Though tables of flowers greet you as you round the corner and ceramic pots flank the entrance, it's the clothing that catches your eye when you walk through the door of Garden Dance. "Home, garden, and fashion frou-frou" is the boutique's motto, with a new emphasis on frou-frou.
Located at 25 Front St., tucked along a row of restaurants and one of Yakima's favorite watering holes, the shop opened about a year ago under the creative eye of Michelle Wyles. What began as a shop full of garden knick-knacks, books and herb lotions recently added a few racks of clothing.
But this is no average clothing store.
Here, you find a pair of leopard print shoes to your right, and comfortable-yet-stylish shirts from Pure and Simple to your right.
Keep wandering and you'll find a multitude of fun, artsy pieces. The clothing ranges from a simple yet lovely gray sweater to a funky lime green form-fitting jacket that's proudly displayed in the window. A young woman can find pieces that will give her a more mature, sophisticated look; a sophisticated, more mature woman can find just the touch she needs for a more funky, individual style.
Wyles, 50, a former antique dealer, says she set out to offer local shoppers something unusual.
"At Christmastime, we had a few clothing items that were very well received," she said. Since her selections seemed to be a hit, she's now trying her hand at more "frou-frou."
"The clothes are fun and funky, and they fit the lifestyle of Yakima. We are not the most formal here, so (Garden Dance) offers tops that can be worn with jeans, but are still fashionable," said Wyles.
Her jewelry includes the handmade work of local artists such as Lucy Valderhaug. She also carries lines from Brazil and Paris, as well as vintage jewelry, artistic handbags and "bizarre, offbeat" shoes.
What is most exciting for Wyles is to see so many women finding their "creative outlet" as store owners in the Valley. She is honored to be situated next to stores such as Garden Girl and The Collectors Niche, where women are showing of their entrepreneurial skills.
"There's a little artist in everyone," she said, "and we are just living the dream."
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