Stylish and trendy shopping from the comfort of home

By Patricia Nugent

Cleveland’s hottest new ladies’ boutique is right around the corner from you…on your computer or cellphone.

Opened last August by local style guru Erika Fatica, Alla Moda is an online shopping destination for the cutest looks, from tops and joggers to skirts and rompers.

“I chose the name because it means stylish and trendy in Italian, which sums up my passion—to create a shopping experience with hand-picked fashions that will look fabulous on any woman,” she says.

While studying fashion at Virginia Marti College of Art and Design, Erika did an internship at a well-known ladies’ boutique.

“I grew up loving clothes, but this opportunity gave me a valuable learning experience into the business side of the industry, from buying to merchandising and marketing,” she says. “It was a natural for me. The owner of the boutique taught me the tools necessary to be successful. She inspired me and gave me the confidence to take the risk and open my own virtual boutique.”

The Changing Face of Retail
With more and more people shopping from home and working from home, Erika’s timing couldn’t have been better. Business is booming and her biggest challenge is keeping items in stock as they sell out so quickly.

“The face of retail has changed drastically over the past several years, with online shopping becoming the norm,” she says. “Thankfully, I have many clients who are repeat shoppers, and I cater to them with exceptional, personalized customer service.”

Since shoppers revisit the site a lot, she’s always adding new pieces.

One thing that sets Alla Moda apart from other boutiques is that Erika’s clientele ranges from ages 16-75.

“My background in the industry helps me in selecting universally flattering pieces,” she says. “I’m constantly on the lookout for new introductions from lines that I’ve come to know and love. And I’m also very picky when it comes to fabrics, only going with ultra-durable polyesters, cotton and spandex blends for clothes that will hold their shape wash after wash, as well as ensure comfort, breathability and wearability.”

The boutique carries sizes small to extra-large, and extended sizes 1X-3X in some styles. Staying fashionable should never break your bank, and Erika opts for items that are as affordable as they are chic. And at any given time, there are clothes on clearance to suit those who love a deal.

Sip & Shops for Spring
In addition to online sales, since Erika has built a community of loyal shoppers, it’s only natural that she would venture into throwing in-person shopping events.

“I’m planning parties in the springtime, going to people’s homes or special locations,” she says. “Plus, hosts receive 20% off anything they buy at the party.”

Last month she held a “Galantine’s” party at her mother’s salon in Willoughby Hills. It was a huge hit, with ladies popping in to see the clothes and enjoy a sip or two of champagne.

Since her mother, Elena, is a personal style icon—always encouraging her to “look put together” whenever she left the house even for the smallest errand—Erika says she feels blessed for all the support she’s received from family, friends and her legion of shoppers.

Visit ShopAllaModa.com for a unique shopping experience. Look for announcements of Sip & Shop events on the Facebook page or website. To book your own event, email Erika at shopallamoda1@gmail.com. Shipping is free on orders of $75 or more, and for orders less than that, everything ships at a flat rate of $3.99.