Small Prints
Instead of opting for plain colors, show more sophistication by picking up prints that are complemented well with pure shades. Small prints starred at many swimwear designers’ runway shows this year. Opt for geometric shapes, florals, elaborate patterns—everything you like.

One-Shoulders
A stylish, one-shoulder swimsuit is one piece that should find itself a place in your wardrobe. Thankfully, a standout one-shouldered swimwear piece won’t be hard to come by this season. Subtle and sexy, you have the option of sporting a one-shoulder monokini or bikini with deep cuts.

Flirty Ruffles
Ruffles rule the fashion world this summer. Whether tiny or demure, ruffles will look sweet at the neckline, down the middle of a one-piece, along the bottom of a tankini top or tiered with several layers at the bottom.

Denims
Surprisingly, denim is turning heads as it managed to take a different route from the popular jeans’ line. From one-pieces to bikini styles such as corsets and vests, denim will be varied in swimwear this year.

Sexy Cutouts
Cutouts are one trend that most women should look forward to, whether you have a petite or voluptuous figure, there is a cutout piece for every shape and size. One-piece suits may be seen with cuts along the waist, hips, thighs and upper body to match your figure, while bikinis will be seen with small, subtle cuts to give you an edgier look.

Bold Bandeaus
Similar to a bikini, but with a strapless, straight top, bandeaus are an excellent alternative to the classic triangular top. Look for bandeaus in new styles, interesting prints and exciting colors. For women with a full bust, a bandeau style can be quite flattering on your body shape, in addition to looking feminine for those who have a smaller bust.

Vintage
Fashion changes every season, but vintage always remains timeless and classy for those who wish to exude sexiness without revealing too much. This style is perfect for women who are shy to show off their bodies, but want to look tempting. Subdued colors, cute prints and ruffles will all be very trendy in vintage wear this summer.

Soft Colors
Despite the fact that vibrant colors and patterns are definitely prevalent in swimsuits, soft hues are also equally as irresistible. Light blue and green, delicate rose and violet, white and beige are especially desirable this season. With soft colored swimwear, attention is accentuated on the body rather than the swimsuit itself.

Shannon Collins is the Editor-in-Chief of Local Living Magazine.

So step inside, and the interior spans to a wall on the right covered with shimmering Czech glass strands. Directly across, the wall to the left dangles with gemstones. Venture up the stairs to find display tables of Swarovski crystals, findings in all manner of metals, and lots of pretty pearls. And meander further still if you are looking for just the right tool, a special wire, or a gemstone pendant waiting to be hung from a silver chain.

As any jewelry hobbyist knows, bead stores come in all shapes and sizes. Jewelry making has spurred a surging interest recently among women, who have discovered it is fun, easy and quite cost-effective to make their own beautiful jewelry. Not only can a necklace or pair of earrings be designed with any gemstone or pearl, but the length, shape and composition are essential variables that go into the creative process that captures the imagination.

A typical bead store can accommodate someone with this creative outlet. But offer, instead, an impressively large bead store filled with quality inventory, and couple that with just the right classes, and the result is a new business model that takes jewelry making in an entirely new direction.

“What the Potomac Bead Company has done,” says jewelry designer and owner Elizabeth Aranda Rohrbach, “is acknowledge the essential needs of all kinds of jewelry-makers. My store offers such a wide selection of gemstones and pearls because every customer is looking for something different, looking for that one particular size and color to suit her current project. Or, just the opposite, she is simply browsing to see what new rock or vintage brass filigree will capture her eye and become a new bracelet.”

Not only do the array of gemstones and accent beads satisfy both, but the classes offered cater to those inclined to learn the proper use of a new tool or technique. Basic jewelry making is offered weekly and other classes teach the ins and outs of working with silk cording, wire, seed beads, metals and polymer clay. An avid jewelry-maker for years, Elizabeth has not only learned the standard techniques for the materials just mentioned, but has also become certified to teach working with Precious Metal Clay. Her staff offers their own talents as well, such as the Viking Knit, crochet wiring, flame-worked glass beads and Kumihimo weaving.

“The difference between a bead store and a jewelry-making venue,” she says, “is that a storefront simply offers merchandise with some ‘how-to.’ Alternatively, one can display a substantial assortment of beads and at the same time, have a classroom dedicated to the many styles jewelry can take. I’ve invited local artisans to teach their craft here as well, knowing that this area has all the right elements for a welcome reception. Not only has the community been historically supportive of the arts, but the savvy and artistic
customers that have visited so far expect to find not only exactly what they are looking for, but new or different components that will continue to inspire them. Having guest teachers only enhances that experience.”

