New downtown boutique promises more than just fashion

ALBANY – In spite of naysayers, construction delays, website fiascoes and a struggling downtown economy, local entrepreneur Julia Temples, owner of Envy Boutique on Dawson Road, is nearing completion of her latest fashion business venture, Bandit and the Babe, opening May 11 in the Flats at 249 downtown.

Bandit and the Babe, a swanky boutique of women’s wear and children’s clothing, combines fashion, social events and a revival of vintage architecture to create a completely unique shopping experience, Temples said. It’s a venture that the owner says she hopes could help with the revitalization of Albany’s original business district.

“We love being downtown,” Temples said. “We spend a lot of time down here for Envy. We take most of our pictures utilizing the old business district. You know, originally, Envy started out downtown 15 years ago, and with efforts to revitalize the area in the past, we always wanted to come back. But it just hasn’t happened until now with our new store. We love the atmosphere of downtown. So when given the opportunity to have this kind of space to use, why not open another store?”

Temples, a consummate businesswoman, was busy stocking the store’s custom-built brass racks and wood shelves Friday in a final push for the rapidly approaching grand opening, but gracefully agreed to provide a tour of the anxiously awaited fashion hub.

Upon entering the classic revival structure, visitors are awed by the towering ceilings and massive amount of natural light cascading through the 10-foot arched windows along the storefront. Wood, brass and fabric all come together in a natural feng shui creating a harmony between the space and the visitor.

Temples explained that it was her vision to have the store wow people, so, to accomplish that goal, she turned to Jen Gordon of PD and Product for a custom “eclectic” design.

“I had all of these ideas,” Temples said. “Ways in which I wanted the store the look. For example, at home we have this beautiful cutting board. I wanted something similar for our point of sale. And somewhere I had come across this old antique brass rack. Those antique racks are really expensive now, but Jen at PD and Product just acted like it was no big deal and was able to recreate the look but not the cost. In less than seven weeks, they completely built out everything in here and it looks amazing.

“They helped us realize the vision of Bandit and the Babe. Our style is eclectic; from the store itself to our clothes. And you can find something for anyone in here, something hip and trendy or something a little more reserved. You can buy something for $38 or you can buy something for $300. But, more than anything, I didn’t want this store to just be a fashion boutique. So we will be hosting social events, having live music and really connecting with the growing community downtown.”

Bandit and the Babe’s soft opening, a private event, is planned for May 4, which will include live music and drinks. The grand opening is scheduled for May 11.

For more information, call (229) 496-6836 or [email protected].