Make a statement with fashions from Barbara's Boutique By anita stratos Correspondent This season, break away from the standard fashion fare you see coming and going around town. Instead, show your own fashion flare with an outfit from Barbara's Boutique in Brick. Owner Barbara Comella travels the world to bring you designer styles from smaller houses to create an individual image, not simply a carbon copy. Comella prides herself on the uniqueness of her boutique. No matter what occasion you need an outfit for, from formal eveningwear to sportswear, one stop at Barbara's Boutique will have you outfitted from head to toe, including the perfect accessories to complete the ensemble. The goal of the knowledgeable staff is to help each customer achieve her best look. The staff offers honest opinions and personal assistance whenever needed. "My clients are a walking advertisement for my boutique, so we want them to look their best when they buy an outfit here," Comella said. "For the past nine years that we've been here, word of mouth has been our best advertisement. I have lots of regular clients who I get to know by name." Eveningwear is a big draw at Barbara's Boutique. An entire spacious room is dedicated to displaying a minimum of 400 dresses and gowns the shop has to offer, including fabulous prom gowns, informal wedding gowns, attendants' gowns, formal wear for Sweet 16s, and so much more. Most likely you'll find something here that you absolutely adore, but if you already have your heart set on something you saw in a fashion magazine, Comella can special order it for you. Eveningwear may be ordered in sizes and colors not on display; in fact, many of the dresses have sample swatches of alternative colors attached to their hangers. JEFFGRANIT At Barbara's Boutique in Brick you will find eveningwear for every taste and style. But Comella goes the extra mile in making every effort to ensure your individuality at your special event. Every client will appreciate her attention to details. When you buy your formal dress here, Comella takes note of the wedding, prom, or other formal affair you'll be wearing it to and will not sell the same selection to anyone else attending that particular event. Semi-formal outfits like three-piece pant sets and chiffon ensembles are perfect for clients who want something for a specific event, but also want to be able to wear the outfit for other special occasions. The staff members can help match each person to the outfits that are best suited to their age range, their figure, and the event they'll be attending. Fall fashions are making their debut already, and that includes lots of layering and richer colors like copper, cocoa, hunter green, wine and plum. Sophisticated feminine styles in Thai silks with delicate crystal and beaded accents are very hot, as are vintage looks. Bolero jackets or seductive scarves accent formal gowns, and a full palette of different color choices is available. The shop is so "browser friendly" that you'll enjoy the shopping experience almost as much as the party! You'll find a wonderful assortment of gorgeous evening bags in a wide range of colors and styles to complement any outfit, though some of the biggest sellers for fall are black, silver, gold and pewter. Bags with beading, crystals, and even marcasite adornments beautifully complete your look, but Comella also carries very unique bags that fly off the shelf almost as soon as they come in - these are vintage-style evening bags made with authentic antique frames; only the fabric and beading are new. "We have whimsical bags in unusual shapes that can go from day into evening and pull an entire outfit together," Comella said. "These bags can really make a statement." You'll also find stunning jewelry to match your day or evening fashions, and whether you're into strands of Austrian crystals, pearls, marcasite, rhinestones, or anything else, there's just the right selection at Barbara's. Among the choices are exquisite Mongolian handmade sterling silver or 24-karat gold-plated woven necklaces with coordinated earrings accented with semi-precious stones and colorful enamel. Daywear, from capris and novelty jeans with embroidery, beadwork, and pearlized sequins, to Asian-inspired ensembles, all with flattering lines and lots of interest, adorns the entire front of the shop and are a welcome addition to any wardrobe. The shop also has gift items throughout, including fun sachets that look like bathing suits and purses, as well as stylish compacts, jeweled pens, music boxes and lots more. Everything in the shop is competitively priced, and gift wrapping is always free. Barbara's Boutique is located at 534 Brick Blvd. in Brick. For more information, call (732) 477-0055, and pay a visit to the interesting Web site to get a taste of this boutique at www.eBarbara.com.