Trendy boutique celebrates new location

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - Armario de la Bella, a boutique that features clothes and accessories from all around the world, has a new location, while keeping its reputation for unique and stylish clothing. Located in the new Creekside Park Village Center at 26400 Kuykendahl Road, Suite C160, the boutique is an unmistakable place to find beautiful and trendy clothing at reasonable prices.

Pamela Sofola, the owner of Armario de la Bella, always had a strong love for fashion beginning at a young age.

“I’ve always had a love for fashion. When I was a child, my mother would buy me clothes and I would take her sewing machine and alter the clothing."

After moving to The Woodlands four years ago and while on leave of absence from being a Certified Public Accountant, Sofola decided to make her dream a reality. In 2011, she decided to start her own business depicting her unique and trendy style. Beginning with trunk shows, Sofola continued to grow her boutique, and in 2013, she was able to get a permanent location for her store: Armario de la Bella. Carrying clothing for women, juniors, and children, the mission of Armario de la Bella is to make everyone who walks into the store feel beautiful for who they are.

Armario De La Bella means "the beautiful closet." Sofola's inspiration for the name came from her living in Spain, as well as her friends inquiring about her clothes and their desire to look into her closet.

“I lived in Spain for three years and it is like my second home. My friends always say ‘I want to look in your closet,’ so thats how I came up with the name: The Beautiful Closet.”

A trend setter herself, Sofola handpicks everything in the store by traveling all around the world. Having been to 37 countries, Armario de la Bella represents the styles of many different places across the globe, all available in one store.

“I handpick everything,” said Sofola. “I am very particular about what I have in here because people always tell me, ‘I like what you wear,’ so I want the store to be a reflection of my taste.”

Customers who come to the store first enter a quaint and beautiful sitting room area that leads to double doors opening up to “the closet.” From formal dresses, skirts and tops to trendy workout clothes, Armario de la Bella has it all. Patrons can also browse a wide variety of jewelry and accessories, as well as Fair Trade items.

"I obtain fair trade goods to help people locally,” said Sofola. “I go directly to different countries. Recently, I was in South Africa in April and bought directly from the local artists. It not only empowers them but provides for their daily needs. There are so many talented people that just need to be given a chance."

Not only does Sofola have a passion for fashion, but she is also devoted to giving back to those in need. A percentage of Armario de la Bella’s sales goes to orphanages around the world as well as other philanthropic causes including Foundation for Special Surgery, where Sofola serves as the Director of Development. The organization provides free surgery to people in different parts of the world.

“I am just a steward of God,” said Sofola. “I use this business to help others. That is my goal.”

Customers who shop at Armario de la Bella can not only find trendy and unique clothing and accessories, but their purchases also go towards a greater cause.

“Our mission is to help the poor and to serve the community,” said Sofola. “Everybody is welcome here. When somebody leaves Armario de la Bella, we hope that they feel beautiful when they leave, because it is the beautiful closet and everyone deserves to be beautiful."