Gilded Lily Holds Grand Opening
By Kathy Feist
For the past five years, Debra Beachner has been selling her merchandise at the boutique at 612 E. 135th St.: when it opened as Charm in 2012 and later when Restoration Emporium took over the business as Re:Charm in 2015. Each time, she considered the possibility of owning the business herself. But life got in the way.
Now her time has come. Restoration Emporium did not renew its contract for Re:Charm, after expanding nearby in Johnson County and on the Plaza. Many of their vendors left with them. But Beachner remained.
“I didn’t want it to go away,” she said. “So we took it on and put our own touch to it.”
Beachner, with the help of her contractor husband Tom, and two daughters, one in high school and the other studying interior design in New York City, worked over the summer to redecorate the century-old house.
Beachner chose the name Gilded Lily, a take on Gild the Lily, which means to apply unnecessary ornament. “It’s something you don’t need,” she explains. “A woman is already beautiful. We’re just adding to the perfection. Same with this house.”
She stocked the shelves and countertops with her unique finds from around the world, including vintage couture jewelry, French perfume designed for Napoleon, Louis Sherry candy (referred to in the Judy Garland movie “Meet Me in St. Louis) and French magazines.
Repurposed furniture and antiques, handmade signs and art, and a full clothing store in the basement are contributed from other local merchants. Beachner is expecting even more vendors who will rent space from her there, including Something Sweet Boutique t-shirts, often found in Hallmark stores.
The wide array of items still reflects the trendy Farmhouse look. But Beachner says that look is on its way out and she is now pursuing the vintage Parisian appeal. For now, it’s a pleasant combination: French Country.
Gilded Lily will have its Grand Opening on Saturday, September 16, after a Fall Open House on Thursday and Friday. There will be music from the jazz era, appetizers, and door prizes. Former occupants of the house will be at the Grand Opening.
For more information, call 816-510-2182 or go to Gilded Lily on Facebook.