I haven't been in Meadowwood Mall in ages, I think the aggressive kiosk hawkers drove me away from venturing in. However I stopped in for lunch at 775 Gastropub, and after a rather heavy meal we decided to walk off a bit.. We were both gawking at how much the Mall had changed. They managed to cram in more kiosks and the types of stores were very different from what I remember (more unknown variety type places. I support local business owners, but generally these types of stores indicate a slow death of the Mall, remember Park Lane?). I digress, this review is not about Meadowood, but rather a fabulous little boutique called Francesca's.
Anyway, as we were strolling through the mall I spotted the familiar signage.
"it can't be!" I said out loud.
"what is it?" my lunch companion replied.
By this time I was squealing and walking briskly towards the store. Francesca's was a boutique I always stopped by in Chicago to buy cute and affordable dresses ($38-$68) and great accessories ($12+). I was surprised to see them in the Mall because the locations I was familiar with were always on boutique type streets (But Reno doesn't have many of those type of retail zones). My poor male lunch companion saw how excited I was and encouraged me to go in and confirm it was the same boutique I adored in Chicago. "I'm secure enough in my manhood to go into that store with you"
what a darling.
I promised I wouldn't stay too long and that I just wanted to see. He dutifully followed me into the girly overload and I went directly to a sales girl and asked if they were affiliated with the Chicago boutique. I learned they were indeed a chain. I went back to my friend who sort of stood in place overwhelmed obviously with how great the selection was of jewelry, shoes, belts, scarves, I picked up a cute little spring dress and pointed out "LOOK! ISN'T THIS CUTE!!! IT HAS LITTLE OWLS!!!!"
he replies "oh wow...I didn't even notice the little owls" with a glazed look creeping over his eyes (clearly he is impressed right?). At this point I realize I need to come back a later time when it won't be considered cruelty to linger.
I came back a few days ago, walked with determination past all the turkish bazzaar type vendors and straight into Francesca's. The Sales staff are extremely helpful in helping you find styles and setting up a dressing room. (btw, their dressing rooms don't have fluorescent lighting. It's like they actually want you to buy stuff and not run out crying at how bad you look under harsh lighting. imagine that?) I must have looked serious about shopping because the gal helping me mentioned they have more merchandise in the back that they haven't put out on the floor yet, and if I wanted to take a peek I could. They must have had 100 articles of clothing back there. All super cute, casual type pieces. Their styles run similar to Modcloth and Shopruche, and about the same price range but sans shipping. This is the store for women who want something better quality and more mature fit/style than Forever21 or Charlotte Russe, but don't want to spend $100 plus for a casual dress.
So happy they are in Reno. Really helpful staff, they welcome and genuinely try to answer questions. read more