The new store has made quite a buzz right in town, too. Local merchants have popped in just to gaze at the expansive rooms filled with jewelry findings, gemstones and pearls. One gentleman, an architect, came in not to make a necklace, mind you, but to study the rooms and finally inquire who the contractor was.

“Bridge Valley Construction,” Elizabeth smiles. The family-owned business, operated by Jeff Weise, took less than two months to fit out what had started as a rather dreary interior. Grey rugs were ripped out to reveal old hardwood floors worthy of refinishing. The white drop-leaf ceiling was left to recycling so faux tin tiles could replace them. Brick walls, track lighting and a fresh coat of paint finished everything off just right, so anyone who enters feels uplifted and welcome by the simple elegance.

“This should be a respite,” Elizabeth explains, “a place where we can enjoy the creative process of making wearable art, while sharing that enthusiasm with friends and family.”

Incidentally, her store classroom isn’t just limited to jewelry instruction. It also hosts children’s birthday parties, Mom’s Night Out gatherings, prom jewelry parties, bridal shower parties, holiday events and summer camp days, among others. It has two large tables with seating for up to sixteen, ready for either a small gathering of students, or guests at a little girl’s birthday party.

This is the twelfth Potomac Bead Company store in a franchise that also has nearby locations in Phoenixville and Ocean City, New Jersey. Established in 2005 in Chambersburg, PA, the franchise owners have taken a new spin on what they’ve learned customers should expect in a bead store. Selection is paramount, followed by excellent customer service. And that, in particular, allows the opportunity to educate. So when it comes to crafting a long-lasting thing of beauty, Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of supplies, mechanics and tools.

“It’s easy to find a string of faceted amethyst that you absolutely love,” she says, “and certainly the next step is to imagine it made with gold beads and a toggle clasp. But having a resource such as this, with just the right silk or cording, and then teaching the right assembly with proper tools, is where we make the difference between a necklace that might fall apart in a few weeks, or ensuring that it is a statement piece, one that will last for years.”

The Potomac Bead Company in Doylestown is certainly ready to test the waters of Bucks County customers, those curious enough to venture into the world of jewelry-making, and others with years of experience who have waited for a store of this caliber to arrive. The impressive selection of gemstones, glass, crystals, Miyuki seed beads, lucite and pendants, along with findings in seven different metals, is open to customers seven days a week. The Web site lists all of the classes currently offered, with new class schedules posted for the following month as well.

With an elegant interior, an organized palette of shiny rocks, glass and pearls, and a staff waiting to give proper instruction, the Potomac Bead Company in Doylestown is undoubtedly open for business. Newcomers will not be disappointed, and even if there does happen to be something not in inventory, Elizabeth will make every effort to correct that. “It has already been a revealing experience, watching the delighted reactions of everyone who walks in that door,” Elizabeth says, “and I hope to satisfy this neck of the Bucks County woods with everything I would possibly want in a bead store. And then some.”

Samantha Wynne is a freelance writer in Bucks County, PA.

In pitch black, Alicia Keys’ voice bellowed over the sound system a cappella, “New Yoooooooork,” and one almost expected the R & B artist to pop out with Jay-Z for a duet of their new popular song.

Instead, the lights turned as bright as sunshine, and all eyes became immediately glued on the first model marching down the runway with one leg in front of the other in a silver silk taffeta trench coat and black sky-high booties.

Her dark skin glistened and as she neared the end of the catwalk where the sea of photographers happily snapped her photo, she mechanically placed her black leather gloved hands on her hips before pivoting and heading back in the direction from which she came. Her lips were straight as an arrow and were stained a deep burgundy as if she downed a glass of Pinot Noir backstage.

Alison Brie from “Mad Men” and “Community,” sat front row beside New York City “It” girl Tinsley Mortimer, former “American Idol” star Constantine Maroulis and “Real Housewives of NY” star Kelly Bensimon. Brie’s gorgeous eyes followed an eggplant chiffon pin-tuck blouse and pixel print pleated balloon skirt down the runway.

It was day four of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week where Fall collections were paraded in front of the fashion world’s most elite editors, designers and people of importance. The only fashion enthusiasts that were allowed to enter the tent either had to have a credential or an invitation. Men in black with earpieces and walkie talkies who could give even the Secret Service a run for their money, stayed perched at the top of the steps, keeping wide-eyed on-lookers out and ushering V.I.P.s in.

The lucky few who get in the door experience everything from Maybelline make-up sessions to complimentary Chambord Black raspberry liqueur cocktails to hair touch-ups at the Tresemme booth in the lobby while they waited in line for the show they were there to attend.

