Jasmine Sola was overrated anyway. Meet Monella, its replacement in Harvard Square. Hats off to these guys for making use of their space and actually stocking it with clothes. Four stars for what they are: a reseller of moderately priced designer apparel. I was impressed to see some decent brands like Velvet and James Perse, and found the balance of solid separates to fluffy-collared dresses to be about right. The selection looks hit or miss but I can see myself walking away from this place with some good pieces every now and then. The no returns thing sealed the deal on my new black cardigan sweater dress thing: looks like we're stuck with each other! Meh. read more

Yaaaawn. I work around the corner from this store. It's so not worth your time or money. You're welcome! :) read more

Customer service tip: Say hello. I walked in and there were four employees present. Two men were behind the counter, having an argument, and the other two employees were aimlessly wandering around the rest of the store like zombies. When I went to ask one of them a question about the merchandise, she practically looked through me as if I wasn't there. Shameful. read more

If you want to be treated with disdain, this is the place for you. I went in looking for sandals Saturday June 9 in the afternoon, accompanied by my daughter and niece. There were two sales girls who seemed to think we smelled bad, and even when I bought merchandise had a hard time being pleasant. It is always good policy to be friendly to prospective customers, but that is apparently not a sales philosophy at Monella. Their products are pricey for my budget and I confined myself to reviewing the shoes. There was only one model available in my size, on sale, but not a bargain rate. Not going back to Monella - there's no draw. read more

I came in here one day to check out a pair of boots I saw in the window, and the owner (who was talking loudly on his cell phone as I walked in) was incredibly rude to me. His attitude was as if I were a dirty homeless person off the street. Which, even if I were, is no way to treat people. He barked at me to stay away from the mannequins, and when I decided to leave without buying anything, he was very dismissive. Perhaps he was bothered by the fact that I was carrying a backpack and not a tiny $1000 purse? read more

Bye-bye tax refund. Just up and running in the old Jasmine Sola Harvard shop, but better (ie. affordable). From the same owner of Mudo (Harvard and Newbury St locations) Monella carries as varying fashion trends as JS would have stocked, but check out some different brands with better price points. Find Zio and Voxx of NYC, Sweeties, Michael Stars, Coffee Shop jackets, Jeffery Campbell shoes, jeans from Mavi, Paper Denim and Cloth, J Brand, ect. A nice touch are the articles of lingerie and lounge wear (cozy slippers and blankies!) Great array to pull together some work, casual and mostly party outfits. I'm looking forward to how they grow and hope to see some jewelry come in also. Shop locally! read more

The place is stocked very nicely with appropriate sizes and styles that are really nice and quite trendy. I had really good service and the workers were very helpful and the tax-free option is always good considering my hometown is always trying to squeeze out money from everyone. The prices are high but they are boutique-y, so in all honesty, I haven't had anything bad to say about this place. It's worth a drop in to see what's new and cute, and it's location is in a high traffic area of Harvard Square. read more

I find it mildly hilarious that a shop that takes itself so seriously sells Jessica Simpson shoes. This place is like Jasmine Sola, but...less so. I feel like maybe I could have a better opinion of it once it's been around long enough to have a sale? Maybe? Yeah, I'm not thrilled. There's nothing particularly wrong with the place, but it's kind of like so many other places it blends in a little. That being said, whenever I walk in there I see something I like. Unfortunately I just can't justify spending that much on a little jersey dress, however cute it may be. read more

Prime location. Fairly nice items, but you could get more exciting clothing elsewhere for the same price, try neighboring Urban Outfitters and Anthropology. It's actually a bit creepy... because NOBODY is ever here. This place is dead even on weekends.... I'm surprised they're still in buisness. read more

You don't know what you have until it's gone. I wish I could retract my comments about Jasmine Sola, because the store that replaced just isn't filling any shoes, that's for sure. Yeah, Jasmine's stuff was a bit out of my price range (which didn't stop me). And their selection was typical (although cute, none-the-less). And then, when you compare those small misgivings to Monella's cheaper, no-name knock-offs that could easily be found at Forever 21 (for a third of the price), Jasmine Sola's status is thus elevated from sub-par to stellar. This is what I get for talking smack about Jasmine. What goes around comes around. I've lost, but I have not lost the lesson. The grass is always greener on the other side. [Insert your own lame lesson-learning-associated cliche here] read more

