Sep 24, 2008

The Norfolk boutique formerly known as MelangeBy Jamesetta WalkerHamptonRoads.com

Tucked into an off-center artery of Norfolk’s historic Ghent business district sits éclectique Mélange .

Everything about this boutique is off-center – in a Kimora-Lee-Simmons fabulosity way – from the spelling of the shop’s name to its eccentric merchandise to its glam owner.

Shirley Woolfitt recently took over the ladies boutique formerly known as Mélange and owned by Lacie Bowers. Old-school style mavens may recall Bowers from the store’s inaugural days on 21st Street.

Woolfitt gave the pink-and-black decor a high-fashion lift complete with a chandelier and theater-style drapes.

“I funked it up,” says Woolfitt, an Indianapolis native who’s lived in Norfolk since 2001.

Judging by the reaction of a patron who also owns a nearby gift shop, she accomplished her first task.

“I love how things have been arranged. It’s been a while,” said Ann Corletto, owner of Happy Go Lucky on 21st Street, as she recently shopped. “It’s very cute.”

With a new atmosphere in place, Woolfitt turned her focus to the store’s offerings. A mix of shoes, handbags, jewelry and other accessories, plucked from places such as London, Las Vegas, New York and Brazil, grace wall and floor displays. I got the feeling of being in a high-end nook in Rio de Janeiro that is frequented by vacationing supermodels.

But it’s Woolfitt’s line of custom hat creations that is the boutique’s crowning jewel.

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