Bumped into Galleria execs doing a bit of pre-shopping at StyledLife on Tuesday. They were gushing over the hats, the bags, the jewels and I must admit, so was I. The store opens Thursday (right across from Tiffany’s), and it’s a sure hit. Saw many pieces I wish I could afford – a spectacular $500 jeweled flower bracelet Carrie Bradshaw would have forfited her rent check for, some grommeted brown leather bags at the same price point. But I was pleased to see that owner Kevin Quinn is sensitive to the current economy. He’s added Hillary Radley (yes, the coat maker) bags – super chic at around $200; some amazing chunky silver necklaces and bracelets for less than $200; a must-have long, drapey sweater for $148 that I want to wear all winter long; and the earring bar, with prices around $40.
It’s no wonder the powers that be at Galleria are celebrating with a bit of shopping, in addition to getting StyledLife (they weren’t the only mall in town to vie for store number two), four expansions are in the works. Oh Baby! will be a traffic nightmare no more when it moves to a sprawling spot across from BCBG next spring, broadens its assortment for infants and toddlers and adds bedroom accessories. Sister store Scandia Down is also moving to the BCBG cooridor with a larger space to showcase its luxury European bed and bath lines. L’Occitane is also doubling its size, as is InVision optical.