I liken Belle to a gateway drug for shoppers in that it allows you to start out small and escalate into more dangerous territory. This was born out on my first visit to the store, with my mom. We were eyeing some glass pendants made by a local artisan, which were presented along with sterling silver chains. While looking at the necklaces, we happened to notice the selection of other bits--clothes, scarves, and shoes-- on offer. Walking by a few days later with my mom and aunt (aka shopping partners in crime), we decided to take another look. I tried on a midi dress that I spotted in the window. It proved to be a successful shopping experience for all, as my mom managed to score a cute pair of Bensimon sneaker flats and my aunt opted for a modern, chunky-knit cardigan. As an inducement to buy, the shop owner even knocked some pounds off the price since that was the only cardigan in stock in my aunt's size. I am already plotting when I can get my next fix of Belle before I leave the Isle of Wight for London, as these are unique pieces that are not always on offer at your run-of-the mill shop. read more