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Fashion-savvy mom opening boutique in downtown Lombard

Angela Pinto is focusing on three qualities as she selects the clothing she'll feature in her new boutique, Paradiso.

Versatile. Affordable. Fitting for a variety of body types. That's her goal for each item customers put their hands on.

"Everybody has a different style, but just being comfortable in what you're wearing can lead you to be confident in yourself," she said. "There's too many other things to worry about."

It's all part of the process of prepping Paradiso for its tentative opening in downtown Lombard on Aug. 15.

"I'm excited to be able to bring this type of boutique to the local women," Pinto said. "I think it will be good. I think it's going to be a great destination for people to find the right things."

Pinto, a Lombard resident, said Paradiso plays off the word paradise, because she wants the store to be "a happy place."

"You'll definitely have a good service," she said. "It's going to be comforting, walking in. It's going to be homey, it's going to feel welcoming. People will be helpful in helping you find what you need, and friendly."

Pinto said the store will cater to women in their late 20s and older. It will be focused on "total outfitting" and feature brands like Free People and Sanctuary. There also will be a variety of jewelry, purses, scarves and other accessories and gift items.

After obtaining a degree from the International Academy of Design in Tampa, Fla., Pinto worked on the production end of a Chicago-based handbag company. She also designed her own children's clothing line, which was offered in boutiques in Wheaton and Elmhurst. More recently, she has been showcasing her work at craft shows and home parties.

Pinto also has worked in several boutiques and formed relationships with customers looking for help in completing their wardrobe. For about a year, she worked on the side as a stylist for those customers, sorting through their closets and creating short shopping lists of pieces that would work with several outfits.

Pinto is moving her business to space recently vacated by Lombard Town Centre. The organization's office is now located on the second floor of the old hotel building at 2 S. Park. Executive Director Sarah Richardt said the office was expected to be fully operational Wednesday.

"I noticed that they're trying to revamp the downtown area. I see a lot of change coming," Pinto said of choosing a location for Paradiso. "I felt like there's also a need - being a mom and knowing other moms in the area - just having a destination to find something affordable, quick and easy. I want to create a destination that will make it easy for women to shop."

For updates on the store's opening, new inventory and sales, visit www.facebook.com/shopparadisoboutique or instagram.com/paradisoboutique.

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