This store used to be pretty awful. Customer service was sorely lacking. They didn't carry a great variety of labels and what they had in terms of merchandise was a hodgepodge mess. So I hadn't been in since probably 2009. I wandered in the other day because I saw that they were having a sale and had Supergas in the window. I used to buy them in Italy but I haven't been in years and needed a new pair so I figured I'd go in. I think that they have a new buyer working for them because while almost everything is from popular contemporary brands (Velvet, J Brand, James Perse, Dolce Vita, Jeffrey Campbell etc.) the overall aesthetic is much more simple. Shockingly, there wasn't a stud or animal print in sight! Not only did they greet me but they were attentive without following me around the store (a first). The sale selection was small and for the most part I could understand why those dresses would be on sale (only a student in Cambridge could love them) but another rack had James Perse tanks and tees for $26. If you're familiar with the label you know that is a pretty good deal. I got two tanks for the price that one would normally cost. I asked if they had navy and white supergas (they had literally every other color and print you could imagine on display) and the salesman hopped to and brought me a pair. He also explained the European sizing (I thought I was a 41 but he had me try a 40 and they fit perfectly) which was nice. We had a nice conversation about the brand being popular once again. They weren't on sale (I didn't expect them to be) so they were the price that they seem to be everywhere else in the States: $65. Another man rang me up and was very friendly. He told me that navy is their best seller for the shoes. They were the only two people working the store and they both seemed European so maybe that explains why other reviews have felt as though they were rude to customers? It was definitely true in the past but I didn't get that vibe at all this visit. For the two tops and sneakers, I spent a little over $100, which isn't bad for a small boutique. There isn't anything here that you can't find other places but I can see myself returning to Monella for basics if I'm shopping in Harvard Square. read more

Monella is an awesome place. Reading the reviews below I'm shocked. As far as watching people it's something a lot of merchants do in Harvard because theft is high in this area (I'd know I worked in the area) I'm sorry to say but you college students should look to your peers who made it uncomfortable for you because their sticky fingers are outrageous. But anyways... This place is really clean and I love the staff there the owner is always present there. He's a nice guy and very funny (btw he's the older seasoned man). If you want someone to help style you Lucii is a doll and will do her best to help you if you're open to try new things ( or even if your more reserved ). Nicole is also really kind. It is a bit pricey but they always have sales. Ladies with size 9 feet and up this may be a gem for you because they are usually stocked in our sizes. They carry a lot of fun pieces that are fabulous! This shop is literally by Havard station on Brattle st. I think you should go and form your own opinion these reviews are old as blue cheese. Happy shopping ladies !!! read more

This is one of the worst stores for customer service that I have ever been in. I passed by this store a lot because I go into the square quite frequently, so one day I decided to try it. I went with a friend and we picked some stuff out to go try on in the dressing rooms. The clothes looked nice and were in style, although reading these reviews, the problem is more about their durability. Anyways, we were trying on clothes in the dressing rooms (keep in mind, nobody else is in the store). We were taking pictures in the clothes to see if they looked right on us. While we were changing back into our own clothes, a man who we think is the manager starts yelling at us to stop disrespecting the clothes (we were not) and told us to leave. Another time we went back because we assumed that maybe the manager was in a bad mood that day. Again, we were taking some pictures and talking in between the dressing rooms (like anybody who has ever gone with their friend to a store would do). One of the workers came back to the dressing rooms and started yelling at us and telling us to "shut the f*ck up". Like the first time we went, there was nobody in the store and I can see why. And looking at all the reviews from 2014, I realize that this is the way everyone who works there is and that they will never change. So just don't go. Horrible customer service. I would give it zero stars if I could. ...probably because we don't look like a runway model and weren't wearing designer clothes... read more

The clothes are nice, but the staff wasn't nice what so ever. My friend and I were having fun and had enough for one item each and we were deciding what we wanted to get and we were kicked out for being there for too long. The staff is terrible towards costumers. read more

I went into this store today and I left disappointed with the level of customer service. As I walked in immediately two girls came to the front. But while looking around for potential items to purchase I felt harassed throughout the whole store. There was not a moment that I was not being stared at or followed by an unhelpful store assistant. The thing that bothered me the most was that I walked into the store wearing sandals that I had purchased only a couple of weeks ago; so they should have realized that I am a repeated customer and one that has no problem spending money. I walked out the store uncomfortable, upset and without three pairs of shoes I intended to buy. A tip for Monella, if you keep scaring customers away that means money will not be coming in, bills don't get paid and soon you will be out of business read more

do not shop here - they sell crap brands at expensive prices and when their stuff falls apart there is no exchanging it.....you will do better elsewhere. also management is not accommodating when there are issues. BEWARE!!!! read more

