Boston - November 01, 2005

Atmospheric Pressure

Hazel & Grace Opens

The fashion world, let it be said, is not known for its delicacy.

Between runway collections with all the subtlety of a train wreck and salesgirls with all the diplomacy of Tom DeLay, high fashion is all too often synonymous with high pressure.

But you’ll breath a sigh of relief as you pass through the just-opened doors of Hazel & Grace. The refreshingly laid-back (and beautifully laid out) boutique may carry all the lines you want most (filmy dresses by Rozae Nichols, buttery Three Dot tees, snugly cashmere by Vince, denim by everyone from Antik and Earl to Taverniti So and Yanuk), but the atmosphere is far more attuned to spending precious time than gobs of cash.

Maybe that’s because owners Jennifer Ginn and Amy Gubellini — who started the business as two longtime friends — know that the best shopping experiences are about freedom. They encourage clients to linger, peruse, gab, and try on whatever strikes their fancy just for fun, without a lick of pressure to buy.

Now that’s our kind of sales force.

Hazel & Grace, 254 Washington Street, Wellesley (781-235-2313).