Downtown’s delectable new boutique

Looking for something cute and trendy, but tired of the same old shops and their boring, unvaried couture?

A recently-established boutique in the heart of Historic Downtown Provo is here to offer charming handmade gifts that are created by independent and local designers.

Business partners Michelle Pate and DesNeiges Gregory opened Bon Bons Boutique in November 2009. The duo look as if they fell right out of a chic magazine, as does their unique inventory.

The goal of this little shop is to not only help revive downtown Provo, but to offer local artists the opportunity to showcase their work.

“We’re always looking for new talent. We are really trying to populate this place with independent stores and work to stimulate the local economy,” Gregory said.

Bon Bons Boutique is always looking for fresh designs by artists in the community.

Utah Valley is known for its incredibly talented residents, and the owners are no exception.

The ecclectic shop was meticulously put together by Gregory and Pate, and is itself quite the work of art. Its striking charm creates a certain magnetism, compelling you explore every detail-oriented aspect and item.

Between its charming details, the delightful dressing room and the chandelier inside it, these two have created an enchanting atmosphere. The dressing room light fixture, made by the owners from plastic hangers typical of any clothing shop, is worth dropping by just to see.

“It’s kind of a thing we love to be known for; if nothing else the chandelier will bring people in,” Pate said.

While many crave the designer clothing that they see everyone wearing, there are many who are trending towards fashion elements that are more novel.

“People really like to buy clothing that is one-of-a-kind, and we do have a lot of that here,” Pate said.

Gregory, a California native, displays her talent  for design with her alluring clothing and lingerie line. These stunning items are definitely one of a kind.

There aren’t too many locals like Gregory who are willing to put their work out there, though she need not worry a bit about how her designs will be received. They are much too original to not catch on.

“I got the concept from this place in California where they would rent rack space and all the designers would have their own little section, many of which were just starting out. The idea from the beginning was to start with independent and local artists. Unfortunately there aren’t that many people designing clothing here,” Gregory said. Because of this, the shop has branched out to include all types of adornment, from hats and jewelry to t-shirts, lingerie and dresses.

“Jewelry is always a popular seller, and a lot of people make jewelry. Really we have any kind of new hot accessory, like belts and hats. We look for handmade items; we like to support the local artists, and we look for things that fit our store, but we’re always open to incorporate new things,” Pate said.

The shop also helps promote the local art scene by participating in the monthly Downtown Gallery Strolls.

“We are kind of tucked away back here, so it’s harder for people to find, but we take part in the gallery strolls every month. We highlight and feature a new artist, every month … If we bring people in with gallery strolls, they know that we’re here, and they know we are a community effort, a local store that they can shop at and support,” Pate said.

This little treasure is worth stopping by to see — you just may find that what they have to offer may fit your unique style perfectly. To check them out, visit 55 N. University Ave. Suite #145. Or to get a small taste, check out their blog at BonBonsShop.blogspot.com