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week started on Feb. 11, with a gaggle of A-listers, including Kristen Chenoworth in a red Daniel Swaroski and Felicity Huffman in a red Oscar de la Renta , starting the festivities on the right note with the Heart Truth’s Red Dress collection, a display of gowns designed by Fashion Week’s heavy hitters, to raise awareness for Heart Disease and its impact on women.

In the days that followed, well-known designers, such as Nicole Miller, Diane Von Furstenberg, Rebecca Taylor and Isaac Mizrahi, showcased their Fall lines at Bryant Park.

But this particular Fashion Week was different than those that came before it. For starters, it was the last time Bryant Park on Sixth Avenue and 42 Street will host the glamorous event. In September, it will move to Lincoln Center, which is further west and north of the current location. Many designers, including Anna Sui, lamented the change of plans, but Lincoln Center will provide more space and parking for the productions and the ever-growing crowd of people attending year after year.

What was most sad, unexpected and horrifying, however, about this particular Fashion Week was the tragic news of Alexander McQueen’s untimely death at age 40 on Feb. 11, day one of the week. Just nine days after his mother’s death, the British designer, whose celebrity clients include Lady Gaga and Michelle Obama, was found dead in his $1 million apartment.
The terrible news spread quickly through the Bryant Park tents as stunned industry insiders communicated over Blackberrys and iPhones. Anna Wintour, the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, who was in attendance, released a statement, saying: “In such a short career, Alexander McQueen’s influence was astonishing – from street style, to music culture and the world’s museums. His passing marks an insurmountable loss.”

A moment of silence was offered at the Ports 1961 show later that afternoon.

Dorothy Cascerceri is a freelance writer in Bucks County.

The road to therapy, located in Blue Bell, actually started in Lafayette Hill. Jacqueline Konin and Lisa Kodish were friends and began an accessories start up business, selling belts, purses and jewelry, wherever possible, from synagogue bazaars to church events.

Their biggest competitor in the area was Judy Abramowitz. Also in retail, Abramowitz was often selling at the same shows, with her own merchandise. For a small community, the competition was intense, but also highly profitable. To savor the neighborly bond and to remain friends, the three decided to make retail—a joint venture—while three proved to be a very lucky number.

With a set list of clients and regulars the business stay at home moms could count on, the next logical step was a space to house their merchandise, as well as, expand into apparel. In March 2008, therapy opened its doors. Inside, were wisely chosen pieces from New York trade shows all three owners travel to regularly, and of course, accessories. “We have a two out of three rule,” explains Konin of how the women choose the jeans, tops, blouses, cocktail numbers and even t-shirts to sell in the boutique. “Having the three of us makes these decisions really easy for us, if two like it, it goes in the store and vice versa,” explains Kodish.

Almost two years ago, Konin started jotting down potential names for a business she would soon open with her neighbors, Kodish and Judy Abramowitz. Konin wanted a one-word title that would some how encompass all of their many hats; mother, wife, and fashion enthusiast. Then, one word suggested by Konin’s husband suddenly made perfect sense—therapy. Retail therapy was, after all, the best kind of therapy they knew of. That’s how the therapy boutique in Blue Bell was born.

The driving force behind the clothes the women selected for the store is actually
themselves. “When we thought about who was going to be our customer, we thought about ourselves,” says Abramowitz. The boutique is geared to mothers in their 30s to 40s, their teenagers and even their mothers. “Here you can pick out a great top and a pair of trendy jeans for that night out with your husband,” suggests Abramowitz. In truth, the store is accessible to anyone. “We try to pick items that are fashionable and we pay great attention to style, price and quality of our selections,” says Kodish.

The choices all three owners have made, so far have paid off in great success of the boutique. therapy continues to build their clients, expand and try new designers and satisfy their beloved regulars—many of whom the self admitted chatty women know by name.

While running an around the clock business as full-time moms, the three owners are very understanding of each other. “If someone has to go to their kid’s basketball game, we make it work,” says Konin. “We can always count on each other,” admits Kodish.

At therapy, what you can count on are fashionable, new and exciting lines, those famous accessories and service with a smile.

Mention this profile for 10% off an entire purchase at therapy boutique.

therapy is located at 1201 DeKalb Pike in Blue Bell. For more information, call (610) 277-3526.

