The holidays are the time to step your class and pizzazz up a notch. When you walk into Elle & Em Boutique in downtown Lee’s Summit, you are met with splashes of color and your mood is transformed. Each shop stylist is uniquely talented in pointing clients to that perfect piece.
Rachel Roark Debelak, owner, is your personal style purveyor and fashion partner. She opened the boutique in February 2018.
A Lee’s Summit High School graduate, Rachel attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas, earning her business degree. After working for an accounting firm, she transitioned into non-profit working with a children’s advocacy center.
In the spring of 2017, she was ready to move back home.
“I took the summer to pause and reflect. After working for my childhood friend and her mother at another downtown LS shop, I realized how much I loved downtown! So, in October, I jumped to the space at 9 SW 3rd Street,” she smiled. “Our grand opening came after some renovation. I opened my shop to create a safe place for women to explore and celebrate who they are truly are, their unique and special qualities and personalities. I truly believe clothing has an impact on how we feel and act and impacts our confidence and willingness to be ourselves.”
Rachel selects clothing for her boutique with her mother, so there is a natural generational perspective there. The boutique offers quality pieces with good fabrics you would expect to last over time that have a small edge to them.
“I call that classic with a twist,” she smiled. “I tell my customers I want the clothing you buy from here to be the go-to pieces in your closet. When Grandma, Mom and daughter come in and each find something, that is one of the best compliments.”
Prior to the pandemic, women saw fashion as either/or - comfortable or fashionable, practical or fun. Now they expect both comfort and fashion, practical and fun, and they don’t settle for less.
“There are more patterns, bold colors with so many classic silhouettes. Women are looking to the future and excitement of what’s next!” she noted. “My tip would be to go ahead and add some spark to your holiday wear. You wear the clothes the clothes don’t wear you. If you want to make a statement, make one! Come to Elle & Em and we’ll get you started.”
Find them on Instagram @shopelleandem