Reign Storms Onto Merrick Fashion Scene

Many women would find solace in the ambience of the Reign clothing boutique in Merrick.

The deep purple walls and white and black curtains fill the space with a magnetic tenor, allowing those who come to the store to shop with confidence -- myself, for one. The fitting rooms were propped with mirrors that, at every angle I pivoted, the clothes I tried on seemed to drape almost as flawlessly as a regal cloak. 

Wendy Lombardo, 31, who owns Reign, has paid her dues in the fashion world. From buyer to merchandiser, Lombardo decided to open the doors of Reign last October to introduce her own sense of style in a manner she felt would be appropriate for her customers' tastes, she said. 

"I pay attention to what customers want," Lombardo said. "You want to bring in what customers like, you are buying for the customers."

The walls are lined with magenta, teal and burgundy tops that enticed my eyes to stray in their direction. The shelf spaces are filled with deep blue denims and earth-toned bags that baited my fingertips to graze over the different textures and the soft leathers. Lombardo specifically carries only select items with select sizes. But don't be discouraged; Reign promises something for everyone.

"I don't carry a ton of the same stuff," Lombardo said. "You won't see people wearing the same clothes around town."

The red and white sleeveless top I grabbed for its particularly small checkered pattern and delicate material was priced at $38.99. Lombardo informed me that no item in Reign was priced at more than $100, so I yanked the amethyst and beige tye-dyed top I had been eyeing earlier from it's hanger and added it to my growing pile.

With an economy that practically forbids people to go and spend excess money, Lombardo said she sought to keep prices affordable and carry pieces that someone is guaranteed to love. 

"I wanted to fill an area that was more reasonable," Lombardo said. "People are still going to shop, I just want to make it easier."

Lombardo was dressed casually -- dark denim jeans and a white top, but a closer look would reveal her denim complimented the vest cooly thrown over the white and her boots set off the distressed gold earrings dangling from her ears.

Customer and family friend AnneMarie Sime, 41, believes that Lombardo is the ideal clothing boutique owner, keeping to date with stylish trends and even more stylish prices.

"She is really in touch with what is stylish and what looks good," Sime said of Lombardo.  "She helps coordinate different outfits for different tastes easily."

Lombardo's mother, Susan Lombardo, stood firmly behind her daughter's choice to open the boutique despite the economic downturn. 

"She has a strong sense of style, fabrics, textures and materials," Susan Lombardo said. "It comes out in what she purchases for the store."