When proprietor Sheri Falk opened Basiques boutique in November 2009, she didn’t just bring a bit of je ne sais quoi from her days in France: she inspired a revolution in women’s attitudes towards dressing well.  Her collection of items, with its limited color palette (crimson, cerulean blue, white and black) and fabric selections (cashmeres, silks, and cottons) may seem a bit Spartan to the unbeknownst eye, but fashionistas, take note:  Falk abides by her mantra that “it’s not about having things–it’s about having a few really great things.”

Competing with the likes of Newbury Street’s treasured fashion groves–Chanel, Burberry, Max Mara and Akris to name a few–hasn’t been a problem for the newly minted boutique, fresh on hopes that its seasonless styles will continue to attract smart, savvy women who buy to keep, than to collect.  Rather than anticipating fashion hits and misses, Falk sticks to what she knows works best:  crisp white blouses tailored especially for women’s bodies; sumptuous V-neck pullovers with diagonal ribbing set to enhance curves and mask flaws; picot corsets that pair well under a pantsuit, or take a pencil skirt up a notch with the cinch of a scarf at the waits; charmeuse blouses that flatter, not fail, under pressure. Sheri knows, of course, that a wardrobe is only as great as its fit, which is why complimentary tailoring is offered with purchase.

A trip to Basiques, it seems, starts with a camisole and ends with a love affair for effortlessly chic, classically timeless, Parisian-flavored style. Move over, Coco–there’s a new girl about town.

Basiques is located at 172 Newbury Street, 857.445.0144

Photo credit: French style comes to Newbury Street