By Maureen Post Special to OnMilwaukee.com Published Jan 08, 2010 at 10:34 AM

We lost several small shops in 2009 but the world of Milwaukee boutiques is bouncing back, and this time, it’s for the plus-size woman. Boutique Larrieux, 717 N. Milwaukee St., is poised to open mid-March 2010 with both high-end and affordable options for plus-size women.

"The price point is going to be moderate to designer. We’re going to carry luxurious items but also moderately priced things. These are investment pieces to have year after year," says owner Lydia Hamilton.

Hamilton, a Milwaukee area native and a plus-size woman herself, sought to increase the local selection in what she considers an underserved market.

"I’m driven by my overall passion for fashion. There are some options in Milwaukee, standard stores in malls, but I wanted to provide lines from my favorite designers," says Hamilton.

Boutique Larrieux plans to carry apparel and accessories but also offer services like event makeovers, wardrobe overhaul and workshops.

Check back to OnMilwaukee.com in March for details on Boutique Larrieux’s opening events.

Maureen Post Special to OnMilwaukee.com

OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Maureen Post grew up in Wauwatosa. A lover of international and urban culture, Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

After living on the east side of Madison for several years, Maureen returned to Milwaukee in 2006.

After a brief stint of travel, Maureen joined OnMilwaukee.com as the city’s oldest intern and has been hooked ever since. Combining her three key infatuations, Milwaukee’s great music, incredible food and inspiring art (and yes, in that order), Maureen’s job just about fits her perfectly.

Residing in Bay View, Maureen vehemently believes the city can become fresh and new with a simple move across town.