Along Highway 11 South in Picayune is a clothing store where locals can find fashionable clothes, sunglasses, jewelry and more.

Rosemary Smith said she opened LaPalle’s Boutique three years ago in April as part of her lifelong dream. Smith said she has been fascinated with fashion since she was a child.

She opened the store after a bit of encouragement from her husband, Nate, whom she met about 18 years ago.

Things started out kind of slow for the first two years, but now young people in Picayune are learning that they don’t have to drive to New Orleans to find the latest fashions at a good price, Smith said.

Not only does she enjoy helping the community find affordable clothes close to home, she also enjoys helping her customers find the items they like best.

And Smith said she prides herself on offering clothing not offered in other stores within Picayune. That’s why she offers clothes that are geared toward younger people, to fill a need previously unmet in town, she said.

In addition to clothes for young men and women, she also sells baseball caps, purses, jewelry, sunglasses, body oils, perfume, cologne and soon she plans to add swimwear of various styles. 

Smith said she named the business after her eldest son.

LaPalle’s Boutique is open Tuesday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The business is closed on Sunday and Monday.

She can be reached by calling 601-798-7212.