If you’ve recently been out shopping in A La Mode at Lakeport Commons in Sioux City, you might have noticed a few subtle differences in the store. These are all courtesy of the store’s new owner, Sandra Mueller. 

Sandra became the official new owner on June 1, 2025. A change you will notice is that the store will have an additional day of business, as it will be open on Sundays from 12-4 p.m. Aesthetically, Sandra will continue to add her own personal touch to the store, while largely adhering to Kristi’s original line of clothing. Are there any other changes ahead on the horizon?

“Customers keep asking if we will bring in men’s clothing. No, I don’t see that happening, but if you’re wondering if you should come down and see what we have to offer, do it. You’ll be pleasantly surprised if you do. We have a little bit of something for everyone. It’s been an unexpected blessing. Kristi has done such a beautiful job building the store and its business. I feel honored to be able to continue her legacy and hopefully make her proud. The customers have been very excited and welcoming. Their enthusiasm about the possibilities brings me encouragement and makes this transition a lot easier,” shared Sandra.

Kristi Pittman opened A La Mode in 2009 as a women’s boutique store offering designer fashions, trendy styles, and one-of-a-kind gifts to fit all budgets. The store is open Monday-Sunday. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 10-6, and Wednesdays, 10-7. Saturdays 10-5 and Sundays 12-4. Sandra and Kristi had known each other for some time when Sandra had inquired about some part-time work. After her first day at work, her husband, Rex Mueller, inquired how her first day had gone.

“Please don’t take this the wrong way, but it was like a little escape for me from reality. I love my life, and I have a beautiful family. However, this was just so; I felt incredibly happy there. I loved interacting with the people, and that was day one. It didn’t feel like a job, I felt like I was making connections and it felt really good!” exclaimed Sandra.

When Sandra approached Kristi about the part-time job, she was unaware that Kristi was considering selling the business at the time. After working part-time for a short time, Kristi told Sandra that she was going to sell the business and wondered if she was interested. Sandra asked for a bit of time to think about it and prayed about it a lot.

“I think this was a door that I was brought to, and I was guided to walk through it. So, here I am. I feel so happy here. I want to help you find what it is that’s going to make you feel special. You’re going to walk out of here feeling like you’re walking away with something you’re going to feel good wearing. So many people walk in the door as strangers and walk out the door as friends. It’s a completely different experience. The excitement of being here grew for me from the very first day. It’s truly wonderful. I’ve really enjoyed meeting people that otherwise I would not have had the opportunity to meet,” said Sandra.

Not to worry, as the new owner, Sandra, is not planning on taking away any of the fashion lines you ladies have grown to love during the years the store has been in business.

“I am always open to feedback from customers about our lines of clothing and other materials. I keep repeating that I will continue to carry the clothing lines that the ladies have come to love over the years; however, I also want to experiment with some new clothing lines. Be honest, if you like them, then we will continue to carry them. If not, well then, we won’t be reordering that line,” stated Sandra.

Now, if by chance you’ve never been to A La Mode to shop, here’s what Sandra had to say as to what to expect for your first experience.

“I’ve talked to older women who have come into the store for the first time because they thought we were stocked more for only younger women. Then I’ve had younger women come in and shop for the first time because they thought the store was more tailored to an older woman. Stop worrying about who you think the store is stocked to fit and just come and see what we can offer you,” explained Sandra. 

In all honesty, the store has a bit of a Cinderella aspect to it. You can come into the store as an absolute disaster and leave looking like you’re ready to take on the world, regardless of your age. One of the main reasons for that is the staff’s attention to detail in assisting their customers.

“Customers will say they aren’t sure where to start, or that they don’t have a sense of style. We simply respond, okay, let’s have some fun here. Let’s get you all put together, and then we do! Trust me, if we don’t think you look good in it, we won’t let you leave the store with it. As women, we are our own worst critics. Many customers will come in, all of them beautiful women, and they will make negative comments about themselves. We have to stop doing that! We have to stop being so hard on ourselves. We have to start lifting ourselves up and lifting each other up. We want our customers to feel special when they’re here,” stated Sandra.

A La Mode Boutique is located at 5001 Sergeant Road, Suite 390, in Sioux City. If you have any questions, you can reach them at (712) 274-5977 or check out their Facebook page.

By Amy Buster