Greenwood shopping is a treat at Lemon Meringue

Stepping into Lemon Meringue is like stepping into the lives of owners Carie Cook Garris and Amy White. The Greenwood boutique is homey with pillowed couches, chairs, dressing tables, braided throw rugs, low-lit table lamps and chandeliers. Framed black and white photos of family, friends and dogs are on one wall. A small play area for toddlers is in the maternity and children's section.

Long-time friends Garris and White took their friendship and shared love of fashion to the next step by opening a neighborhood boutique that serves the community with eclectic offerings: stylish clothes for young girls and moms, maternity wear, baby clothes, comfy pajamas, sexy lingerie, casual accessories, jewelry and fancy dog collars. "Our store is a reflection of our lives and friendship," says Garris, a former Californian who spends part of the year in Costa Rica, where she runs a surf hotel. "We wanted to fill it with unique things that we liked but also meet the needs of the neighborhood."

The ambitious collection of goods somehow works. They have clothing from Europe and Spain, high-end pieces from sophisticated designers like Tory Burch and Development, reasonably priced and casually hip clothes from Gentle Fawn, and denim from 575 and AG. In the mother's corner there is beautifully made maternity lingerie by Bella Materna, hip pieces for expecting moms from Lait, adorable baby bibs, clothing and Moses baskets. Comfy Bed Head pajamas are on the other side of the shop, along with sexy Belabumbum lingerie. Accessories include knit scarves and locally made handbags from Haida May.

Garris and White have created an easy place to pick up an outfit without having to go downtown. You can even get tips on traveling to Costa Rica while you're there.

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