Francina’s: New Boutique Aims to Give Back

Megan Darnell with Owner Pamela Portee (L to R) next to Pamela’s late mother’s favorite red suit at Francina’s boutique in Geist.

Francina – the inspiration behind the name of a new boutique in town – was a woman who never got to work a day in the shop she knew she would adore. Nor, did she have the opportunity to see the Grand Opening of the shop that bears her name. Francina died after a three year battle with bladder cancer –two months shy of the opening of her daughter’s boutique in the Kroger complex at 116th & Olio roads.

“She was so excited about the shop,” says daughter and owner Pamela Portee. “Clothes brought her a lot of joy and I hope this boutique will do the same for many other women.”

Portee –who actually is a cancer survivor herself—picked up the fashion bug from her mother and studied fashion merchandising in school. She and her family moved to the Geist area over ten years ago and brought her mother here to care for while she was sick. They began talking about a store and putting all their years of shopping department stores, boutiques and consignment shops into one unique idea for a shop – a boutique style shop with new and used under one roof! They are also planning on installing a glass front shop to make the shop look elegant, which can attract customers to come in.

“I want women to experience shopping in a nice boutique for the clothing that makes them feel good, all at a price they can afford,” says Pamela. “I think that is what makes women smile.”
Shoppers may smile over some of the labels found in Francina’s too; Prada, Missook, Gucci and True Religion jeans, all in the new clothing section at the shop frontage.

The consignment section carries a variety of labels including Ellen Tracy, Nine West, Moschino, Michael Kors and Coach, all in a wide variety of prices.
Pamela says the consignment bags are a bit hit, too. “A Burberry bag and a Louis Vuitton bag sold the day I got them in the store!” say Pamela.

The Portees say they will also donate unwanted items that don’t sell in a certain period of time. “The community has been overwhelming to us in their support” says Pamela. “We want to give back in any way we can.”

Francina’s is open seven days a week. If you would like to learn more about Francina’s or how you can bring your items for consignment, give them a call at 317-288-5467 or look them up on line at www.facebook.com/FrancinasFashionsAtGeist.

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