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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday April 2, 2008 - 11 Living Oakville Beaver LIVING EDITOR: ANGELA BLACKBURN By Angela Blackburn OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Phone: 905-845-3824, ext. 248 Fax: 905-337-5567 e-mail: angela@oakvillebeaver.com Fate fashions 50th anniversary downtown D o you believe in fate? Maralee Larsen and her friend Elizabeth Prescott, coowners of Barbette -- or BII, as it is now known -- do. Destiny is witnessing the downtown Oakville women's clothing shop -- founded in 1958 -- celebrate its 50th anniversary. While it was first opened as a maternity shop by Larsen's mom, Barbara Stone, her friend, Betsy Hagey, and a group of investors, today Stone's daughter and her friend are still at the helm. So, not only is the boutique still in the family and still on Lakeshore Road East, but it's still in business. The golden milestone is one only a few downtown Oakville retailers can claim. And there's more. Barbette originally opened as Sign of the Stork. Not long after, the shop was renamed Barbette -- a combination of the names Barbara Stone and Elizabeth "Betsy" Hagey. "They were all having babies at the time," said Prescott. During the 1960s, the duo switched from maternity wear to lingerie -- getting back to sexy, joke the current co-owners -- and finally settled into sportswear 28 years ago. While Betsy retired years ago and is deceased, when Barb was ready to retire in 2004, her daughter, Larsen, partnered with her good friend, Prescott, to become the new Barb and Elizabeth behind the new Barbette or BII. Where does fate enter the picture? Maralee's given first name is Barbara, and Liz, of course, is short for Elizabeth -- as was Betsy. "Is that destiny or what?" asks Prescott. After years of research, a few missteps and lots of work, Barbette BII is celebrating its 50year past. It's doing so by celebrating its recent rebirth "Style is an expression of individualism mixed with charisma. Fashion is something that comes after style." Barbette BII fashion philosophy LIESA KORTMANN / OAKVILLE BEAVER DESIGNED BY DESTINY: Maralee Larsen, left, and Liz Prescott, are the new faces behind the new look at Barbette BII, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary -- downtown, in the same family, and under the leadership of a second generation of Barbara and Elizabeth (Barbette). as a women's casual wear boutique that caters to the 30 to 50-year-old crowd that does everything from golf to cottage and more, and wants to do it in trendy fashions from collections such as Craig Taylor, Dead Sexy, Elisa Cavaletti, Esprit, Fabrizio Giannie, In Wear, Line, One Girl Who..., Sandwich and Signal. From jeans, cords, shirts, sweaters and seasonal footwear, such as UGG and travel accessories from Oilily, BII offers everything including the classic little black dress, jewelry, even fashionable reading glasses. "Style is an expression of individualism mixed with charisma. Fashion is something that comes after style," said the website that has been set up to round out the modern BII experience. "We continue the Barbette tradition by offering quality merchandise and superb customer service in a warm and friendly setting ­ and our updated outlook is reflected in our boutique and in the new lines and great accessories we offer. We are very proud of our second-generation status and the boutique's rich heritage ­ and feel it's a wonderful foundation on which to continue to build our expertise in the exciting fashion industry," said Prescott. Barbette BII is located at 349 Lakeshore Rd. E., on the north side of the street, at the eastern end of the downtown. And though it's been in business 50 years, the shop has done its fair share of moving about -- but not a lot. It first opened on the south side of Lakeshore Road, then moved next door. Then, came the big move across the street, to the north side, and then again, next door. One of the locations, its present spot, used to be Henry Birks. See Destiny page 13 Travel Industry ANGELO ESPOSITO TAX SERVICES · Basic returns from $25 · E-file - no extra charge · Small Businesses, Rentals You are Invited! Attend the industry's ultimate networking and educational event Trade Night at April 10, 6 - 9 pm. Free Admission · Attend Educational Seminars · Meet Travel representatives from around the world · Network with travel industry leaders · Enjoy live entertainment, cocktails & hors d'oeuvres · Free admission to all accredited travel professionals Register online at www.totravelshow.com Sponsored by Call (905) 847-4626 for a free estimate OLDFIELD & PACHECO ACCOUNTING Serving Oakville & Burlington for 18 years SENIORS FREE! "For Initial return" Tax,Investment, Estate, Retirement, Education and Insurance Planning Kirk Oldfield, CMA 905-334-8238 International Centre, 6900 Airport Rd. Mississauga FREE PARKING