Outfit Yourself Entirely At Ensemble

The North End's unique businesses bring people from all over the world to this neighborhood. So North End Patch will be featuring one each week -- whether a restaurant, florist, smoke shop, boutique or salon. Let us know if there's a particular one you'd like to read about in this weekly series.

Ever since she can remember, Wendy Lepore has had a passion for fashion.

She had her own store in Westford for 16 years and also worked on the executive team for Neiman Marcus.

Her most recent endeavor was opening Ensemble in December 2011.

“We got here just in time for the North End Stroll,” Wendy said.

Located at 62 Salem Street, Ensemble is a consignment shop that also carries new things.

Why shop at Ensemble?

And that’s what makes this shop for women so special, Wendy said.

“I carry vintage and new fashions, home décor, gifts, candles imported from France, Butter London nail polish and Speziali Fiorenentini bath and body products imported from Italy,”

And she curates everything in the shop.

“When people bring me things on consignment, I carefully decide what will fit in this store,” Wendy said. “The consignment items move quickly – there’s a 75-day period – and that keeps the inventory fresh.”

Wendy said she only takes select lines and prices her pieces well.

She carries fur coats; vintage and new shoes, pocketbooks and jewelry; hats; stationery; jeans; casual and dressy clothing; and art work among other items.

Why the North End?

“I like this neighborhood,” Wendy said. “It has a nice community feel.”

Wendy believes a lot of people in the North End and Waterfront like to shop locally.

“I have a mix of customers: people from all over the country as well as residents of the community.”

She can’t think of any changes that are necessary to help small businesses in the area.

As for parking, it’s not a problem for customers at Ensemble.

“I validate parking at the Parcel 7 garage,” Wendy said.

Favorite experiences since Ensemble opened

“It’s fun here every day,” Wendy said. “There’s good music playing and people come in regularly to see what’s new.”

Ensemble accepts consignment by appointment. The shop’s hours are Monday and Tuesday, noon to 6 p.m.; Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

For additional information, call 617-455-8711, visit Ensembleboston.com or write  Wendy Lepore at ensembleboston@gmail.com.