Nowadays most big name companies make the step through frame, it's a sign of the ageing baby boomers. I have two bikes like that. Specalized makes them and so does Trek. Usually they are sized Small, Medium and Large Check these links http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...name=Multi+Use it's considered a multi-use bike.
This one is a cruiser from Trek, it's a one speed but they offer many others in multi speeds too http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...eluxe_womens/#
I don't believe that either of these are mixte style but they are low entry for sure.
Your friends best bet is to go out to stores and take them for some test rides.