For the opening of her fun fashion outpost just a few weeks ago at the London Square in Kendall, Christiane Matarangas did what she claims to do best: Entertain.

And with style.

Guests at the pink and white shop were treated to sushi, world music, free hairdo to go with new outfits. Matarangas said that Alma, like the multibrand Ella boutique she has owned and run in the Grove for 14 years, is all about personal assistance.

''It is not uncommon for our clients to drop by the store shortly before a special event,'' she says. ``I've helped clients with hair and make-up myself.''

While dresses are clearly Alma's focus, from monochromatic silk gowns to minidresses splashed with animal prints, the stock is a mix of skirts, tops and bikinis, bags and other accessories.

Staff is trained to coordinate outfits. A delivery service is also available, where clients are offered advice on how to mix new buys with what they have at home.

Matarangas has recently changed her stock at both boutiques to reflect the shrinking economy. At first, she offered pricey pieces by Jill Stewart, Anna Sui, Cynthia Rowley and European designers.

Now, she has switched to designer Nicole Miller and other, more gently priced brands, such as Voom, Sky, Hot & Delicious, Mai Tai and Corey Lynn.

''I love the unique, unusual patterns,'' says Julian Mayer, 24, who bought a red and brown print dress. ``And the colors and lengths are so distinctively Miami.''

Matarangas says her many interests -- art, architecture, traveling and race cars -- help her to create a diverse, colorful blend of merchandise. Her childhood was spent in Brazil, accompanying her Italian mother to tailors, where she learned about the transformation of clothes, as one sees fit.

''My focus is on guiding clients to pieces that will accentuate their strong points, allow them to move with more confidence, more freely,'' she says.

The name of the store means ''soul'' in Spanish. Its logo has wings, which Matarangas says alludes to her wanderlust and her eclectic style.

''Nomadic whimsy one day, ultra-romantic the next,'' Matarangas says. ``Never basic.''

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