Bella Donna is an Italian phrase that translates to beautiful woman. It certainly makes a fitting boutique name, too. Head to Zeeland and you’ll find Bella Donna Boutique, filled with clothing and accessories to make you feel beautiful, all collected and curated by owner Elizabeth Fetkenhour.
“I shop for pretty. This translates to a more vintage feel with lace and pearls,” said Fetkenhour, who notices more contemporary looks in her lines and what she carries in the store catering to women ages twenty-eight to forty-eight. Fetkenhour has been making women feel beautiful for almost four years now, and the perfect example is the Ezra Retro dress—aka the I-can’t-stop-staring dress, if you ask me.
This color-block dress with an eye-catching coral colored top features a lace-effect Peter Pan collar and striking scalloped detailing where the top meets the slimming black skirt. For under $50 ($47 to exact) you can look chic and classy, and actually wear this little number to work, after work gatherings, and parties. Dress it up or down, Fetkenhour finds it to be a “seasonless” dress—but if you’re thinking fall she recommends winter tights, boots, and throwing a sweater or duster over it.
“I like the bright color. I love coral. I’m very blonde and have fair skin, so those colors just pop,” said Fetkenhour.
If you can actually take your mind off the dress, you might focus on the colored denim coming into the store for the winter. Look also for a new coat line coming in that will be shown off sometime in October.
Bella Donna Boutique is located at 139 E. Main Avenue in Zeeland. Call the store at 616-648-2551 and talk dresses or fall fashion scores.
Written by: Missy Black is a freelance writer specializing in fashion. One of her favorite fashion interviews was Nigel Barker from America's Next Top Model. Her love of fashion keeps her awake at night, dreaming of cheetah-print flats paired with red skinny jeans and anything lace. Missy lives in the Grand Rapids area and has written horoscopes and restaurant reviews, and enjoys another title as shoe copywriter. When her nose isn’t stuck in a book, you’ll find her in an antique store or flea market.
