THE BRIGHT SIDE

By SuSaN Salaz

Elizabeth Lechleiter Of 8fifteen

Spring style is in full bloom at 8Fifteen, and Elizabeth Lechleiter, new owner of the fashion-forward boutique in Broad Ripple Village, is keeping things light and lively.

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Eye-catching patterns and vibrant colors infuse 8Fifteen with a refreshed mood that seems to lift spirits just by stepping through the door, and that's by design. After seven years as store manager, Elizabeth Lechleiter took ownership of the designer boutique last year. Although much remains the same, the store, like Elizabeth herself, is always evolving.

"For me it was a dream come true," says Elizabeth, as she shows me around the store, pointing out new brands and fashion lines. She has added designers that include Anine Bing—edgy yet sophisticated comfort; Farm Rio—pattern masters with tons of color; and Jonathan Simkhai—fashion forward and full of dazzling textures. Of course, recognizable favorites like Ulla Johnson, Raquel Allegra and Golden Goose are still in stock, and the aim to be a destination for exclusive style remains. But Elizabeth is also making room for an expanded range of price points, silhouettes, jewelry, accessories and gifts for everyone.

As we browse, Elizabeth's team is helping shoppers coordinate outfits and find matching jewelry, and they’re hanging sundresses and the new swimwear line by Love & Bikinis in anticipation of sunny days ahead. One lays out an outfit in a rainbow of colors for the day's Instagram image: a pink sweater by Sablyn, a pleated patterned skirt by Le Supurb, and Golden Goose sneakers accessorized with a Mar y Sol clutch, an enameled cuff and geometric sunglasses. It's elegant, captivating, and brazen all at the same time, yet still absolutely effortless.

Elizabeth Lechleiter, who took ownership of 8Fifteen last year, has embraced the opportunity to bring exclusive, fashion-forward designer styles to Broad Ripple Village and beyond. She has expanded the brands to include new favorites, like the sweater and silk dress she is wearing here by Sablyn and shoes by Jonathan Simkhai.

Elizabeth got her start in retail working in the gift shop at Habig Garden Shop in Nora when she was only fourteen. With a keen eye for fashion and fine art, she earned her BFA in textile design at Xavier University in Cincinnati, then a degree in fashion design from Parsons School of Design at the New School in New York City. After that, she worked in fashion retail at Nordstrom before serving as manager for the flagship Ted Baker store in Midtown Manhattan. After moving home to Indianapolis to raise her young children, Elizabeth was introduced to Erin Welch, founder of 8Fifteen, by her sister-in-law, embracing an opportunity to manage the thriving boutique.

At 8Fifteen, Elizabeth felt at home. She not only adored the clothes, but she loved the atmosphere and the team she helped build there. Her career grew alongside her family, both taking twists and turns along the way, but 8Fifteen was always her happy place. So she leaped at the chance to purchase the business last summer, excited to continue it as her own. "I don't take for granted one second of this opportunity," she tells me.

Golden Goose luxury sneakers, as seen here on owner Elizabeth Lechleiter, have been on the shelves at 8Fifteen since the shop opened in 2009. While she has brought in several new lines, iconic designers, including Ulla Johnson, Raquel Allegra and Veronica Beard, are still in high demand.

For Elizabeth Lechleiter, 8Fifteen is a haven of happiness, which she hopes to share with everyone who steps in the door through the colors, patterns and beauty inside.

Last August, Elizabeth finished signing the paperwork and was handed the keys. The first thing she did once the shop was officially hers was paint all the walls white. Next, she replaced the dark hangers with white ones to brighten things even more. Then she filled the space with colorful paintings by her favorite artist, Kerri Rosenthal, to enhance the upbeat mood and welcoming atmosphere. "I stumbled upon Kerri's art one day and it just spoke to me," Elizabeth says. The whimsical hearts, smudgy colors and encouraging words are infectiously happy. Her smaller Blocks of Love are available for sale, perfect for gifts and collections. "They make me happy when I see them, and I want them to make other people happy," she says.

A true artist, Elizabeth thrives on coming into the store, working on the floor and moving things around. "This whole place is like my canvas," she says, pointing out the patterns, colors and textures that make the shop come to life. "I am able to express myself through what I order," she explains, adding that at market and on buying trips she feels such a strong connection to the clothes—imagining how they will look in the store and who will choose them for their own wardrobe—and she hopes others feel that connection as well. "When [customers] leave happy, with something they would have never tried on or haven't had the opportunity to see in another place in Indy—I think that's the exciting part," says Elizabeth, noting that being able to continue the legacy of the store and to share this side of fashion with the city is an honor.

8Fifteen has become a fixture of Broad Ripple Village and continues to flourish, bringing fashion-forward styles closer to home. For now, Elizabeth is ambitious to nurture the boutique as a fun destination with something for everyone. "You can grab a gift and go, or you can spend the whole day here," she says, adding that the talented team can offer personal styling if needed. The shop also hosts several trunk shows and "girls' night out" events throughout the year that are an enjoyable way to shop with friends.

Find all your favorite fashion items and fresh spring styles at 8Fifteen, located at 815 E. 65th Street in Broad Ripple Village, or by visiting 8fifteen.com and following @8fifteen on Instagram.