City Resident Brings European Fashion Direct to Fredericksburg

Paola Barral is celebrating the one year anniversary of her shop in downtown Fredericksburg.  "Cose Belle Boutique is about bringing European fashion to Fredericksburg and all of Virginia," Barral said. 

Originally from Torino, Italy, Barral now resides with her husband in the city.

"Being European, I could never find the clothes that I liked, so I always shopped when I went back to Italy or Europe," Barral said.  She lived in New York City for a few years while working as a cancer researcher at Columbia University.

When she came to Fredericksburg three years ago, she decided a shop would fit well here.  "I live here in Fredericksburg and I like it," she said.  "I thought there is no shop similar to this, so I decided to open this boutique."

"I am a scientist actually; I had a change in career," Barral smiled.  "I always was passionate about fashion," she said. 

Barral travels twice annually to Europe to choose clothing and accessories for her store.  She buys well known designers as well as up and coming names.  "I bring everything from Europe -- London, Milan, Paris.   Everything in the shop is directly imported from Europe," she said.  One exception.  "I also explore what they offer in New York," she said. 

Barral is enjoying her new career.  "After one year, I've started to see returning customers," she said. 

Her boutique is also a social gathering place.  It is open until 9 p.m. on First Fridays.  "We always offer Prosecco; it is a moment to socialize and some  customers actually bring friends with them," she said.

Barral is leaving for one of her European shopping trips later this month.  "When we come back from Europe, we plan to begin French and Italian conversation at the store on perhaps the third Friday [of each month]," she said.  Her American husband has lived in Paris and speaks fluent French.

Cose Belle Boutique is located at 1002 Caroline Street in Fredericksburg, and on Facebook at Cose Belle Boutique.

Where do you like to shop in Fredericksburg?  Tell us in the comments section.

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