Business Profile: Beba’s Boutique, White Plains
It’s all about baubles, bangles and beads at Beba’s Boutique, 206 Martine Ave., White Plains, where for very reasonable prices you can find the perfect accessory for any occasion.
We met up with Matina Rentoulis and her mother last week at the shop where the two have partnered to bring a wide-range of jewelry, scarves, hats and other accessories to shoppers looking to accessorize a prom or cocktail dress, wedding ensemble, work suit, or to simply jazz up an everyday outfit before heading out to the social scene in White Plains’ downtown.
The store has been open for six months and has already attracted many customers who return often to see what’s new. Matina brings in new stock regularly, about every three weeks, and will feature what’s trending in the store’s front window display.
Beba is Matina’s nickname. It means “Baby Girl” in Greek and is what Matina was called when growing up. The name gives the boutique a certain charm.
Matina said she did not set out to find a career in fashion accessories. Like a lot of young women she went the academic route at college and found herself offering tips on “what to wear with what,” how to “mix and match,” and when the opportunity presented itself she took the step to create a business.
It’s certain that her customers appreciate her know-how.
When you first step into the boutique, it’s like finding a treasure trove. Matina has the jewelry organized by color, which helps both her and the customer to find what they are looking for. As you walk around the displays, it’s difficult to resist the different jewelry styles – and with the prices being so reasonable, you really don’t have to.
“I often have customers who bring in a swatch of cloth or photo of an outfit they want to accessorize. We walk over to the color area that seems to match best and find just the right thing,” Matina explained. Her customers are all ages, ranging from teens to senior citizens.
On the fashion edge and trending are “Evil Eye” and “Hamsa” hands as necklaces, bracelets and rings. Floral necklaces make a bold statement and there are several choice pieces featuring turquoise and coral combinations.
Tassels are everywhere; on earrings, necklaces and bracelets in any color you can imagine – and there are some pretty pearl necklaces with a stylish tassel attached to make a chic and colorful addition.
“Bellybutton earrings for pierced ears featuring a cubic zirconia or crystal stud with another stone or two or three attached to the backing create an interesting look with the added stones cuffing the ear,” Matina said, showing off some pretty sets. “We also have studs with a pearl in the front and the back – great for wearing with an up-do.”
Most of the pieces come in yellow, white and rose gold tones. There are some semiprecious stones but for the most part the pieces are costume jewelry.
There are also numerous scarves in lightweight fabrics with pretty patterns, which can be worn instead of necklaces.
“We sold a lot of scarves this spring,” Matina said.
The price range for items in the store is $5 to $50 and Matina offers 15 percent off to students. Everything you purchase is wrapped in pretty little boxes, placed in tissue and set in a designer shopping bag – perfect for gifts.
During the White Plains BID sidewalk sale on Sunday, June 14, Beba’s will have a table and will offer 10 percent off to customers who have a BID card.
Beba’s Boutique is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday. Tel: 914-437-7733; visit www.facebook.com/bebasboutiqueny/.
