Storefronts: Belle Cose in Woodcliff Lake

Belle Cose was the subject of today's storefronts article in The Record.

The new women's boutique is full of pretty clothing and other merchandise. From left: Jodi Binkunski, who  oversees antiques, and owner Michele Nasuta-Donargo.

Have you been to Belle Cose?

Photo credit: Don Smith/The Record

Comments

[paul baker]

could really do with getting hold of the full belle cose review can any one help me please!!!

[paul baker]

could really do with getting hold of the full belle cose review can any one help me please!!!

[Eunnie]

Belle Cose in Woodcliff Lake

Belle Cose, which means "beautiful things" in Italian, is full of just that.

The two-room women's boutique, open since February, carries trendy women's clothing and accessories by lines such as Vertigo, Gender Bias, Emma Caine and After the Rain; handbags by Gaya and Mary Frances; and lingerie by Gossamer. Nearly all of it is displayed on antique furniture, which also is for sale.

Owner Michele Nasuta-Donargo searched for three years before finally settling on a cozy two-room store with a high ceiling, set back behind a spa (and free parking lot) near ShopRite in Hillsdale. Belle Cose is the Hasbrouck Heights resident's first store, but she's a garment-industry veteran, having spent many years as a sales and marketing director.

Along with her husband, Joseph, Nasuta-Donargo completely overhauled the former children's clothing store to give it a sophisticated yet warm atmosphere.

The prices are lower than what you might expect. Earrings are $20, necklaces about $38, handbags from $98 to $200, T-shirts $30 to $150. She ordered lots of pretty sleeveless dresses for summer, priced at $98 to $150. And there's a tall cabinet full of sale items like bracelets and boldly colored religious crosses on stands ($15), and a bucket full of $3 hair clips.

Some customers have told Nasuta-Donargo that her prices are too low.

But her fair pricing is deliberate. "I've been in boutiques where I can't afford anything," she says, shaking her head at the memory. "Everyone can buy something here."

Personal touches, like jewelry displayed on plastic fruits and vegetables, coffee served in her mother's china and handmade price tags (no scanner here) add to the store's homey, comfortable feel.

Nasuta-Donargo's friend, Jodi Binkunski of River Vale, handles the antiques, which range from $20 for a picture to $120 for an end table.

The store is open to selling antique furniture on consignment, and carries wares from local vendors.

Nasuta-Donargo will come to your house and scope out your closet for no charge. Spend $500 or more every month and receive 20 percent off as part of the store's VIP shopper club.

River Vale resident and Senses Fail guitarist Garrett Zablocki will promote his self-designed new line, Auric Apparel, at 1 p.m. Saturday.

***

What: Fashionable clothing and accessories for women; antique furniture.

Where: 116 Broadway, Woodcliff Lake; 201-391-7116.

When: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, till 8 Thursday. Other times by appointment.

***

E-mail: dietsche@northjersey.com

***

3 STAFF PHOTOS BY DON SMITH;

1 - Owner Michele Nasuta-Donargo, top right, and her friend Jodi Binkunski

2 - run the Belle Cose women's boutique,

3 - which carries clothing, chic accessories and antique furniture.

[michele donargo]

If Paul would like any information on my store, I am the owner of Belle Cose. Pls call 201-391-7116 and pls leave your phone # and I would be more than happy to have you come visit my store, an experience like no other store in the area.

[Salvina Fredericks]

The store is fabulous!!! Great accessorie finds..

[Salvina Fredericks]

The store is fabulous!!! Great accessory finds..