OPEN FOR BUSINESS
New Boutique, a Bellissima Addition
BY JANICE LLANES FABRY
A contemporary womenswear shop opened in town this month and so far everyone loves Love Bella. Owner Ellie Zieminski had a hunch that her edgy merchandise, great customer service, and reasonable price point would fill a niche on Purchase Street.
“Rye is such a beautiful town with a great downtown vibe,” she observed. “It’s the one-stop place where you can have coffee or lunch, go shopping, and pick something up for the kids. Everyone has been very welcoming.”
Not only did Zieminski transform the space long occupied by Rye Decorators, but she also spruced up the east side of the street. She helped the landlord modernize the façade of the entire building’s shops with a cohesive, sleek look.
Love Bella’s large storefront window lures passersby into a bright, polished shop with contemporary chandeliers, track lighting, white walls, and light floors. Clothes are displayed on bars suspended from the ceiling.
“I wanted to create a floaty, modern look that’s clean, welcoming, and unique,” explained Zieminski, who simultaneously launched another Love Bella in Charleston, South Carolina, with her sister, Jessica Dimondstein, as a co-owner.
Zieminski grew up in North Carolina, earned an undergraduate degree in Sociology, and moved to New York on her own at 21 “I wanted to pursue life in the big Apple. It was always my dream,” she recalled.
She worked in the hospitality business for years, before opening her first store in Larchmont 16 years ago. Zieminski may not have a retail management or merchandising background, but she certainly has an instinct about fashion needs, trends, color, and style, and quickly learned what works and what doesn’t. “I have been super into fashion since I was 8 years old,” she admitted.
“I want people to feel good about themselves after leaving my store. We offer personal styling, we’re honest, and we go above and beyond so that our customers look forward to coming back,” noted the entrepreneur, who has been known to drop off merchandise at clients’ homes.
Store manager Sarah Reyes-White, a friendly, experienced retailer with a posh London accent, is a great asset. Of course, the complimentary rosé Love Bella serves all day is a nice touch, too.
Love Bella carries cashmere and cotton blend sweaters, as well as denim jeans for under $100. Her lines of dresses include those for work, an easy travel and wrinkle-free selection, and occasion dresses, along with intimate essentials such as strapless bras and camisoles. The boutique also sells attractive fashion jewelry that retails for under $80.
Welcome to Purchase Street, Love Bella.
<Love Bella is open every day: Monday-Saturday: 10-6, and Sunday 12-5. Call 612-4134 and follow Love Bella on Instagram @LoveBellaNY>
