What's in Store: Leather And Luxe

Vera Pelle has plenty to offer those who don't mind showing a little skin.

By Rachel Baker

: Store photo by Lisa Richov. Clothing photograph by Hornick/Rivlin.

OUR FAVORITE ITEM
Paired with all black, Gerardina di Maggio leather and vinyl ankle boots($350) provide just the right measure of unexpected funk.

WHAT'S SELLING BEST
Leather handbags like this one ($285) give bang for the buck and look as rich as four-figure designer versions.

COVETED BY THE SHOP CLERK
Daniela Vitali's beaver and lizard coat ($3,185) is as warm as it is stylish.

THE LOWDOWN

Though it's situated on prime Newbury Street real estate between Gloucester and Fairfield, Vera Pelle feels like quite the trip. And not just back to the late '80s, which the décor might suggest at first glance. Looking past the badly wigged mannequins and Patrick Bateman–era furnishings, the boutique, which opened in September, sells unique, fairly priced leather and fur outerwear as well as accessories imported from Italy, including supple jackets ($500 and up), Euro-chic footwear ($250–$350), and a wide assortment of luxurious handbags (about $300–$1,000). There's even a line of authentic-looking faux-leather bags ($150), the literal translation of the shop's name—"real skin"—notwithstanding.

Vera Pelle
264 Newbury St. Boston
857-362-7352