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“Pop-up shop” may sound like some sort of 3-D picture book, but for a Downtown Napa boutique like Cake Plate, it sounds like success.

Visit Cake Plate’s permanent boutique owned by Lindsay Kroll and Paige Smith, but turn the corner and you’ll encounter what seems like an entirely different shop altogether — hence, the pop-up. The Napa clothing store recently debuted its first collaboration with Leifsdottir, one of Cake Plate’s bestselling designers. For the next six weeks, Leifsdottir will occupy a slice of Cake Plate’s boutique space, not to mention a heap of its business (the icing on top).

During its launch party last month, the Leifsdottir design team unveiled its entire garment and shoe collection. They executed a unique Amazon-themed redecoration of half of Cake Plate’s store, an interior décor to match the clothing line. Co-owner Smith says, “That night of the launch party, the design team was here, and they were able to give their story and inspiration for the collection. It’s a great relationship. Our goal is to create an almost friendship with our clientele.”

Cake Plate shoppers fell for Leifsdottir’s sophisticated sense of humor and its iconic and inspired prints. The two especially love Leifsdottir’s Maija metallic heel sandals, $268, and the Sateen Wrap Dress in onyx black, $278.

Kroll explains why Leifsdottir’s pop-up shop generates such a positive response from shoppers. She says, “There’s a sense of urgency. In 10 weeks they’re in, they’re out. There’s nowhere else in the Bay Area where you can see their entire spring or shoe collection in person. We have everything, including the runway pieces.” Every six to eight weeks, Cake Plate will debut a new pop-up designer. Next on the (cake) plate is Kirribilla, a line of dramatic yet sophisticated party dresses. In fact, the April 24 Kirribilla launch party will celebrate in true equestrian theme — just in time for the annual Napa derby.

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves though. Come March 15, Bay Area fans who can’t make the trip will be able to take advantage of online shopping to browse Kroll and Smith’s own collection, CP for Cake Plate. The designers have created ladylike silhouettes complete with flirty belt accents, structured shoulders and customized vintage buttons. All of this just proves Kroll’s mantra: “Everything looks better on a cake plate.”

cakeplateonline.com