After 15 years in retail, Maria Scerbo was confident she knew a need when she saw one. That is why she recently opened Haute in the Hillsborough Promenade.

“There isn’t an accessory boutique in our area,” the 20-year Hillsborough resident said.

With her youngest in college, she decided the time was right to take a risk and fill that need.

She and her 27-year-old son Frank, who graduated from Rider University with a degree in business, decided to partner in this business venture.

“What better place than Hillsborough?” Scerbo asked. “We really know the community.”

Loosely translated from the French, “haute” means fashionable or trendy and that is how Scerbo designed the boutique in Suite 903 of the Hillsborough Promenade, from its animal-skin-inspired interior accents to its purses, scarves, jewelry (costume and fine), bridal accessories, unusual gift ideas, and much more.

“We’re vamping up the fashion trend market,” Scerbo said. “We are couture- and designer-inspired.”

Haute’s slogan is “Be fun. Be haute. Be you.”

“You can still look really good on a budget,” she added, noting that prices at Haute are “inexpensive.” “I know we’re in a recession and I know people have kids in school.”

Purses similar to ones worn by the Kardashians, for example, are $45 and fashion necklaces are $18.

Haute is reaching out to all ages of women. An infants and young girls section features earrings, bracelets and other jewelry just for them. For teens, there are the popular feathered hair clips, leather bands and bracelet watches.

There are also “girlfriend” gifts (including wine glasses to mark special birthdays or events), bridal accessories such as T-shirts and jewelry, sunglasses and readers, wine charms, notepads and wine boxes ($25) that are ideal to dress up that hostess gift.

Bags range from designer-inspired designs to clutches ideal for special occasions and a wide selection of scarves to add a little “oomph” to any woman’s wardrobe.

Haute also carries plenty of the ultimate accessory–jewelry–in the latest styles and colors to enhance any outfit. The boutique is currently featuring a selection of rose gold jewelry, which Scerbo says is this season’s hit.

She anticipates regularly turning over the trendy merchandise and purchasing limited quantities (usually two or three) of each piece. In addition, to emphasize her commitment to the community, Scerbo is planning to feature the works of local artisans each month.