La Contessa Boutique
Thirty-two years ago, father–daughter team Bob Couchman and Kara Moeller opened La Contessa Boutique in Plaza Palomino, offering a wide selection of women’s casual and formal wear and accessories.
The pair credit their longstanding success not only to their quality clothing lines — including Joseph Ribkoff, David Cline and Tribal — but also to their ethic of personal but low-pressure customer service. “What has kept three generations of women returning to La Contessa is the care we take in helping women find styles and clothes to fit their personality and shape,” says Couchman.
Maya Palace
Maya Palace, a consistent “Best of Tucson” fashion winner, will celebrate its 40-year anniversary in November. With one main store location in Plaza Palomino, Maya Palace’s staff is ready to outfit Tucson’s women for almost any fashion need.
Maya Palace owners John and Susy Kopplin met and married in Santa Cruz, Costa Rica, where John was a Peace Corps volunteer and Susy was owner of a trendy boutique. In their first meeting, Susy sold John a pair of Costa Rican jeans that were six inches too long, saying cuffs were in. John already had six brand new pairs of Levis, but, somehow, could not resist the purchase. Come have some fashion fun with them at Maya Palace!
Whimsy
Whimsy at Casas Adobes Plaza houses a “whimsy-cal” collection of clothing, accessories, boots and gift items, including jewelry from local and regional artists. Whimsy also has a mobile boutique, whimsy on wheels, available for offsite fundraisers and other events.
Owner Diane Ritter’s desire to purchase the perfect prom dress, she says, turned into a lifelong passion for making women feel comfortable and confident in what they wear. Fit, not size, is paramount. “Nothing gives me greater joy than a woman leaving whimsy with her shoulders held a little straighter and a smile on her face. At whimsy, everyone is perfect … just the way they are.”
The Bag Company
Arlene Antzis started The Bag Company in 1985 after a career as a real estate broker. She began with a concession in a clothing store but soon moved to her own store, specializing in handbags, belts and jewelry.
Located in Ventana Plaza for the past 15 years, The Bag Company has evolved into a boutique with clothing and gift items as well as a large selection of handbags, small leather goods, jewelry and other accessories. Customer service is key, says Antzis, who adds that the boutique always offers a sale section. To receive special sale notices, join the store’s email list.
