Rhiannon Troutman realized a long-term goal last week when she opened Fringe Boutique, a women’s clothing store at 1147 N. State St., in the Herald Building.

Troutman will host an opening party at the shop from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24.

The 1,300-square-foot store has a “fashion-forward” focus with products geared toward women under 40, Troutman said.  She described her store’s products as “women’s clothing for work and play with a bohemian twist.” In addition to clothes, the store carries jewelry, handbags, scarves, throw blankets, pendant lights, glassware, body products and other fashion products and home items, many of which are locally made.

Troutman is a downtown retail and clothing veteran. Her resume includes time at Bellingham stores including Naked Clothing, Sojourn, and Black Market Boutique. Most recently, she managed Mi Shoes, she said.

Troutman decided she wanted to own a clothing store nine years ago, when she was 16. Years of working at other clothing stores helped her learn how to run Fringe, but it wasn’t as helpful for financing the business. She took care of that through a crowdfunding campaign this summer and a family loan, she said.

For more information, go to www.wearfringe.com.