A polished gem returns to New Hope.
By Susan Sandor

George Zikos was lured to the United States from Greece in 1969 when a young woman tourist from the United States entered his newly established jewelry shop in Athens, Greece. It was love at first sight and he did what any hot-blooded romantic would do, he left his ancestral home in Arta, where he learned the fine art of goldsmithing from his paternal grandfather, and followed his heart to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The ambitious, young Mr. Zikos promptly found his way to Jeweler’s Row in Philly. Several prominent jewelers recognized his rare Greek influence designs and meticulous workmanship and he was hired to create pieces on consignment. A year later while strolling through New Hope he saw a shop for rent and signed a lease on the spot with a deposit of $125 he had in pocket. Zikos spent two months crafting his own display cases and opened the doors to Circes, named after the goddess in Greek mythology who gave Odysseus’s men directions to their journey home.

Circes showcases were brimming with Zikos’ own contemporary designs inspired from all things Greek, from olive branches and keys to architectural elements. His clientele at the time veered toward ostentation, according to Zikos, so he applied his passions to designing necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings to satisfy their cravings. Success led him to a larger spot at Pam Minford’s glitzy Hacienda Inn just a few buildings away, where celebrities from the Bucks County Playhouse lodged and dined and frequented his shop. Eventually a piece of real estate across from the Hacienda became available and this time Zikos not only changed location, but also changed his business name and began trading as Zikos Jewelers, where he spent the next few decades.

Zikos eventually sold his New Hope business to open Zikos Jewelers on the white island of Mykonos on the Aegean Sea where cruise ships converge, commerce thrives and famous people from around the world bought his jewelry. With the help of a crowbar, I was able to pry a few famous patrons’ names from him, among them Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger, Oliver Stone, Paul McCartney, and Ethel Kennedy. “It was a very exciting time living on the island and doing business, encounters I will always cherish,” said Zikos.

When asked about the most elaborate piece he’s ever created, Zikos described an 18 karat yellow gold necklace and matching pair of earrings with 35 carats of small diamonds and 13-millimeter South Seas pearls. It came with a hair-raising price tag of $350,000. The lucky lady who was gifted the jewelry must have been the apple of her gentleman’s eye.

While in Greece, the debonair Zikos was approached by the Hollywood director Tony Amber, who was shooting part of a film in Mykonos, and offered him a bit part in the soon to be released “Bird’s Eye View.” He demurely accepted his role as a CIA agent who was required to decide who can leave Earth in a special spacecraft before aliens demolish the planet. “Although there was no monetary compensation per se for my acting debut, the director made a significant jewelry purchase and afforded me fifteen minutes of fame,” said Zikos in his own imitable way.

After the filming, it was back to terra firma with another change of heart. George left his shop in Mykonos for his brother to manage and returned to New Hope where he opened the new Zikos Jewelers on South Main Street. You can see him at his workbench, as affable as the first day he set foot here, still with fresh ideas, creating magnificent works of art with gold and precious stones.

Mr. Zikos told me the reason he left Greece behind (and this time for good) was “too much la dolce vita.” We laughed together when I gently reminded him that life in New Hope is very much susceptible to the same. Nevertheless, it’s great to have this polished gem of a jeweler back.

Zikos Jewelers is located at 34 South Main Street in New Hope. For more information, call (215) 862-2322.

Susan Sandor lives in Bucks County and is currently working on a book of essays entitled “My Mothers Teeth.”

Celebrating Fun in Doylestown for 60 Years
Maryanna S. Phinn

Back in 1949, kids could stop by Foster’s Toys & Party Center in downtown Doylestown for popular toys of the day, such as a Duncan yo-yo or an Erector set. Sixty years later, Foster’s is celebrating its tradition of making shopping for toys and party supplies fun for kids of all ages.

“We have four stores in one,” explains Gene D’Argenio, the store’s third owner since it opened sixty years ago. D’Argenio bought the store in 2001 and eventually moved it to the Cross Keys Place Shopping Center next to Kmart on West Swamp Road and the Route 611 Bypass in Doylestown.

John and Kathryn Foster were the store’s original owners. It was a favorite family fixture on South Main Street for many years. In 1989 the Fosters sold the store and the second owner relocated it to Union Street in 1998. When D’Argenio took it over, he greatly expanded the store’s product lines, offering a vast selection of specialty, collectible and traditional toys and a huge inventory of party goods and balloons, costumes and teacher/classroom supplies.

“We have a happy environment here. People enjoy themselves while shopping especially when they are throwing a big birthday party or buying Christmas gifts,” notes D’Argenio, who spent most of his career in legal publishing before he bought the store. “We rent and sell costumes all year long. We have all sorts of party supplies for sports and theme parties and just about every holiday and special occasion.”

