The Mix boutique in downtown Topeka offers variety in women's clothing

The city’s newest clothing boutique will host a two-day launch party this weekend in Downtown Topeka.

“We mainly have women’s clothes — tops, sweaters, jackets, dresses, pants, but also some home, gifts, bags, sunglasses and jewelry,” said Jennifer Foster.

The Mix, located at 921 S. Kansas Avenue, offers women’s apparel, accessories, home décor and gifts. Owners Danielle Byers, Loni Foster, Lanelle Dinkel and Jennifer Foster say there’s something for everyone in their collection, from denim to charcuterie boards and candles.

The Mix was born out of the belief that shoppers in Topeka needed another boutique option downtown. Setting up business in the space formerly occupied by Ash Boutique, sisters-in-law Jennifer and Loni Foster, along with friends Byers and Dinkel, began turning that idea into a reality.

“It kind of organically happened," Jennifer Foster said. "There was a need for customers to have a spot to come try on clothes and fit them to (their bodies). We’re trying to give people options so that if you have an event this weekend, you can come down and buy a dress, or pants and a cute top.

"We feel like there would be something for you.”

When it comes to merchandising decisions, the owners collaborate and come to a consensus on what items The Mix will carry. Since all four women have very different styles, Loni Foster said this strategy works well for ensuring there will always be variety in what they offer.

“We want to keep everyone in mind, so we’re trying to hit all ages, all styles, and all body types,” she said.

The name they chose for their boutique celebrates the friends’ differences as well.

“We got together and had a list of a hundred ideas for names. We’re a mix of backgrounds, interests and likes, so The Mix fit,” Jennifer Foster said.

She said she tends to navigate toward such basics as jeans and tops, while Loni Foster prefers the comfort of active, leisure and loungewear. Lanelle Dinkel is more inclined to choose a dress over jeans, and Danielle Byers, who is younger, enjoys following current fashion trends like crop tops and two-piece sets.

The Mix will also offer extended sizing options.

Like with any new venture, Jennifer Foster said there have been some bumps in the road. Delays in shipping forced the owners to postpone setting a firm opening date for The Mix out of fear their merchandise wouldn’t arrive on time.

“It’s definitely been challenging, but we’re getting to the fun part,” she said.

The Mix will open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday for its official launch party. Champagne, cookies, and dessert will be served, and customers can get a preview of the boutique and all it has to offer.

Top City Flower Truck will also be parked outside with its bouquet bar from 7:30 a.m. until noon Saturday. Jennifer said events like this are part of a larger plan to attract customers to shop downtown in an effort to revitalize the area.

“Please come, and if there’s something you would like to see, let us know,” Jennifer Foster said. “We’re open to suggestions.”