One of Queens’ own has brought affordable fashion to Bayside.
A graduate of Holy Cross High School, Eliot Castillo opened Lash Boutique at 43-17 Bell Boulevard in May after 15 years in the retail business.
“I wanted my own concept in the neighborhood I grew up in. I knew what Bayside needed, and now they don’t have to go miles to get a great outfit,” said Castillo.
Lash sells ready-to-wear, handbags, belts, necklaces and earrings meant for the sophisticated, trendy woman. Castillo describes the clothes he carries as fashion-forward, edgy, chic and affordable. Jeans run from $20 and dresses from $25. Nothing in the store costs more than $60, and if you spend over $500, you get a 10 percent discount. You could find some of the same things Lash carries in Neiman Marcus, but for four times the price.
“All the stuff I find looks expensive, but it’s not. Women tell me they can’t believe the prices. It feels like you’re in a high-end boutique,” Castillo said.
Before starting Lash, Castillo spent six years styling celebrities, including Jay-Z, Jennifer Lopez, Naomi Campbell, Usher and Justin Timberlake. He also ran a high-end clothing store in SoHo called Lounge, which was sold to Victoria’s Secret for $100 million.
Lash only carries six of each item: two small, two medium and two large. Castillo’s background in fashion has given him an in so he knows where to go to buy things that no one else carries. There are also new products being added all the time, usually a minimum of 300 new units each week. The selection of clothes at Lash is not found anywhere else.
“I know fashion. I spot trends faster than people normally do,” he said.
Castillo’s favorite part of owning his own boutique is spending time with customers and helping women dress confidently and look good. Many customers leave with a whole new wardrobe.
“A lot of women doubt themselves. I put something on them and it changes their outlooks,” said Castillo. – Catherine M. Lozada