I have walked all over this city in search of an affordable dress shop that has items that will get you noticed. After shopping at Monella's I will look no more. The store carries adorable items that are almost all priced under $100. This store is far superior to Jasmine Sola, which is the storefront that it replaced. The clothes here are cuter then any dress shop on Newbury Street, and they won't break your budget. This place in brand new and they are continuously filling the racks with new stuff, so check back often. I was told that they will offer sales and discounts in the future, which adds to the excitement. If you have a passion for fashion, but are like me and can't afford Newbury St. prices, check this place out! read more

I'll eat my hat if at least half of the things in the store haven't already been worn (piling and make up stains like whoa). Hardly a surprise from a stock that is obviously Jasmine Sola's unsold remnants. The selection is pretty tarty and predictable, and the old dude (formerly from around the corner at Mudo) is still committed to taking phone calls over making sales. Hats off for sticking to your guns, pard'. read more

Bad customer service. I purchased two items there, and when I saw the return policy is merchandise credit only within 7 days, I should have taken that as a bad omen. I went to wear the first item and discovered it already had a hole in it. When I attempted to return it the owner said the most they could do was give me 20% off my next purchase, not even store credit for the damaged item. I don't plan on shopping here again if they don't honor the customer and sell low quality products. read more

Ah, finding a store open on Easter Sunday in Harvard Square is tough, but then this little gem beckoned. Ok, not everything is great, maybe a little young for my 24 year old tastes, but there was plenty to interest me. I love the Hanky Panky lingerie and the shoe selection. I walked out with a pair of adorable and cheap (such a steal at $69) Jeffrey Campbell silver woven flats, and a cute summery cardigan. The staff is really friendly and helpful, too. They have such cute accents! I will be back next time I'm in Cambridge. read more

Nice, colourful tights, and I've bought 4 or so pairs there before, but I won't be going back for any replacements. I was stared at the whole time I was browsing by an employee who came over to pointedly stand between me and the door. I get that shoplifting must be a concern in Harvard Sq., but it would be cool if paying customers could still be treated with a modicum of courtesy. The reviews that call it rude and snobby are correct. I'm going to be taking my tights shopping online! Also -- not that it should matter -- but I am an adult who works in the Sq, not a college student or tourist. This treatment really irked me. read more

Sure they have cute stuff and I got a great pair of shoes there, but they don't take returns!! Only exchanges. I specifically asked the woman if I could return the shoes if they didn't match the dress I bought and she said "Sure, no problem." So I said "Great!" But when I went to return them, they said store policy is that they only take exchanges and only within 7 days. Hopefully the $$$ I spent on the shoes goes a long way with them because they lost all of my future business. Who doesn't accept returns these days??? read more

The owners of this store just lost one of their best customers. Their staff's rudeness brought my friend to tears. No one should ever be bullied like she was. She posted her entire experience on social media. Bad for the store - she's a high profile professor at Harvard with a large following. The wrong people are working at this store. If they don't like what they are doing, they should move on. read more

This place carries some cool brands, like Esley and Oliveacous. Not everything is top-notch quality, but they have lots of trendy pieces at reasonable prices. The service is okay...staff is not terribly friendly but the store seems family-run and I like that feel. Personally, I hate pushy staff so it was nice to be able to browse without lots of chitchat. I bought a cute top and I'm sure I'll be back. read more

I'm going to make this simple: I bought a pair of Dolce Vita leather boots for $90 at their Northampton store in Western Mass. I wore them every day for a week and then the heel started to BREAK OFF. I brought the shoes in, showed them, and asked for a refund. They took the shoes, I kept my receipt, and they said they'd "call the owner." The owner and cashier I returned the shoes to are married. So, you'd think they would have communicated with one another about their return policy. A few days later I get a call from the owner, AKA the husband. He says he is sending the shoes to be fixed. I said no, I just want a refund. He said no, we don't do refunds. I obliged. I got the shoes back. Looked good. And then, the heel started to fall off. Yet again. It only took a week. I called. Had a heated conversation with another store employee. She said they don't do returns, even if I had my receipt. I said that brand new shoes shouldn't break twice in the same month. Especially when they're over $30. She said she'd pass on the memo to the owners and have them call me back. Well, it's been about three weeks since we spoke and I'm waiting for my call. In summation: they are too cheap to establish a return policy. They carry mediocre products and charge you more than they should. They've lost my business. I hope the owners read this, call me, and give me a refund. I will post an update and take down my complaint if they do. read more

