La Rousse shuts its doors Sept. 30 to stake out a new life online

I hate goodbyes, but alas, it's time to say farewell to yet another favorite boutique -- downtown's La Rousse, which will close its doors Sept. 30. Thankfully, shoppers will be forced to bid adieu only to the brick-and-mortar shop, as owner Amanda Rosenthal plans to move her three-year-old store online.

The closing of La Rousse isn't all bad news, because beginning Aug. 15, shoppers will receive an additional 20 percent off their purchases -- including new fall merchandise and already-marked-down sale items, for a total savings of up to 90 percent on some items.

Every two weeks after Aug. 15, markdowns will increase an additional 10 percent, but if there's something you really want, get thee to La Rousse as soon as possible or another fashionista will beat you to it.

Stock up on great fall pieces from Built by Wendy ($135-$315), Grey Ant ($209-$286) and Parkvogel ($78-$170), along with summer sale items from LA Made ($12-$22), Mercy ($59-$129) and Stretsis ($150-$200).

After Sept. 30, in addition to the online shop, which Rosenthal launched in June as an extension of her downtown location, private clients will be invited to Rosenthal's home showroom, which will offer shoppers the same access to the unique clothing her shop is known for. When clients make an appointment, she'll have items pulled aside for them to make shopping more efficient.

"The main difference is that I will spend more time buying specific pieces with certain people in mind," says Rosenthal. "The atmosphere will be laid back, though, as we sip on wine and hang out."

Drinking wine and trying on great clothes? We should be so lucky as to say goodbye to shops like La Rousse more often.

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