Divine Diva may be a little out of the way, being a second-floor shop on the avenue, but a customer can't help being curious about what's at the top of the stairs beyond the entrance, based on one thing-the funky leopard print carpeting that leads the way to the boutique.

"I actually picked out this particular space for the store because of the carpeting," owner Racquel Woods said. "I then decorated the rest of the shop by bargain shopping in area Goodwills and thrift stores."

Originally from California, Woods worked in retail for many years before pursuing her dream of opening her own fashion boutique. She said that after three years of studying the demographics of different areas around Indianapolis, she chose Broad Ripple because it seemed like a perfect fit for a "chic funky" boutique.

"I love Broad Ripple and always have," Woods said. "It's a very artsy district, and I consider myself to be a very artsy person. I thought it would be a great place for the boutique, and so far, I have had a very warm response, including many repeat customers."

It is tough not to be drawn to the numerous funky and eclectic items that Woods has on display around her store-things that she states can be for anyone ranging from the age of 8 to 88.

The store is decorated in a warm amber-orange color with gold and red outlines (and, of course, the leopard print carpeting). Customers can find anything from little clutch bags and jewelry to chic shirts and dresses, which more than likely will not be found at any other boutiques in Broad Ripple-or on anybody else in the area.

"While I would say that the main item I carry here is dresses, casual ones to ones that are a bit dressier, I am very choosy in what I carry because I want the items to be different than what other stores in the area have."

Woods said that choosing items for the store has been a learning process in its own, simply because she is trying to attract a market beyond the 15 to 25 year olds.

"I am very choosy because I want the items I have in my store to be different and unique," she said. "If I find something, I usually only get one or two because that way people aren't walking around Broad Ripple with the same outfits on. I know I like to be different."

Woods said she was inspired to name the store "Divine Diva: A chic funky boutique" because she hopes to bring out the diva in all females.

"I feel there is a diva in all of us. . . And when I say it is a chic-funky boutique, I want it to be chic in the dress you find or funky in the t-shirts with the crosses and skulls on them."

Woods believes that everyone really can find something in her store-which is more than likely true.

From the range of clothing, purses and jewelry (including jewelry from India) to the vintage jewelry from the 40s and 60s, more than the teeny-bopper generation should be inspired to shop at Divine Diva.

Located at 811 Broad Ripple Avenue, Divine Diva carries sizes small, medium, large and extra large.

Woods added that as the seasons change, customers should be on the look out for classier dresses for holiday occasions.