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Clothing boutique raises the bar on Main Street
Saturday, November 18, 2006
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Shoppers in the habit of seeking out fine fashion and high-end accessories may find their fix at Main Street's newest boutique.

The newcomer on an up-and-coming block is raising the bar -- both in style and price.
Described as "an outfit for a particular occasion," Habit opened in late October in the former Sweet Finale Patisserie location.

The shop is the third retail enterprise of Rene Champaign, who also owns boutiques Belle Amie in St. Helena and Sole Provider in Calistoga.
Niece Erin Champaign manages the Napa store.

Champaign said she spotted a "For Lease" sign at the downtown corner, and immediately thought of her aunt.
"She's been wanting to open a store in Napa for a while," said Erin Champaign. "I love the building, the block, and the fact that's it's on a corner."

While the boutique doesn't sell jeans, it does sell pretty much everything else a person could wear or carry.

With colder weather comes jackets, and Habit certainly has that item covered. Notable pieces included Italian leather jackets with fur trim, and stunning embroidered silk and wool jackets from Biya.

Detailed dresses by Catherine Malandrino, diaphanous blouses by Cynthia Steffe and embellished skirts by Bonnie Strauss are arranged carefully on racks. Fashionistas may recognize other labels including Cosabella, Velvet, Mint, Royal Plush and Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent.

Champaign said the store's audience varies. "We have such a wide range of ages shopping here. There's something for everyone."

Habit may be the only store in town selling Donald J Pliner footwear. In fact, shoes are one of the boutique's more affordable accessories. Other labels include Steve Madden, Biviel and Miss Sixty. A leopard spotted pump by Steve Madden for $115 was one standout.

Designer and fashion consultant T Beller dropped in Habit one morning last week. "I'm a big fan of the St. Helena store," said Beller. She's thrilled Habit has opened on Main Street.

"When people come to Napa, they eat here, they drink here, but shopping is a piece that is missing," said Beller. "There's limited places to go for eclectic, kicky, fun, fashion, that's not teenage."

Habit carries lines that she regularly sees in Berkeley, San Francisco and Los Angeles, said Beller.

"To have (clothes by) Catherine Malandrino in town -- that's big," said Beller, looking around the store. "What you have here is a very well-edited best of everything. I'm really blown away."

Plus, "I love the idea of supporting local merchants. I want to shop in the town I live in," she said.

Habit prices may raise eyebrows of the uninitiated. At the lower price ranges were Cosabella tops for $132 and embellished tanks for $116. A lacy and romantic blouse by Bonnie Strauss was $478.

Dresses range from $150 to more than $600. A Catherine Malandrino seasonal brown cotton eyelet frock was marked $648. A pinstriped pencil skirt with laser cut detailing by Cynthia Steffe was $364. Leather jackets run from $300 to $3,000. A cleverly textured soft rabbit fur jacket from France was $1,450.

Beller acknowledged even a fashion lover like herself can't do all of her shopping at the boutique.

But, "I think there are a lot of people who would rather have a really special coat or dynamite dress than another blah addition to their closet," she said.

Habit (pronounced Habee) happens to be located next to clothing store 26. But that doesn't bother Erin Champaign.

"I think the two stores compliment each other," said the manager. Habit doesn't sell jeans, a 26 staple, but carries a careful selection of high-end detailed and designer names. "You can pair our things with anything 26 has," she recommended.

A tanning bed may be one of Habit's most unusual offerings. Owner Rene Champaign hasn't announced tanning plans, but has said services will be offered.
3 comment(s)

a bit of reality wrote on Nov 18, 2006 5:10 PM:

" Isn't that shop located a block and a half from the salvation army? I think embellished tee's are a bit less expensive there....and that is pronounced...salvation' army. "

hoozcryinow wrote on Nov 19, 2006 3:13 AM:

" I give it 6 months at the outside. If it makes it longer than that, I'll be embarased. Are there REALLY enough people in this town who will spend upwards of $200 on a freakin' BLOUSE to support a store in that part of town? I like nice clothes as well as the next person, but good grief! I think this article should have gone in the Hobby section, beacuse thar's obviously what the lady has. "

Tess wrote on Dec 28, 2006 10:57 PM:

" Thank you for the lenthy (and biased) article pulling me into Habit! I think this shop is exactly what Napa needs! I've had business trips taking me to the valley for years, and often have time to do shopping, but not enough to run up valley. I love it that I can find some wonderful clothing and shoes-finally-near my lodging. I love it that she will do after hours appointments, too. What an asset to a downtown that has been trying for years to grow up. Thank you, Rene Champaign, for all your retail contributions to the Napa Valley. I sincerely hope you are here to stay. There is so much money in your valley, it should stay here and keep supporting your local retailers. "

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