She Magazine

Lornacopia (Racine)

Published:
By Julie A. Jacob

Lornacopia offers great deals and a friendly atmosphere for women of all ages.

It might be cold and unpleasant outside, but inside this clothing boutique in downtown Racine the friendliness and energy of owner Lorna Revere is warm and inviting.

Lornacopia, which opened in August 2010, sells new and gently used designer clothing and accessories at bargain prices. Creamy white walls, white ceiling fans and track lighting give the store an airy feel. Artwork from local artists brightens the walls. Turquoise wooden doors support the clothes racks and add a splash of color. Knitwear is displayed in a wooden china cabinet lined with white wallpaper, and a vintage white wooden dresser serves as a striking cash register counter. Soft jazz music provides a relaxing soundtrack.

Sure it’s a boutique, but it seems more like a cozy coffee shop where woman have gathered to gab about fashion. That’s what Revere loves about it.

“People are extremely friendly. My favorite part is the customers,” said Revere, who enjoys Racine’s small-town atmosphere after years of urban living elsewhere in the United States and abroad.

Revere didn’t plan on running a boutique. The Ohio native has a degree in electrical engineering and has worked for more than 20 years in the travel industry. She has lived in London, Hong Kong and California.

She always had an interest in fashion, though. She modeled in high school and devoured fashion magazines. While living in Hong Kong, she explored shops selling clothing at drastically discounted prices. It was an eye-opening experience to see how heavily clothing is marked up in stores, she said.

Revere most recently lived in California, near one of her sisters, but she decided to return to the Midwest to be close to her other sister, who lives in Racine. Years earlier Revere purchased a building on State Street as an investment. That’s where she decided to open her boutique.

Running the store is a family affair. Her brother-in-law helped renovate the space; her sister, Bridget, helps manage the store; her niece works there during college breaks; and her mother visits occasionally to lend a helping hand.

It’s common to see moms and their daughters shopping there together. Clothing on the right side of the store appeals to young women; popular brands include Abercrombie and Fitch, Banana Republic and Free People. During a recent visit, the dress collection included a black, beaded Ralph Lauren dress for $28 and a Castle Starr bronze-colored cocktail dress for $78.

The left side of the store is geared toward middle-aged women, with brands including Calvin Klein, Coldwater Creek and Tahari. On one rack there’s a leather swing jacket priced at $30 and a black blazer selling for $120, half of its retail price of $260.

In the fall and winter, Revere sells “new and like new” cashmere sweaters and scarves, and she also carries a selection of plus-size clothing.

Much of her merchandise comes from sample sales and closeouts. She purchases some used clothing for her shop, but the apparel must be in perfect condition.

“I’m super, super picky,” she said. “The clothing must be laundered and look brand new with no pulling or fading.”

In addition to clothing, handbags, scarves and shoes, Lornacopia sells inexpensive, locally made jewelry. The store has sparkling chandelier earrings for $10, natural stone-and-glass earrings for $8 and beaded necklaces for less than $20.

Her fashion philosophy is that women’s clothing should be stylish but comfortable.

“You can’t be comfortable when your shoes are too tight or your clothes don’t fit right,” said Revere, who loves to help customers pull together outfits.

Revere, who said her strong religious faith has helped sustain her throughout her career, believes in the importance of helping others. She donates store items to charities and hosts fundraising events for school youth groups.

Her advice to any woman considering starting her own business: Go ahead.

“Just do it,” she said. “Don’t listen to the naysayers. Listen to those encouraging voices.” {