THIS RICHMOND VALLEY BOUTIQUE FOCUSES ON PROVIDING A FRESH VARIETY OF STYLE CHOICES FOR MEN AND WOMEN

BY JESSICA JONES GORMAN • PHOTOS BY AMANDA DOMENECH

After noticing an obvious void in the Staten Island retail industry in both men’s and women’s fashion, Terri Coté and Russell Cascardo decided to create a unique shopping experience that would satisfy both markets. “First impressions, and the confidence people derive from what they wear both are important to us,” Coté noted. “They also drive how we hand pick our clothing in the boutique; that includes having something for everyone and of all shapes and sizes.”

Working with award winning architects and designers to build their shop in the heart of Richmond Valley, Coté and Cascardo considered every element before opening Boutique Boutique this past December.

“This was a brand new building, basically a shell, so we were very lucky to have the opportunity to design it from floor to ceiling,” Coté said, detailing how together, she and Cascardo ornamented the space with light blue paint, gray fixtures, an exposed brick facade, and delicate chandeliers.
“We wanted the vibe to be industrial, too, so we kept the metal ceilings and left the air conditioning units exposed,” Coté explained. “We also found a company that custom made these beautiful whitewashed brick wall coverings.”

Together, Cascardo and Coté filled their racks with trendy brands.
“Russell is a true entrepreneur; he has run a number of different businesses over the past 30 years,” Coté said. “He loves fashion and steps outside of the box when it comes to pairing colors and patterns. I actually think that love for clothing and confidence in the way he presents himself have helped him close deals over the years. Me? I’m a mom trepreneur [laughs]; I raise our three sons and viewed this store as a business opportunity, something we could happily do together. But when I went to my first show in Vegas last August, I absolutely fell in love. I couldn’t wait to fill this store with all of the beautiful brands and labels I happened across.”

The store features styles from the likes of 34 Heritage, Raffi, Bagatelle City, Mavi, Maceoo, Skies Are Blue, Rock n’ Karma, Jewelry by Raven & Riley, and Veronica M.

“We also feature Tommy Bahama shoes for men, Baske California shoes for women, and both regular and plus sizes,”

Coté said. “These are trendy, everyday pieces, a little bit of everything for someone who wants to add life to their wardrobe.”

Coté and Cascardo, who are parishioners at Our Lady Help of Christians RC Church in Tottenville, also make it a priority to give back to their community. They recently provided clothing and a day of mini makeovers for contestants of a special needs beauty pageant held at the Hilton Garden Inn on July 8.

“It was a wonderful day,” Coté said of the event. “It made these young ladies feel very special and brought all of our neighboring businesses together for one common cause. La Rosa Chicken…Elan Hair & Nails, we all donated something. That community support is so important, and we like to participate in as many functions and fundraisers as we can.”

Coté and Cascardo are also members of the Executive Club of Staten Island and the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce’s Business Guild II, as well as the Verrazano Kiwanis Club. They hope to expand their business by the end of the summer, venturing into e commerce.

“We want to launch our online business sometime this summer,” Coté said. “Which will allow us to reach a much wider clientele,” adding that the store’s official grand opening event, on September 20, will feature some of Staten Island’s most prominent CEOs in the couple’s first ever Boutique Boss Fashion Show.

“We’ve been receiving great feedback and a lot of wonderful reviews on social media,” she concluded. “I truly enjoy meeting so many people and being introduced to so many different styles. Keeping up with the latest trends and adding in our own flair has been exciting.”

Boutique Boutique
245 Richmond Valley Road
718.967.3700 / boutiqueboutiquenyc.com