Boston - March 05, 2008

Sharp-Dressed Girl

Monella Opens

Picture Sophia Loren (pre-Grumpier Old Men) stacked and flirty in a pair of red peep-toe pumps.

In Italy, they’ve got a word for women like her (not that word, silly). It’s monella, and it’s the name of Harvard Square’s newest boutique, which does its best to capture that independent spirit.

Filled with vibrant colors and playful silhouettes, it’s got the goods to get you dressing the part of an Italian beauty. Try flapper-inspired dresses by Kanvas, light-as-air tunics by Zio, and party-perfect demin by Sang Real Jeans.

And since every beauty makes her statement in the bedroom, there’s a pretty little section of super-soft camisoles and panties by Hanky Panky, plus luxurious terrycloth robes to put over them and thousand-thread-count sheets (currently en route from Turkey) to get you fooling around.

And just maybe living up to the name.

Monella, 29 Brattle Street, Harvard Square, Cambridge (617-897-6100).