The definition of virtue: a positive trait or quality deemed to be morally good and thus is valued as a foundation of principle and good moral being. Personal virtues are characteristics valued as promoting collective and individual greatness.

Vertu, the French spelling of the word, is also the name of a new clothing boutique in Zachary.

Owned and operated by Cristen Wilcutt, Vertu is a fashion forward, trend-setting little boutique that sells clothes, jewelry, scarves and accessories for women of all ages.

Wilcutt, 30, is Zachary born and raised. She obtained her business degree at Southeastern and was working as an esthetician and make-up artist at Aveda Salon in Zachary when her love for clothes and all things fashion presented an opportunity to start selling clothes. She began selling them from inside the Aveda Salon in Nov. 2011.

“The clothing business, small as it was there, took off, and I eventually needed more space," Wilcutt says of the decision to open her own boutique. "Everything all came together at the right time. Sales were good, I needed more space and the location became available. The planets aligned and things worked out. I’m very blessed for this opportunity."

Wilcutt is quick to point out that she's still taking it all in. "I still have so much to learn about being a business owner and about the business itself."

She says her parents, Charlene and Pastor Reggie Wilcutt of Passion Connection Church, are huge inspirations in her life. "I also thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for opening the door for me and giving me this opportunity," Wilcutt says.

Vertu Boutique opened in Oct. 2012 with lots of assistance from the Wilcutt family. "They helped gut and renovate the entire place, and my mom helps out in the store when I cannot be here myself," Wilcutt explains.

She is often traveling to markets and still does make-up on the side for events such as wedding parties.

Her trips to Dallas and Atlanta - and one day New York - supply her with the trends she selects to bring back to Zachary. “You kind of get a feel for what styles and trends are here in the community and you select those garments from your favorite vendors. The first time I went it was so completely overwhelming. It’s impossible to make a market trip alone,” said Wilcutt, who always brings a friend, cousin or her sister to market for help.

"Once items are selected, they're paid for and then you leave market empty handed," she said. "Then the boxes start arriving of the clothes you've picked out, and it becomes fun again."

Everything is prepackaged in a certain number of sizes, which is usually why all the Smalls and Larges go first, she explained.

"This has been so much fun and such an exciting journey for me! I’m still waiting for it to feel like work, but that hasn’t happened yet," Wilcutt joked.

Like any business owner, Wilcutt said she'd love to see Vertu eventually expand and grow.

The fashion forecast for Spring is fabulous, Wilcutt says, with lots of bright colors but also plenty of mint, peach and lavender.

"We just returned from market, and I'm bringing back some new lines, including more variety for ladies, as well as for juniors. I want people to know I do have many clothes for ladies, and Vertu is not solely centered around juniors," Wilcutt said.

She says Vertu will soon feature several shoe lines, which will be arriving soon. "I'm pretty excited about the shoes!" Wilcutt said.

Also hot now are the monogrammed filigree jewelry pieces that come in necklaces or bracelets.

All the jewelry at Vertu is to die for and will soon be featured in 225’s March 2013 Health & Beauty issue.

In addition, Vertu Boutique has an eclectic purple and gold section, which is currently on sale, as are the winter items.

Wilcutt says there will also be a Valentine's Day sale, and she's expecting arrivals for that any day now.

Located in the heart of Zachary at 4470 Main St., Vertu Boutique, a new member of the Zachary Chamber of Commerce, is open Tuesday thru Friday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

You can also find information about sales and events for Vertu Boutique on Facebook and Instagram.

Contact owner Cristen Wilcutt at Vertu Boutique in Zachary at (225)658-8565 or by e-mail at VertuBoutique1@yahoo.com.