BY REBECCA JULIE
When Plaza Bootery went out of business, Larchmont residents wondered what would eventually take its place. Finally, on Aug. 20, eager citizens received their answer with the opening of Love Shoes. Love Shoes is a women and children’s shoe store, owned by Ellie Devito.
Devito also owns Love by Bella Fiore, the clothing store next door. Love Shoes carries “everything from rain boots to stilettos,” said enthusiastic employee Jillian Arco. One can find boots, heels, flats, children’s dress shoes, children’s sneakers and more. The store carries familiar brands such as Hunter and Steve Madden, as well as others more upscale.
In addition to shoes, Love Shoes also offers various accessories, allowing a shopper to pair the perfect necklace with those dazzling new boots. There are scarves, handbags and many interesting jewelry pieces. Kristen Miribele, also an employee, said, “we are getting new things in every day, so it’s great to come in and see what we just added.” The employees agree that there has been a “good mix” of women and children coming into the store for both shoes and accessories.
According to Miribele, “our customers from Love by Bella Fiore were excited when the shoe store opened, because now they can buy shoes to go with the clothing they bought next door.”
Before Love Shoes, Larchmont had no shoe store for many months after the closing of Plaza Bootery. A year before, Plaza Too, a women’s shoe and accessory boutique and a favorite among many Larchmont women, went out of business. Love Shoes perfectly fills this void. Miribele said, “we decided to keep this space a shoe store because it had already been a pre-existing shoe store for so long.” Plaza Bootery had become a town landmark, and residents desired another shoe store after it closed. “We have been getting really good feedback and it is great to have a shoe store back in town,” Miribele said.
Love Shoes has been a great addition to the Larchmont/Mamaroneck community. “We have something for all price points and carry many different styles of shoes,” Miribele said. Finally, a shoe store that really makes you Love Shoes!
