Over the holiday season, Molly and I had a blast engaging in our favorite Minnesota activities: looking at the houses around Lake Harriet, shopping at The Bibelot in Northeast and hitting up new boutiques that have popped up all over the city. One of our favorites? The beautiful, trendy, standout Minneapolis boutique Bell Reve.
The name Belle Reve has stuck with us for a couple years now, as our girlfriends all over the Twin Cities have cited it as their go-to shop. Upon admiring their gorgeous dresses, tops and clutches, we’d always ask, “where did you get that?” The answer was always the same: Belle Reve. Finally, we had enough. It was time to visit this shop we had heard so much about–and we are so happy we did!
Style mavens all over the Minneapolis/St. Paul area can thank Aisha Ghanchi, the lovely owner, for bringing new designer labels and the hottest trends to the Minneapolis area. And her store is the perfect home for upscale fashion. Upon walking into Belle Reve, as silly as it sounds, you immediately feel good. Welcomed, comfortable and overall cool. The walls are covered in a soft purple damask, the vintage-inspired fixtures exude a homey vibe, the shop’s crystal chandeliers add a dose of glam, and the gorgeous designer duds fill your senses with glee.
A Minnesota native, Ghanchi (whose background includes a stint as a buyer for Marshall Field’s)– who once owned Blue boutique in West Hollywood– returned to her roots to open the shop with her mother and sister just over a year ago. Each year the trio travels to New York, L.A. and Vegas, scouring shops and shows for designer gear that doesn’t just look good, but can survive 6-ish months of salt, slush and snow.
Lucky for us, Ghanchi took a few minutes out of her stylish schedule to give us the deets on her shop.
Mission: “I wanted to bring edgy fashion to the Twin Cities. I found things were more dowdy or conservative, and just not girly. I wanted a shop that was edgier, sexier.”
Shopper: Since Ghanchi opened the shop with her mother, Connie, and younger sister Shehan, it makes sense that her shop appeals to a multi-generational group. “I want a place where both moms and daughters can both shop.”
The Look: Edgy meets feminine topped with a dose of sex appeal.
Lines: Foley + Corrina (exclusive to Minneapolis), Flavio Castellani, Stretsis, Plastic Island, Mink Pink, Cobalt by Christ Haan. Insider tip? Ghanchi only stocks a few of each style, so if you love it, scoop it up!
Ghanchi’s Personal Style: With a bold style that expertly blends girly-with-an-edge, Ghanchi’s look emulates that of her boutique.
Check out some shots of the beautiful Belle Reve below.
Molly purchasing a one-shoulder gold lame dress:
Darling chairs and magazines to read for those who are just spectator shopping:
A flat screen behind the register plays movies for customers to check out as they shop. We gushed at the sight of White Christmas during our visit!
Our Shop Girl Aisha Ghanchi in her boutique!
The Belle Reve storefront, complete with window displays that will stop anyone in their tracks.
Looking to amp up your wardrobe? Head to the northeast Minneapolis to kick it at Belle Reve– we guarantee you’ll leave feeling fabulous– with a gorgeous new purchase to boot! (Not in the Minneapolis area? Visit their ebay boutique here!)
-Kate
I did a charity fashion show and Aisha with Belle Reve was there and the clothes were gorgeous and trendy! Thanks for this post, it reminded me that I need to get out to Belle Reve.