It wasn't downsizing in the retail industry that led Lorna Colette Moore to give up a huge salary and manager's position at an upscale women's clothing store on Michigan Avenue. Instead, after an illness and other life changing events, Moore decided to realize her dream and open her own business.

"I had a well-paying job and I loved my team," she said. "But�after I recuperated, I started to�think about what I really wanted to do in my job. I found a very desirable location and had always dreamed of opening a store that really let women feel good about themselves and just decided the time was right."

A fashion merchandising graduate from Indiana University, Moore had more than 25 years of experience and most recently worked as a district and retail manager in corporate America for such retailers as LS Ayres, Victoria's Secret, Filene's Basement, Banana Republic and Gap.

But the strong support and influence of her family and friends, combined with her religious background, inspired her to open a boutique that would be unique to Northwest Indiana. She named the store for her mother, Eleanor Moore, the boutique now known as Ms. Elle's.

"My mother was an inspiration," she said. "She was very active in her church community in East Chicago, and I was brought up in church and taught to treat people the way I want to be treated. I have a store that is unique and dedicated to helping women feel beautiful inside and out."

Ms. Elle's has one-of-a-kind apparel, suits, dresses, career and casual separates, accessories and gifts that have been personally selected from designers throughout Chicagoland, United States, Canada, Jamaica and Africa. Sizes 2 through 22 are available.

"Unlike when I worked at major retailers, I now have an opportunity to go to market and am not restricted to a certain design or fabric," Moore said. "I have a passion for fashion."

Location: 2235 45th St., Highland

Phone: (219) 924-4204

Owner: Lorna Colette Moore

When opened: July 19

Number of employees: Five

Type of business: Ladies clothing and gift boutique]]>