Worst customer service I have ever dealt with. The shoes I bought broke the same day I bought them and they wouldn't replace them and they were incredibly rude and unprofessional when I asked for a new pair. Never shopping there again. read more

Terrible store with appalling customer service. They refused to replace a defective bag, claiming that their policy prevented this. They didn't back down when we quoted Massachusetts law at them which requires a refund for faulty merchandise. I asked them if they could replace the bag but they said they would have to order another one in - I was in the area as a tourist and it was going to take several weeks - they were also reluctant do this anyway. I spent two hours arguing with staff and manager about this. DO NOT SHOP HERE if you value your wallet! read more

A few weeks ago, the zipper on my purse broke so I had to get a new one pronto. I scoured all of the shops in Harvard Square for a new handbag, but I was not getting much luck. I wanted a simple, small, neutral-toned purse, and most of the bags around the neighborhood were too busy in design, too bulky, or not the right color. Monella had the closest bag to what I wanted. I bought a small Shiraleah purse in the sand color. It was a bit pricey, but I plan on using it a lot so I don't mind TOO much. About a week later, I shopped around Harvard Square for a pair of nude-colored heels for my graduation. This is no easy feat for me because my shoe size is 5.5. Monella, like most stores, did not have a size 5.5 in these patent leather Steve Madden pumps that I wanted. When the saleslady saw that I really liked them, she offered to call other Monella stores to see if they had the pair in stock. One location had the shoes and was able to have them sent to the Cambridge shop. I always appreciate that kind of customer service since my busy schedule does not always allow me to stop by every store in the city for a shoe size that is seldom readily available. read more

Very confusing hours, made a special trip to Harvard Square to come here on our way out of town to pick up a few items, store hours showed that they open at 10am on Weekdays, we sat for 17 min outside the store before anyone showed up, no indication of late opening. When the associate did show up he was completely unphased by his lateness and didn't seem bothered that we had been waiting for quite a while. read more

I've only shopped at the Northampton location, but I've found some great pieces there for prices I could definitely handle. The salespeople are friendly and informative. Monella stands out in Northampton-- nobody else in town carries the same brands, and the shop's overall style and approach is closer to what you'd find in NYC than the typical Northampton boutique. Also: the gentleman commenter from Longmeadow obviously didn't understand Monella's return policy; as with most boutiques in Northampton, returns are given store credit or allowed to exchange for another item within seven days of the original purchase. I've returned items with no problem. read more

If I could give Monella zero stars, I would. I spent $50 on a wallet only to have the zipper break the same day. When I went in asking for a refund, I was refused. I was told that the best they could do would be to give me the same wallet. When I found the zipper on that wallet to be bad quality, the manager decided that I was a rough kid who was just trying to mess up his products. He insulted me and my upbringing multiple times (very professional), and called the police. He tried to kick me out without even a replacement wallet. I am no longer welcome in that store, as though I would ever want to set foot in there again. Crummy, overpriced products and condescending staff. No thank you. read more

When I have a little extra cash lying around, I love shopping at Monella. Otherwise, I will be too tempted to spend money that I don't have on their beautiful clothes. Monella isn't as pricey as the boutiques on Newbury Street, but it'd be tough to leave here without spending at least $100. Their sale section is limited, so I always end up buying their newer arrivals. What's great about Monella's selection is that they offer a variety of different styles to suit one's needs: casual, business casual, date night, and slightly more formal options. I love that they have work appropriate outfits that are fashionable enough to continue wearing when I go out at night after work. I'm a huge fan of their selection Esley dresses, shorts and skirts. So cute! The staff here is kind of hit or miss. Some are very helpful and will kindly assist you with any questions you may have. My guess is that these staff members are in the owner/management positions, and therefore actually care about the customer's experience. Other employees, specifically some of the females that work here, seem to be bored and disinterested; except for the time I unknowingly walked in after close and basically got yelled at to leave. If your store is closed, shouldn't the door be locked? They must have closed only minutes ago that night, but I guess getting off of work was more important than making one last sale. read more

Monella is absolutely incredible--all of the pieces here are so tasteful and the selection is amazing. Everyone who works here is so kind and helpful. The brands are very in fashion and has a very European feeling to it, and the prices are very reasonable. Love this place!!!!!! read more

