The Thirty-A Review, November-December 2024

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Beach Day to City Night Discovering coastal elegance at Envie Boutique by Jessica Holthaus Badour

year especially, I have noticed price does matter,” she says. “Some people are pulling back on luxury items, but they still want good brands and quality that will last.”

The store’s ability to offer a range of price points without sacrificing style is one of the keys to its success. While the Pensacola Beach store offers a more casual, laid-back selection (with options for both men and women), the WaterColor store carries on the beach vibe while focusing on higher-end sophistication for women. Chouinard’s knowledge of the shop’s clientele allows Envie to successfully cater to a diverse range of customers, from vacationers looking for something special to year-round locals who appreciate the boutique’s unique offerings. The Envie staff, many of whom have worked with Chouinard for years, are experts in the brands they carry and are dedicated to helping customers find exactly what they need. Whether it’s a special order or a recommendation from another location, Envie offers a level of have fun at my job,” Chouinard says. “He’s always open to trying new things, which gives me the latitude to make this store what it is today.” This openness to creativity and innovation has allowed Envie to thrive, even in a competitive retail environment. For those seeking a blend of

The store’s ability to offer a range of price points without sacrificing style is one of the keys to its success.

I sn’t it every beachgoer’s dream to find the perfect outfit that seamlessly transitions from the sand to the city? Envie Boutique in the WaterColor Town Center makes that dream a reality. Since its opening in March 2021, Envie has become a sought-after fashion destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a unique blend of casual beachwear and elevated threads. Marsha Chouinard, the director of retail

luxury with practicality. Even health professionals have found favorites in the store’s jewelry collections, such as Casual Carats, which are durable and comfortable enough for doctors and nurses to wear daily. Additional brands such as Hobo Handbags, Free People and Daydreamer appeal to all ages.

A stunning day to night look from Envie Boutique.

customer service that keeps shoppers coming back. “Rob (Babcock, the boutique’s owner) truly lets me

at Envie, has an extensive background in the fashion and retail world with more than 25 years’ experience in the industry. Originally from Tennessee, Chouinard has called the Destin area home since 1987 and brings her passion for retail to life in two locations. The original Envie, located on the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk, has been a staple of the

Envie has become a sought-after fashion destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a unique blend of casual beachwear and elevated threads.

The creation of Envie is a touching story rooted in friendship and love for the coast. The boutique was the brainchild of Sabine Laguna, who opened the Pensacola Beach location with her husband, Rob Babcock, bringing on Chouinard as the retail director eventually full-time. After Sabine’s cancer-related passing in 2014, Envie continues Laguna’s legacy, maintaining the store’s coastal elegance and comfort. “It comes full circle,” Chouinard says, reflecting on the way Laguna’s daughter, Zoe Babcock, is now involved in the business. Babcock, along with seasonal staff and some of Chouinard’s own family, add fresh perspectives to Envie, which caters to a wide range of customers. Chouinard brings a thoughtful eye and adores curating the selection for Envie. With a degree in business and marketing from East Tennessee State University, she understands the balance between quality and price. “This

area since 2011, offering beachy styles with a relaxed vibe. With the opening of the store’s second location in WaterColor, Chouinard was able to bring a more condensed, yet upscale, version of the boutique to this chic coastal community. “WaterColor is a bit more elevated,” she explains. While the beachy vibe remains, the boutique caters to an upscale clientele seeking quality and sophistication in their wardrobe. “We try to offer something for every occasion, whether it’s a fancy cocktail hour or a wedding, or a coverup for the beach or denim shorts and a Daydreamer t-shirt,” Chouinard notes. The store offers an impressive selection from designers including Marie Oliver, Trina Turk, Lila P, AG Denim and Brodie Cashmere. Jewelry lovers can find pieces from Kendra Scott, Chan Luu, and Able blending

coastal cool and city-ready sophistication, Envie Boutique is the place to be. With its thoughtfully-chosen merchandise, dedicated staff and welcoming atmosphere, it’s no wonder this boutique has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Step inside Envie and discover a world where fashion meets the coast.

Envie Boutique Watercolor Town Center 4 Watercolor Blvd., Suite #4101A, Santa Rosa Beach 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. daily 850-231-1754 www.envieboutique.com envieboutiquewtc@gmail.com

20 | THE THIRTY-A REVIEW | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

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