The newest fashion boutique to grace Bethesda Avenue, Francesca’s Collections, has more to offer than clothing and accessories: reasonable prices.

The boutique, which opened  Feb. 5 and has locations in 38 other states, joins several other shops in the area for young women.

“We wanted the store to have a really lively and upbeat atmosphere,” store manager Michelle Torina said. “The yellow wall color and fun music reflect that.”

Francesca’s prices aren’t as steep as those at most Bethesda boutiques like Lou Lou and Ginger, Bethesda resident and frequent customer Courtney Mazo said.

“You get all the really great clothing you get across the street but its so much more affordable,” Mazo said. “It’s like Forever 21 prices, but the clothes don’t fall apart after one wash.”

The well-dressed mannequins in the stores display window and the wide array of jewelery will attract customers, Torina said. Though the cold weather has kept many people inside, she  hopes Francesca’s will become a huge hit.

“They had a lot of really cute things you could give someone as a gift,” senior Grace McNally said. “It’ll definitely be popular with Whitman students.”

The store carries a unique kind of merchandise that’s a positive addition to Bethesda row, J. McLaughlin employee Cristiana Anderson said.

“Francesca’s is more trendy,” Anderson said. “The mom might come here and the daughter might go across the street.”

Because the company has been successful in its locations across the country, it chose to expand to Bethesda.

“We never put one style of earring together-we like to mix and match the styles so customers have a lot to look at, at once,”  Torina said.

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