PATTY'S CLOSET: A dream come true

Clothing store owner sees goals fulfilled with opening of first boutique

Larry Cruikshank/ViewShopper Melissa Candate checks the look of a white dress found at Patty?s Closet. Larry Cruikshank/ViewStephanie Suce browses through the inventory at Patty?s Closet. The boutique offers an assortment of clothes and accessories. Named after owner Patricia Barba, Patty?s Closet, 7920 S. Rainbow Blvd., offers jewelry, accessories and trendy clothing.Larry Cruikshank/View Advertisement

Patricia Barba is a graduate from the College of Hard Knocks.

The one-time single mother knows all too well the gritty education its dilapidated halls have to offer, and while she can vividly recall the years spent in pursuit of a dream that seemed forever out of reach, she said the personal struggle has made her a stronger person and businesswoman.

Barba is the owner of the trendy fashion boutique Patty's Closet, 7920 S. Rainbow Blvd., a store she opened with husband, Juan, late last year.

"I sometimes can't believe I'm one of those people that made it happen," Barba said. "I owe so much to my husband, who has been so supportive. But, I feel very lucky to finally have my dream fulfilled."

Barba dreamed of going to fashion design school from an early age, but said that she was discouraged from pursing her dream, mainly because of cultural expectations on the part of her family.

"Then, I became one of those girls that was pregnant right out of high school, and I went to school to become a medical assistant," Barba said.

Years later, Barba found herself working as a waitress at the Hard Rock Hotel in an effort to support her son, who had been born with mental disabilities.

"That's where I met Juan and told him that I had always dreamed of owning my own shop, of being a clothing and jewelry designer," Barba said. "And for the first time in my life, someone didn't say no. They didn't tell me how stupid it was. He just said, 'Let's make it happen.' And we did."

Patty's Closet specializes in the sale of unique, trendsetting styles for the busy mom, working woman, fun loving grandmother or teenage princess at a low cost in a boutique setting.

"Because we decided to do the store in a boutique style, it means that we have just a few of each item in stock," Barba said. "I hand-pick each dress, shirt, skirt, pant and piece of jewelry. I think that is what makes us truly unique. I pick things I know I would like. I think I have a good idea what women want from their stylist, from their clothes."

Barba said that as a woman who enjoys fashion, but who also has had to live on a budget, she has made it a priority to keep pricing in the store reasonable.

"Most boutiques mark up merchandise by 300 percent," Barba said. "We made a conscious choice not to do that. Women like to be able to mix and match looks, and it's easier to do that when you can actually afford to buy different outfits."

Las Vegas resident Jamie Blackwell said that she hasn't been to the mall in months, all because of Patty's Closet.

"You can find things here that you won't at a mall," Blackwell said. "It's cheaper, and usually, I don't have to worry about seeing my shirt or necklace on someone else. I'm in style, but I'm not trying too hard."

Barba said she plans to open a second location near Blue Diamond and Cimarron roads in July.

"The second store will feature the same concept, but different selections and styles," Barba said. "As well as a new jewelry line that I'm developing. Every piece is one-of-a-kind."

Barba also said that she plans to add an in-home stylist service to the store's repertoire, giving busy women the option of working with a professional stylist to create the perfect look for a special occasion.

"That idea is still in the creative stages, but I hope to offer the service before the end of the year," Barba said. "It's just more of the concept that started this business. I want to be able to help other women feel good about themselves without breaking their wallets. It's my passion."

For more information on Patty's Closet, visit www.pattysclosetstore.com. The store is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.