Mercer is in the business of fashion

In a world where most boutiques major in art or philosophy, Mercer is the pragmatic MBA graduate of fashion. You will find no boudoir lighting, tufted ottomans or Parisian soundtracks here. Built by owner Karen Bonomo on a foundation of 20 years of retail experience, Mercer is all business.

That's not to say that it doesn't have its charms. Spacious and white with rows of track lighting, Mercer avoids being too stark by the addition of filmy white sheers lining its outer walls. Furniture here is functional rather than decorative: Two white armchairs positioned on a beige sisal rug have clean modern lines, and a giant white-framed mirror leans against the back wall, reflecting the pipes of the open ceiling and a sophisticated arrangement of yellow and white orchids.

Arranged neatly on modular shelving towers and stainless steel hanging racks are rows of welcome decadence: Fruit-hued terry pants and hoodies by Juicy Couture, bright cashmere sweaters by Raw and beaded silk Weston Wear tanks. A handful of chic mannequins slouch in Goddess jeans and Three Dot boatnecks. Hanging clothing is arranged by color. Folded items are grouped by style.

Long, contemporary shelves flank both walls near the entry. The shelves on the left are piled high with tees and tanks by Michael Stars, James Perse and Splendid. The shelves on the right showcase stacks of jeans by Seven for all Mankind, Rock and Republic, True Religion and Joe's Jeans. It's an impressive selection of up-to-the-moment clothing styles that appeals to Eastside teens and moms alike.

GINA K. BRILES

"Women basically have two choices," Bonomo says. "They can shop in a department store where things are spread out in many departments, or they can shop in boutiques where they don't have your size. We bridge both. We have the wide assortment of current fashion that the department store provides, and the fashion forward environment and customer service focus that the boutique provides."

Prices are in the moderate range of designer offerings. A Sweetees drop waist cotton floral skirt is reasonable at $70, while a $282 Plenty red silk slip dress is more suited to a special occasion. Beth Bowley flax trousers are $210, a Ruth pin tucked silk polka dot blouse costs $160 and a Johnny Cotton flowered button-down sells for $85. Michael Stars tees range from $35 to $58. Juicy Couture separates are $80 each. Jeans start at $142 and sell for upwards of $250.

In addition to the original store in Sammamish, Mercer has locations in University Village and Mission Viejo, Calif., and a fourth store is soon to open in Palo Alto, Calif..