While picking up my dry-cleaning last week, a fun window display at the local boutique, Papillon caught my attention.
Should I go in? Do I have time? I didn’t quite need to get the kids yet, I’ll just run in real quick, and I am so glad I did!
This place had it all going on!
Everything on my wish list (uh-oh) from destroyed jeans and flowy tanks to unique sweaters and maxi dresses -all styled up in a California Casual kind of way!
Have you ever been afraid to take things into the dressing room because you know you will love it all?
That was me.
I loved everything I tried on, and would have tried more but I was trying to hold back, sticking with my spring checklist and I only had 30 minutes. What I found at Papillon is Renee understands fit and what looks good on a woman’s body. She has a great selection of t-shirts of great quality, fit and price. Each piece of denim that I tried on fit-that’s a big deal. The dresses were sexy, easy to wear and fun and the accessories unique. The trends she carries are understandable and easy to wear.
In the end I left with a fabulous piece, the Loopy Longline Vest by Free People,
which I have worn twice this week!
Also, I had the opportunity to chat with the owner and buyer of Papillon, Renee Gibeau.
I love her story, and had a chance to catch up with her more this past week.
Let’s take a peek into life at Papillon.
What can you share about yourself?
“I graduated USC in business, and about a year later, went to FIT for a degree in marketing/fashion merchandising. I worked on print campaigns, commercials and events styling. I lived in Malibu for years and relocated to be closer to family and raise my son Brayden. I always wanted to open a clothing boutique and incorporate the personal shopping and styling as a bonus to my clients. I thought that Los Altos could use a unique clothing store that offered LA brands. A store where woman can come in, have a cup of coffee and get personal styling tips while they shop the latest trends”.
I love the name of your store, how did Papillion come to be?
“My son Brayden did not speak till he was about 2 1/2. After seeing several medical professionals and following a strict path of speech therapy….it happened. I was reading the menu to Brayden at a cafe one day ….and all of a sudden he starting saying words and talking. I was moved to tears. I called the store Papillon, which is the French word for butterfly. Brayden came out of his cocoon and had the most beautiful voice I ever heard. The store is named for him”.
I love that story is it Ok to share it?
“Sure, it’s one of my favorite stories. He’s perfect! In fact, he won’t stop talking!!!! He’s 9”.
Let’s talk spring trends. Can you help us understand distressed denim?
“I’ve been wearing ripped jeans since my lazy days living in Malibu. Of course, I was in my 20’s, and showing skin was no big deal! I still wear the distressed jean, whether it is a straight leg or relaxed fit and I’m proudly in my 40’s. Owning Papillon, a clothing boutique for the past 6 years, I see women confused on how to wear this trend and ask the big question…”am I too old to wear “ripped” jeans”? My answer is simple…No! I believe that the amount of skin that shows through is critical for someone who is hesitant. I suggest starting with a jean that has simple rips or tears, that does not expose to much skin. Pair the jean with a femine top and heels and you have a look that is sexy and on trend. I love wearing my ripped jeans with a simple white ribbed tank, a fitted pinstripe blazer and snake skin heels. I wear this out to dinner and even to client meetings. Don’t be afraid of this trend…you can dress them up with a strappy heel and flirty top or dress them down with a basic tee and flip flops…you will still look pulled together and hip, no matter what age”.
What can a woman expect to find when visiting Papillon?
“From its humble beginning, as the first local boutique of its kind, in Los Altos, Ca, Papillon has ignited the way as the lifestyle and fashion destination in Northern California. Papillon encompasses all that is fashion braided with the colorful threads of bohemian meets traditional culture.
With an eternally evolving creative attitude, Papillon Boutique defines the authentic California way of life, a distinct fashion style that is relaxed, but with a dress up element of surprise”.
I love the unique labels in your store that I can’t find anywhere else. What are some of the brands you carry?
“We carry CHASER, Free People, Monroe, Siwy, Michael Lauren, Lauren Mosh, So low, Tai,Bob, Blue Life, Raga, Indah, Hardtail, Fresh Laundry, Vanessa Mooney, Tiare, R&D, Cowboy belts, Gypsy scarves and so much more….”
You are a busy gal! Tell me what’s in store for Papillon?
“I am currently working on my own line which I hope to launch end of year. Our website will also launch in a few weeks where women of all ages can have a personal online shopping experience”.
I want to personally thank Renee for opening Papillon up to us everyday and sharing her vision of fabulous California style.
I wish you all the best of luck with your website launch and look forward to seeing your new line, I know it will be fabulous!
Local ladies, you can visit Renee and Papillon at 237 State Street, Los Altos California
T-F 11am-5pm and Sat-Sun 11am-4pm. Closed Monday.
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/PapillonLosAltos and on Instagram: @Papillonlosaltos
For my readers who don’t live locally, I will be sure to let you all know when her website is live!
I know I can’t wait to check it out!
XOXO
Suzanne
Missed out on Lilly (I think most did, what a craze)? Milly is now available at Kohls online and scheduled to be in stores this Thursday 4/23. My picks and links HERE
Need to inject some life into your wardrobe? Spring Trends and What I’ m Wearing Now HERE
Love my Coach Mule? Found for less at Belks! Link HERE
Not sure about Boho-Beach? Read up on this trend that was all over Santa Barbara, CA on my last visit HERE
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I will definitely have to go and check this lovely store out. It looks like it has so many amazing outfits. I love ALL the ones you tried on in the change room! And i adore the long cardigan you chose, such a versatile piece. Thanks for putting us onto a great store.
Hey Melissa! Thanks for stopping by and dropping a comment! If you have friends that are looking for California relaxed styling, this is the place! Ill be sure to let you all know when her website goes live! And the cardigan, it’s on day 3 wear. I am getting lazy, I just throw it on over whatever I am wearing and I look jus a bit more stylish 🙂 XOXO