For boutique owner and designer Anastasia Stone, fashion has never been simply about buying clothes. Her passion started early; she taught herself to sew at age 10, began working in her mother’s boutique at age 12, where she styled customers, and accompanied her mother to market. In college, she studied fashion design at Texas Woman’s University, while continuing to work in boutiques.

After losing her husband in 2022, Stone found herself needing to create a new life, so she decided to pursue something she had always wanted: her own boutique.

Named Anastasia Ellen, the boutique’s grand opening is set for Oct. 17, 2026 at The McKinney Cotton Mill, with clothing, jewelry, elevated western wear, boots, a shoe collection, home decor and professional personal styling appointments.

What are the two sides of the boutique?

The name Anastasia Ellen represents two different sides of the store. The “Ellen” collection is geared toward a younger demographic, with casual, office and date night pieces. The “Anastasia” side features more sophisticated designs, higher-quality fabrics, cleaner lines and carefully selected accessories.

The distinction, however, is not intended to create strict age categories. Stone said the Anastasia side can appeal to women of different ages, particularly those looking for distinctive pieces that can be incorporated into an existing wardrobe.

Where does the boutique source its items from?

Stone sources pieces from a variety of markets and makers. She frequently visits the Dallas Market Center, a place she remembers visiting as a teenager while working in one of the showrooms. She also plans to seek out pieces from markets in cities such as New York, Atlanta and Los Angeles, along with jewelry and other finds from places such as New Mexico and San Miguel.

How does personal styling work?

Personal styling is one of the elements that distinguishes Anastasia Ellen from a traditional shopping experience. Clients can make an appointment and bring pieces from their existing wardrobes so Stone can help build outfits around what they already own, ultimately creating what she calls a “team wardrobe.”

“I think it's really important to work with the pieces that you have. I discovered this in my 20s. I thought, ‘My dollars would be better spent if I worked around my pre-existing pieces,’” Stone said. “So, I started bringing my favorite jeans and tops when I went shopping, because I wanted my pieces to intertwine with each other in a positive way. That is one thing that separates Anastasia Ellen: I'm focused on separates that work well together, so that you can create a multitude of outfits from these key pieces. Not only is it a puzzle to solve, but it saves us money. It helps us to have a wardrobe that allows us to feel beautiful without the frustration of having a whole rack of clothes, but still not knowing what to wear.”

During styling sessions, Stone plans to photograph outfits so clients can reference the combinations later. Appointments will be fee-based, with purchases applied toward the styling fee.

What should clients feel when they walk through the doors?

Stone envisions Anastasia Ellen as more than a place to shop. Music, candles, curated home and gift items and the overall design of the space are intended to create an environment where customers can slow down and enjoy the experience.

“When you walk through the doors of Anastasia Ellen, I want you to feel like you are removed from the world,” Stone said.

Her styling philosophy also focuses on helping women recognize what works for their individual features, from body type and height to hair and skin color. Ultimately, Stone hopes customers leave with greater confidence in the pieces they have chosen and a better understanding of how to put them together.

“I hope that women walk away with a renewed sense of self, and that they find the beauty within themselves that we help to accentuate. I think that's what fashion does for us,” Stone said.

What is The McKinney Cotton Mill, and why is it an important part of the boutique?

Stone said The McKinney Cotton Mill was built in 1910 and was the nation’s No. 1 denim manufacturer in 1960 before denim manufacturing moved to China. The former factory remained largely unused until the Casey family purchased it in 1996 and began developing it into a center focused on arts and design.

The Casey family has also played a direct role in bringing Anastasia Ellen to life, with McCall Casey overseeing construction and implementation.

For Stone, that support has become an important part of the boutique’s beginning.

“My gratitude has just been over the top,” Stone said.

The boutique's grand opening will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 17. Breakfast bites and mimosas will be available in the morning, followed by live music, margaritas, ranch water, appetizers and dessert in the afternoon. Raffle drawings will also take place during both portions of the event for a chance to win a free personal styling session and Anastasia Ellen gift cards.

Those interested in learning more can find resources here:

Frequently asked questions

What is Anastasia Ellen boutique?

Anastasia Ellen is a new boutique opening Oct. 17 at The McKinney Cotton Mill, founded by designer Anastasia Ellen, who studied fashion design at Texas Woman's University and has worked in the fashion industry since age 12. The boutique carries clothing, accessories, jewelry, elevated western wear, boots, a shoe collection, home decor, gift items and offers professional personal styling appointments. The grand opening runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with breakfast bites, mimosas, live music, margaritas and raffle drawings for a free styling session and clothing credit.

What is the difference between the "Ellen" and "Anastasia" collections?

The boutique's name reflects two distinct aesthetics. The "Ellen" collection is geared toward casual, everyday pieces, including office and date night pieces. The "Anastasia" side features more sophisticated designs with higher-quality fabrics, cleaner lines and carefully selected accessories. The distinction is not strictly age-based; the Anastasia collection is designed to appeal to women of different ages who are looking for distinctive pieces that integrate well with an existing wardrobe.

How do personal styling appointments work?

Clients can book a styling session and bring pieces from their existing wardrobe so Stone can help build outfits around what they already own, creating what she calls a "team wardrobe." Stone photographs the outfit combinations so clients can reference them later. Purchases made during the appointment can be applied toward the styling fee.

What is The McKinney Cotton Mill?

The McKinney Cotton Mill was built in 1910 and was the nation's top denim manufacturer in 1960 before denim production moved overseas. The Casey family purchased the former factory in 1996 and developed it into a center focused on arts and design. McCall Casey played a direct role in the construction and buildout of the Anastasia Ellen boutique space.

The above story was produced by Senior Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller of Community Impact's Storytelling team, with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.