29. Call 440-266-8900, or visit GreatLakesBoutique.net for more information. Also check out their Facebook page for special flash sales.