Embracing Your Inner Diva

"Fashions fade," observed Yves Saint Laurent, "but style is eternal." Reminiscence of early Hollywood icons who defined haute couture by wearing the labels of leading fashion houses is glamorously conjured by stepping through the inviting door of Boutique Divas in Pasadena.

First-time browsers as well as regular fashionistas are personally greeted by owner Deborah Myles-Green, a woman who could easily have "chatted chic" with the likes of Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Carole Lombard, and Marlene Dietrich. The elegant and intimate décor, in fact, suggests that if these long departed beauties of the silver screen have favorite haunts, Myles-Green´s newly opened salon will certainly become one of them.

She relates that her earliest fashion memory was when she was 10 years old. "My mother was always dressed to the nines and I really admired how she could pull an entire ensemble together – the right shoes, the perfect purse, the complementary accessories - so effortlessly." She also recalls with a raised eyebrow and a laugh what she considers to be one of the worst fashion fads that ever came along. "It was the eighties and everyone was into leg warmers. Horrors! What were these women thinking by making their legs look thick and fuzzy? Plus there was the whole ripped-shirt-falling-off-the-shoulder thing. I´m still not sure what that fad was about – maybe shades of ´Flashdance´? – but I was happy to see it leave."

Though she often dreamt of pursuing a career in fashion full-time, Myles-Green spent 21 years of her life as an Account Executive for Blue Cross Insurance. "I was also hosting high-end fashion shows once a month and coming to realize that what I really wanted to do was to light ´women´s fashion fire´ in a way that would be fun, creative and timeless."

The result was Boutique Divas, which opened for business six months ago and is already attracting happy fans. Says Myles-Green, "When you walk into Boutique Divas, you feel like you are shopping in a Paris or New York boutique. We only offer the highest level of one-on-one customer services and fashion advice. We also offer custom shopping for that hard to find item that makes an impeccable statement."

Among the women whom she believes exhibited fabulous fashion sense are Audrey Hepburn, Ollie Myles and Lucille Ball. "These ladies always knew their way around fashion…from the clothes to the hat and to the purse that flawlessly matched. They not only let women know it was okay to dress elegantly and to be in touch with their feminine side but also projected a confidence that radiated throughout their entire being."

To stay abreast of 21st century trends and hot designers, Myles-Green regularly attends fashion shows, reads Vogue and Runway Daily New York, and talks to designers about what inspires them to create today´s must-have looks. I especially admire John Galliano and the way his new line of fashions is a take-off on the designs from the 50´s and 60´s. Oscar dela Renta is high on my list, too. I love his take on vintage classic gowns that so define grace and femininity."

Just in time for spring are her savvy tips for six items that no stylish woman´s closet should be without:

"The ´Little Black Dress´ is an absolute must. You should always have one party-ready dress that looks spectacular on you. Next on the list is a long black trench coat. It´s warm, it´s sophisticated and it´s versatile enough to go as well with jeans as it does with your cocktail dress. And speaking of jeans, you should have a pair that fits perfectly. They´re fun, sexy and are now a permanent part of our couture that works for most occasions. When you find that perfect pair, why not purchase a couple of them at the same time? Shopping for jeans can sometimes be as vexing as discovering the perfect shade of lipstick or eye shadow, only to learn a few months later when you go back that the manufacturer has discontinued that line!"

Item Number 4 on Myles-Green´s list is a snazzy sundress. "What can feel better than a beautiful sundress on a warm summer day? It´s classic, sexy and makes you feel like a lady." For less flirtatious occasions, she recommends a classic dark skirt or pants suit. "This should be an investment piece. It can be used for parties with your colleagues, for making a stellar impression at interviews, and for showing respect at funerals." Last but not least, she believes no woman should be without a crisp white shirt with French cuffs. "It goes as well with a smart business suit as it does with your jeans." All outfits, she adds, must be able to accessorize with shoes, purses, hats, gloves, glasses and jewelry.

Best advice anyone ever gave her? Without hesitation, she replies that the answer is "Never quit! Always give 100% to your business and take the time to listen to what your customers have to say." With Myles-Green, she easily has everyone´s attention from the first "hello".

Boutique Divas is located at 1035 E. Green Street in Pasadena and is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. Phone number: (626) 793-3222.