HOAMGAR TO OPEN IN BETHESDA, BOUTIQUE WILL BE CHINESE LABEL'S FIRST IN AMERICA (PHOTO)

Bethesda is getting a very unique new boutique. Hoamgar is one of the best-selling fashion lines in China. For twenty years, their high-end women's apparel has been sold only in China, Mongolia and Singapore.

Now the company has decided to expand beyond Asia, and the city they've chosen above all others in the world to conquer first is...

Bethesda, Maryland!

The boutique will open this spring in Westfield Montgomery Mall.

When Hoamgar says, "exclusive high fashion," they're not kidding. You'd have to take a mighty long plane trip to get these outfits and accessories - until now.

This is another coup for Westfield, but the company is so new to America, they don't even have a website yet.

Here's another bit of interesting Hoamgar Bethesda trivia: the store employees are reportedly undergoing training for 2-3 months in China.  It sounds like the company is serious about making a good impression, and having a successful American launch, to take such a hands-on approach.

FREE PEOPLE OPENING IN BETHESDA (PHOTO)

Free People, a boho boutique targeted toward twenty-something women, will open in Bethesda this spring at Westfield Montgomery Mall.

The chain grew out of the original Urban Outfitters in Philadelphia. UO, coincidentally, just opened a store in the mall this past fall.

Who is Free People's target customer?

"A 26-year-old girl, smart, creative, confident and comfortable in all aspects of her being, free and adventurous, sweet to tough to tomboy to romantic. A girl who likes to keep busy and push life to its limits, with traveling and hanging out and everything in between. Who loves Donovan as much as she loves The Dears, and can't resist petting any dog that passes her by on the street," according to the company website.

The Dears? Donovan?

Bonus question: What happens when a 19 or 30-year-old woman enters the store?

Get ready to get boho in MoCo this spring at Westfield Montgomery, millenial ladies of Bethesda.

FREE CHAMPAGNE AND GODIVA CHOCOLATES AT TAKE 5 BOUTIQUE THIS SATURDAY IN BETHESDA

Bethesda's newest fashion house, Take 5 Boutique, is holding a Valentine's Day-themed open house this Saturday, February 9, from 2:00-7:00 PM.

Attendees will enjoy Champagne, Godiva chocolates, and light fare from Levante's.  There will be music, style tips, a chance to browse exclusive, international fashions only available at Take 5, and a special Valentine's gift with a purchase of $250 or more.  No purchase is necessary to attend, however.

If you would like to attend, RSVP to lovefashion@take5boutique.com or call 301-500-0132 with any questions.

Take 5 Boutique, 4920 Fairmont Avenue, Bethesda.

LOU LOU BOUTIQUE MOVING ACROSS BETHESDA LANE (PHOTOS)

Lou Lou Boutique is moving across Bethesda Lane into the space just vacated by Bonobos.

Why? Well, the new space is larger than their current space.

I expect future tenant COURAGE. b Boutique to take over the Lou Lou unit, although there's been no official announcement of that yet.  Of course, with Pirjo closing, the game of musical chairs may not be over.

COURAGE. b BOUTIQUE OPENING AT BETHESDA ROW!

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!

Here's a big fashion story to close out the year: COURAGE. b is opening a boutique at Bethesda Row in early 2013.

Maybe all you need to know is that COURAGE. b has existing addresses in the Hamptons, Palm Beach and Aspen.

But, with my readers being so smart, maybe you want to know a bit more?

COURAGE. b started in New York City with FOPP'S, which fashionistas have probably heard of.

COURAGE. b designs and manufactures all of their garments, bags, accessories and shoes in-house.  They are not pioneers in outsourcing.  Of course, sometimes their prices reflect that.  But many of their pieces are surprisingly affordable, as well.  And many of the designs will make women stand out in a crowd - in a good way.

Check out their latest using the above link, and start your shopping list.

SYLENE OPENING IN BETHESDA? THE INTRIGUE THICKENS! (PHOTO)

A couple of months ago, I reported that a new women's boutique had leased a storefront in the Lionsgate condo building.  And that it was leased by the owner of the popular and well-known Sylene lingerie boutique in Chevy Chase.

My source at the time could only confirm it would be a women's apparel shop.  The question was, is this a second Sylene location, or is Sylene moving to Bethesda from Friendship Heights?  Or, is this a new fashion venture not centered on lingerie?

When I contacted Sylene for that article, their response was a curt statement that they were quite pleased with their current location, and which did not address any of the questions regarding the new Bethesda boutique.

Well, as this spy shot shows, employees of the mystery Bethesda boutique have been working into the night recent evenings, and the window displays are - so far - showcasing... lingerie.  Which would suggest that this is indeed a future Sylene store.  No official word yet, however.

TAKE 5 BOUTIQUE GRAND OPENING EXCLUSIVE VIDEO!

Finally, as promised:

Exclusive video from the biggest Bethesda fashion event of 2012:  the grand opening of Take 5 Boutique on Fairmont Avenue!

THE PINK PALM ENDLESS SUMMER SALE ENDS TONIGHT AT MIDNIGHT

The name Lilly Pulitzer and the phrase "up to 60% off" are rarely used in the same sentence.  But today they are both found at The Pink Palm's Endless Summer Sale.  Shop from the comfort of home on the website, or come in to their Bethesda Row boutique.

Here are just a few of the products massively reduced in price until midnight tonight:

KNITS, ETC. IS CLOSING AT BETHESDA ROW

Bethesda Row boutique Knits, Etc. has announced it is closing.

I can't tell you what this portends for civilization as a whole, because I've never actually heard any woman mention the place.  I've never been inside.  Men are not exactly their target demographic.

But it's unlikely many women heard of it either, as a Google search turned up no website or Facebook for the shop.  Along with the combined rating of 1 star on Yelp, perhaps the closure was inevitable.

Have you ever patronized Knits, Etc.?  Are you going to miss the store?  Post a comment and let others know.