This store is awful. The guy working there was incredibly rude to us , my friend bought 28$ tights and as we walked out the door they ripped at her knee for no apparent reason. We walked right back in and showed the guy working there (who said he was the manager ) he said she couldn't get a refund. My friend is from china and didn't understand so I tried to argue on her behalf so she could get a refund and he started personally insulting me and swearing at us. Very weird and just awful experience. My friend said she'd never go there again and I won't either. Stay away. I'd give it zero stars if I could. read more

Some people should simply not be in the customer service business. The other negative reviews are high testament to the terrible service you will experience here. I bought Jeffrey Campbell flats on sale ($69 instead of $94) that developed holes after I wore them maybe three times. I took them back to the store as soon as I noticed the holes on the heels, about two weeks after I'd purchased them. The man (owner I think) proceeded to tell me I'd done something that made the shoes fall apart, and the quality of the shoes was not at fault. He suggested I'd hit a cobblestone on the street (What?? And if so, why had both heels fallen apart?). He told me he'd sold hundreds of these shoes without complaint, so I asked if he couldn't give me a different, non-defective pair. He kept telling me that there were no returns or refunds allowed for worn merchandise. They use this no-returns policy, I'm sure, to defend themselves against other complaints about "sale" items that promptly fall apart. Clearly, they have no policy for defective merchandise. He wouldn't offer me store credit, either. Every time I suggested a remedy or asked a question, he just told me it was my issue, and insisted that he was trying to help me figure out what I'd done to the shoe to make it fall apart, so it wouldn't happen to my shoes in the future (by the way, this has never happened to me before). But even though he kept telling me he was helping me, he never offered a single valid suggestion about what I'd actually done to the shoes. I stuck to my guns and he became very exasperated with me. He claimed he was trying to be very nice to me, implying he didn't need to treat customers nicely, and he patronizingly recommended that in the future, I not blame my problems on other people. When I told him I would post a negative review about my experience, he barked that I was being "nasty." Well, this review is not nasty, it's the plain truth. I am incredulous at the customer service I received. Do not shop here. Update: I took the shoes to my local cobbler. He was shocked and perplexed that the leather had developed holes and scuffs in two weeks. He told me he would need to replace the soles and sew the holes closed. Further update: I contacted Jeffrey Campbell. They apologized for the damage, and offered me a $69 credit to their online store. Now that's customer service! read more

This is the worst place I have ever worked. The owner is a crazy, womanizing guy with the most intense micromanaging style you'll ever see. He hires girls saying they'll get a raise after 3 months (which nobody ever saw), and puts people on for a 10 hour shift with no break. If you're lucky, you sit in the basement for 10 minutes while you're still on call to get shoes if people come in. If there's nobody in the store, you still have to look busy the whole time so he's not paying you 8.50 for nothing. Totally fucked up my ankles and feet standing like that. Not to mention getting called sweety, being told and retold and re-retold how to wash windows (including how to fold and refold the paper towels as well as which hands to use to spray and scrub). He won't give anybody a regular schedule, and heaven help the employee who shows up 4 minutes late because of public transportation ("WHAT HAPPENED??!?!?!"). Please please please just give your money to the Tannery or any of the other fancy boutiques in Harvard, this is one place that really doesn't deserve anybody's business. read more

i really liked this store so much great new finds bought a beautiful classy coat for such a steal i could'nt beleive my luck and i'm from new york where you can get anything well now all my friends want the coat TRYING MY BEST TO HELP THEM OUT?????? great staff too so pleasant which is something you don't find often in new york read more

My kid bought a wallet there yesterday and it broke withiin 24 hours. When she went back to get a refund they threatened to call the police. Their behavior is actionable and the store is obviously a rip off. Find someplace else to shop. read more

I purchased an expensive pair of sandals at this store. The shopkeeper was pushy about the size. I asked if I could return them and he said yes with no details about the return policy. I took them back 10 days later and was told I could have store credit or exchange them - no possibility of crediting my credit card. This was never explained and I would never have bought them if I had known. The owner and her staff were awful when I took the shoes back. For a high end boutique, this is inexcusable service. read more

I had one of the worst customer experiences of my life at this store. I spent a good deal of money on a silk dress to wear to a concert, only to discover a large stain on the back. When we tried to bring it back, the manager tried to blame me, and wouldn't return the dress. Please shop elsewhere! read more