Helene M first opened it’s doors in April 2000. Ten years later, when many other store fronts in the Old Port have had to close their doors, there’s still a beacon of fashionable hope on Fore Street. We met up with Liana, the store manager, for a tour of the shop. (Who is very chic and cute but alas, camera shy.) 

If you’re on the hunt for some perennial favorites like a Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress or a Tory Burch blouse, Helene M is the only boutique in Portland to find it. 

Throughout the store hang photos of Audrey Hepburn, Helene’s style icon. “When we buy items, we always ask ourselves if Audrey would wear it,” says Liana. 

The style icon has indeed set the tone for this “classically hip” shop. It’s no surprise that after ten years, Helene M is still going strong with loyal customers and a big fan base. “We’ve become a destination. We have summer residents that always stop in and local customers that have been shopping here since the beginning,” says Liana. “I’ve even kept the store open late for customers that wanted to stop in but couldn’t make it before closing time.”

The selection here is diverse, from racks of cocktail dresses destined for holiday parties (I’ve got my eye on a beaded Maggy London) to a psychedelic printed Trina Turk blouse to headbands made by Cape Elizabeth resident Susan Frost. There’s a great mix of high-end pieces like Nicole Miller dresses to well-priced basics.

“We have really wonderful customers and great relationships with our clients,” says Liana. “We even go into their closets for them to help with their wardrobes - free of charge!” Sign us up.