What a surprise! I don’t know why I would have expected anything less from the new retail addition to JCB’s empire. I’ve been eagerly anticipating the opening of this new lifestyle store for months. The day I visited was going to be the official opening ribbon cutting festivities later that afternoon, but I wanted to see the store before the crowds arrived. I literally walked into the store in my “house dress” with my morning cuppa in a thermos (full on mom mode), but I walked out with a brand new outfit! The space is gorgeous, and completely transformed from the Overland era (a store that has moved to downtown Napa now that sells cowboy fashion and home goods, like hats and sherling blankets). The store is so fun and so different then ANYTHING we have seen in Napa. Will it work in the conservative Napa Valley? I sure hope so, because I love it! It would be right at home in a high-end hotel in Vegas or Miami or somewhere in downtown LA. Designer names direct from Europe that you won’t see anywhere else in this valley let alone in the Bay Area, a huge selection of Perrin clutches, vintage Gucci, Chanel and Hermès (they have a $17k Birkin Bag!) are blended in with affordable and fun ready to wear. There really is something for everyone. Can’t afford the $3000 dress? That’s ok, you’ll be able to grab one of the fun $100 clutches or some costume jewelry for $40. There is a premium perfume and makeup area, and upstairs is a skin care lounge. This will be a great spot for a Napa Valley bride to do some pre wedding primping. Jean Charles Boisset seems to have the magical touch when it comes to understanding what women want to spend their money on. (My winemaker buddy, an entrepreneur himself with big ideas, says “I really want to hate him”, but we agree that it’s impossible, because when you meet him he’s just so nice!) By the way JCB members get their 10% discount here as well (except on the vintage handbags) and that comes to some significant savings on the big ticket items!