fash•ion \fa-shən\ (noun)
a popular trend, esp. in styles of dress and ornament, as in:
she always shops at Ella Blu for the very latest fashion.

The term fashion brings to mind exotic runways, popping photo shoots and tall, elegant models, but the truth is, trendy, sophisticated fashion can be had at Ella Blu on Union Square Common here in downtown Hickory. Whether you’re going to a gallery opening, a wedding, the kids’ soccer game or your office, you’ll want to be stylish and fashionable. At Ella Blu, you’ll find fashion for all occasions, all lifestyles and all ages.

Courtney Coley, owner and fashion consultant at Ella Blu, met me at the door of her chic boutique, and our morning together was a delightful journey through today’s trendy styles, colors and accessories. I had the most fun!

“What I love about Ella Blu is the variety of women who shop here,” Courtney says with a smile. “I want women to know we have stylish selections for everyone, no matter if they are college students, busy stay-at-home moms, young career women, or retired grandmothers. All of our customers are fantastic, and I’ve loved getting to know them over the years!” Indeed, as I strolled around Ella Blu, I found such a variety–work and career suits, date-night, party and vacation styles, casual around town outfits and a huge array of accessories to accent every purchase. “I try to make sure if someone comes in, and she’s traveling to the city or abroad, we can pick out exactly what she’s looking for,” Courtney continues, “or if she needs her wardrobe updated, we can put together new, comfortable outfits–everything she needs.”

Be prepared for an inspiring sensory experience of style, color and texture! Among Ella Blu’s selections are some of the most stylish, in-vogue designers of dresses, denim, pants, jackets, tops, winter coats and fashion accessories–plus the perfect jewelry to complete the look you are after.

KEEPING IT NEW
“I love going to market to search designers’ newest selections, this season’s colors and new fabrics!” Courtney explains. “I just got back from Coterie, one of New York’s big fashion markets, to buy for next spring. I go to New York twice a year and Atlanta usually four or five times. There’s always an amazing selection, and I try to pick out lines that women here in our community will enjoy and be excited to wear, not something that’s only appropriate on the runway!”

Courtney explains that she carries several designers such as Ali Ro, Nicole Miller, Joie, Rebecca Minkoff and many more. BCBG’s line includes suits, blouses and cocktail dresses, as well as the more casual tees and daytime dresses. Tibi, another New York company, features colorful silk print dresses and blouses, which can be paired with a great fitting pair of pants by well-known designer, Trina Turk. This fall, Courtney is introducing Trina Turk’s new line of outerwear, and she’s excited to debut the collection because it’s a great look for a fantastic price. “When we order a more expensive item, say a coat or dress, we’ll only receive three or so to make sure no one shows up at an event wearing the same item,” explains long time sales associate, Lisa Robinson. “We keep track of all the local events.” In addition to the dressier styles, Ella Blu provides casual tops and tees from Lilla P, Ella Moss, Splendid, and Velvet. I found a beautiful shearling vest by Velvet, perfect for cool autumn days.

This year’s trend for denim is color! You’ll find a great jean selection in the Denim Vault along the back wall. Look through Hudson, 7 For All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, Joe’s Jeans and J-Brand for skinny, boot-cut, straight, flare, and trouser leg jeans. “Denim can go so many places now, and everything goes with denim,” Lisa shares. “We have low-rise, mid-rise and a few trendy hi-rise cuts, in regular or stretch fabric, so everyone can have a comfortable fit. Plus, we’ll help you pick out the right blouse, tee or sweater to top it all off, and we do in-house denim hemming to make everything easy and convenient.”

A LITTLE BOUTIQUE BACKGROUND
Ella Blu has an interesting history. With a degree in Interior Design from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Courtney did interiors for Little & Associates in Charlotte for several years and later worked in high-end carpet sales, traveling throughout North and South Carolina. After she met her husband, Russel Coley, she moved back to Hickory, her hometown. When Courtney tired of the monotonous travel, she was ready for a change, for more creativity in her life. “While traveling for work I would often shop in boutiques in Charlotte, Raleigh & Charleston. I realized there weren’t any trendy shops in Hickory,” Courtney explains. “So, in October 2003, I opened Ella Blu.”

Courtney and Russel enjoy living in their historic downtown home with their three children and dog, Blu. “We both like living in walking distance to work, church, shopping, dining and our children’s school,” Courtney emphasized. “We support local downtown businesses whenever possible. We feel it’s very important to help create a thriving downtown. Russel is on the board of the Hickory Downtown Development Association to promote business and shopping here. We’d like to see the downtown grow and sustain more business.” While I was shopping at Ella Blu, folks were setting up the Wednesday farmers’ market on the Square, one aspect of revitalization in the neighborhood.

FULL SERVICE FASHION EXPERTISE
Decorating the entrance to Ella Blu are paintings of the Coley’s adorable children–four-year old Kinser, and identical twins, Ryder and Beckett, who just turned one. “I’ve made so many great friends through the store by getting to know their families, sharing in their special moments, and learning what they like and don’t like,” Courtney says. “Some women have been shopping here since we opened eight years ago–they’re like family.” Courtney is available for fashion consultations and has been invited into customers’ closets to weed out and update. Her eye for style enables her to help make clothing selection easier and provide full service to women needing assistance with their wardrobe. I could easily see how Courtney’s opinions would be very valuable; she has a great look herself, and her clothes all come from Ella Blu!

NEW JEWELRY, BARGAINS AND MORE!
Be certain to ask about the new line, Cielo jewelry, designed by Ella Blu’s very own Mindy Baswell. Cielo’s variety of colorful necklaces and bracelets, on display throughout the store, are hand-made using vintage t-shirts. “Customers are so excited about this new jewelry trend and are purchasing them two and three at a time, in all colors and styles!” Also, check out Renu by Ella Blu, Courtney’s new consignment division offering customers the opportunity to resell gently worn items. You’ll find those wonderful bargains in the rear of the store.

Visit Ella Blu online (www.ellablu.com) and on Facebook to get a feel for all that’s happening. Ella Blu is a complete shopping experience–you don’t want to miss a thing!

More than anything else, Courtney and her staff want every woman to finish their shopping trip happy and satisfied, looking totally well put together, and excited to bring their girlfriends with them the next time they shop at Ella Blu. Check it out for yourself–you could be that woman!

Ella Blu
214 Union Square Common
Hickory, NC 28601
828.324.9792
www.ellablu.com