The hottest new bags, beads and baubles have just arrived at Great Lakes Boutique

By Patricia Nugent

When it comes to beads, charms, jewelry, handbags and wall hangings, the art of adornment is alive and well at Great Lakes Boutique in Mentor.

Thanks to Angel Mastandrea, who, along with Stephanie Frick, scours social media for hints at the next big thing on the market. The charming boutique has earned a reputation for bringing emerging trends to the area. This month they are introducing five new lines: Luca + Danni Born in the USA, Mariana, Scout Curated Wears, Katie Loxton and Woods of Wisdom.

“We know our clients’ tastes pretty well,” says owner Mike Ponsart. “They trend toward great design, styles they can mix and match, and, above all, pieces they can have fun with.”

Global Glam
The Katie Loxton London line ranges from bracelets and necklaces to chic bags and leather pouches.

“These bags won’t break your bank, yet they look like pricier designer styles,” says Angel, who notes the most popular selling ones reflect a boho chic style, with slouchy mailbag silhouettes and a variety of springtime pastels and tailored details such as beveled bamboo handles.

Perfect for bridal and prom season, another international line is Mariana of Israel, which ranges from fancy colored gemstones to glowing pearls and sparkling clear crystals.

And for women who like the look of stacked bracelets, as well as the earthy feel of stone beads, the new Scout Curated Wears line is perfect. The spring collection includes wrap bracelets in turquoise, coral, periwinkle and mint, in addition to a rainbow of other colors wrapped with rose gold and silver.

“As a nod to the magic of the cosmos, the line’s new Zodiac Cuff captures a cutout silhouette of each zodiac sign’s constellation,” says Angel. “It’s become quite popular for gifting.”

From Luca + Danni Born in the USA comes cuffs, bangles and necklaces featuring channel-set gemstones, charms and insignias within hand-crafted, wire-wrapped designs.

“Luca + Danni is all about layering pieces and having fun,” says Angel.

And to adorn your abode as well as yourself, Great Lakes Boutique offers whimsical wall plaques from Woods of Wisdom. Crafted from Amish wood by a local schoolteacher, the rustic signs are designed with smart and playful phrases, from “there’s no place like home,” to “love you to the moon and back.”

In addition to these new lines, Mike says they are still best known for carrying, and shipping all over the world, bead lines such as Trollbeads, Ohm Beads, True Beadz, and RedBaliFrog.

Come on in and Shop Awhile
Angel and Stephanie say they know most every customer and the things they gravitate toward. And almost as if on cue, during our interview a longtime shopper strolls in. Angel grabs her a cup of coffee, just how she likes it, and begins to show her some of the new Mariana jewelry.

“I feel blessed to have these ladies working here,” says Mike. “They have a keen sense of the style of each person and make the best selections along with them.”

Great Lakes Boutique is located within Mentor Corners, at 8920 Mentor Avenue, in Mentor. Hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They do jewelry repair, too. Call 440-266-8900, or visit GreatLakesBoutique.com for more information.