Febuary 5, 2008

Calling all bombshells

Bombshell Boutique offers clothing, lingerie, gifts and fun

By Jeanne C. Carbone
Editor

A trip to downtown Campbell’s Bomb-shell Boutique is a real treat for the eyes and easy on the pocketbook. And owner Brooke Ramirez likes it that way.

Brooke Ramirez’s Bombshell Boutique is a welcome addition in downtown Campbell where the fun factor is high at the L.A. inspired shop featuring lingerie, clothing, gifts and tattoo art inspired t-shirts for men, women and children. Photo by Jeanne C. Carbone

“I have a little bit of everything for everyone,” said Ramirez, 27. “I feature pinup inspired lingerie, clothing and gifts. I always loved pinups and the tasteful art of Vargas and wanted to feature classy, sexy, comfortable clothes in an L.A. or Miami type boutique.”

Ramirez has succeeded. Her retro painted red and teal shop lined with 1950’s pinups offers Dreamgirl lingerie, hosiery, dresses and tops, tees and jean skirts, as well as the very popular tattoo art inspired t-shirts for men, women and children by Black Market Art, Sailor Jerry and Rock Rebel. And a trip to Bombshell won’t break the bank either. Prices are extremely affordable.

There are gift possibilities for everyone with many one-size fits all, eliminating the risk of the wrong size. Lingerie ranges from sexy hot mama to tastefully covered debutante to cheerleader pleated skirts. Colorful Blue Q totes are big sellers as well as the affordable leopard purses, sunglasses, costume jewelry, scarves, bath and body products and even dancewear. Be sure to check out the retro magnets, stickers and fresheners with bubbled haired women asking questions like, “Why do I have to get married?”

The fun factor is high at Bombshell Boutique and that’s the way Ramirez likes it. But she’s had her share of learning experiences. Her first location was on South Bascom Avenue where there wasn’t much foot traffic. Her move to downtown Campbell’s Courtyard last September, amidst art galleries and collectable shops where she is tucked midway down the court, has also proved challenging to let pedestrians know she’s there. A mannequin is pushed outside wearing neon pink under garments.

She admits that most of her customers come from word of mouth but once they know she’s there return again and again to the fun and affordable Bombshell Boutique.

“Brooke brings so much enthusiasm to the downtown,” said Patricia Appelquist, Campbell resident who shops regularly at Bombshell Boutique. “She is very hard working. The shop is a place to find perfect gifts for a girlfriend, a guy or yourself.

“And she is proactive in reaching out to the community from donating time and effort to downtown events as well as her own promotions. She works very hard and has earned a great reputation for being a positive for downtown Campbell,” adds Appelquist.

Since Ramirez’ move to the Courtyard on Campbell Avenue, Bombshell Boutique’s presence has been seen. Whether the Fashion Frenzy Fall Fashion Show at the Sonoma Chicken Coop fundraiser last December, the monthly art walks every third Friday, Oktoberfest or hosting a Candle Party at her shop in January, the word is out. Bombshell is the place to shop.

But Ramirez is busy behind the scenes as well, attending the monthly Downtown Campbell Business Association. She may look like an updated version of a pinup herself but make no mistake. She’s one smart cookie. She’s a graduate of San Jose State University in justice studies. And more often than not, her mom, Joellen Ramirez is found helping at the boutique and beaming at her daughter’s business savvy.

One of Ramirez’ passions is volunteering but she admits there isn’t much time while opened six days a week and on the seventh ordering more goods or special orders for her patrons. But with Valentine’s Day around the corner, Ramirez is planning a Bliss Pleasure Party/Bombshell Lingerie Fashion Show for a “Girls Night Out” fundraiser on Feb. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Cardiff Lounge. Asking a $5 donation for the American Heart Association, the event will also include a Pussycat Doll Dance Workshop, boudoir photos by Tanya and of course, fun. Afterwards, cross the street to Bombshell Boutique where all lingerie will be discounted.

“I love Campbell,” said Ramirez. “The customers are great and so are my neighbors. I’m so happy to be here in downtown Campbell. The best thing is when my customers tell me they love my store.”

Bombshell Boutique is located at 501 E. Campbell Ave. in The Courtyard. Open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. For more information call (408) 371-7423.