From Pick Up Sticks to Crazy Bones
At Foster’s, parents and grandparents can take a trip down memory lane and find childhood favorites like hula hoops, Rubik’s Cube, army men and Etch-a-Sketch. Or, they can buy their kids and grandkids the hottest toys and collectibles on today’s market (the store does not carry electronic games).

“We are diverse and flexible and often adjust our inventory for whatever is popular or the latest fad,” notes D’Argenio. For example, the store sells Webkinz, but as the popularity of the furry interactive collectibles fades, D’Argenio brings in new hot items such as Tracksters, Bakugan and Hex Bugs. Or the store brings back toys that have regained popularity such as Legos.

“I often tell people that our toys are the kind that won’t end up at the bottom of the toybox,” says D’Argenio, noting that most of Foster’s toy suppliers are small independent companies with rigid standards for quality control. “We sell creative toys and games not usually sold in the mass market. We find toys that challenge the imagination so kids will play with them often.”

From 2006 to 2008, The Intelligencer awarded Foster’s Toys & Party Center first place for its toy selection in “The Best of Bucks-Mont.”

Halloween All Year Long
Foster’s outfits people with costumes, wigs, masks, hats, makeup and accessories for events and parties throughout the year. “Kids come in looking for outfits to dress up as historical figures for school projects. We have famous people like Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt and Amelia Earhart,” notes D’Argenio, “and Darth Vader and Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz continue to be our most popular Halloween costumes. Batman and pirates are also always popular with the kids.” The store’s walls, shelves and display cases are lined with every type of superhero, cartoon character, celebrity and politician. “This year, we sold out of Obama and McCain,” adds D’Argenio

Let’s Party!
Customers can count on Foster’s for the perfect party favors if they are throwing a luau during a winter blizzard, heading to a Jimmy Buffet concert or hosting a Cinco de Mayo fiesta. Over-the-Hill gag gifts are always a big hit. Plus the store carries paper products with everyone’s favorite children’s characters like SpongeBob, Diego and Dora, WALL*E and Spider-Man.

Princess-themed items are in abundance, especially those featuring Ariel, Jasmine, Aurora and Snow White. “Right now, Tinkerbell is making a big comeback because she’s a princess and a fairy,” notes D’Argenio.

In addition, shoppers will find all the standard party items from mylar and helium balloons, piñatas and plastic products to invitations and thank you notes for graduations, birthdays, baptisms, communions, bar and bat mitzvahs and engagements.

Supplies for Teachers and Classrooms
In 2006, Foster’s further expanded its product line when it launched its division for teaching and classroom supplies. The store carries the best brands favored by elementary, middle and high school educators including readers, posters, maps and bulletin boards.

“We gave $25 gift certificates to the entire Central Bucks School District and some local Catholic schools for the teachers to use in our store,” adds D’Argenio.

Visit Foster’s in 2009 and Save!
D’Argenio encourages customers to go to the store’s web site at www.fosterstoysandpartycenter.com and print out a 15% coupon every time they visit in 2009. The coupon is a thank you to customers who supported the business that promotes fun for 60 successful years. In addition, Foster’s is also giving away sixty $60 shopping sprees. Information on entering to win a shopping spree is available online.

Foster’s Toys & Party Center is located at 4373 W. Swamp Road in Doylestown and is open daily. Visit www.fosterstoysandpartycenter.com or call (215) 345-0710 for store hours or more information.

Maryanna S. Phinn is a freelance writer from Washington Crossing, PA

In early October of 1996, as the chill of autumn winds began and leaves started their turn to shades of rust and gold, two partners, David and Galina Witchell opened the doors to their dream destination at 25 South State Street in Newtown, Pa. Two years prior, they joined forces with Newtown’s Hayden Architecture and Urban Design, to transform the run-down historic structure that had once been a prominent dry goods store at the turn of the century into the area’s top destination for beauty—both body and mind—that it has become today. All five levels of this completely renovated masterpiece of design contain ways for everyone to look great, feel better, dress smarter and live a better way of life! From head to toe, you will fine every amenity that you would find at any A-List Manhattan salon, destination or resort spa, and even the most sophisticated women’s boutique. Having a philosophy of internal staff development, David and Galina hand-selected the original staff of eight and carefully cultivated it to just over 100.

While the business may hold his name, it is actually the complimentary strengths of both partners that make this phenomenal success story so captivating. While David is responsible for training and developing the staff, Galina’s responsibilities express her many talents for her strength in managing the financial aspects of the business, as well as merchandising and designing. From the very first days of business, Galina, David and the talented staff have welcomed and attracted a diverse clientele from all areas of the region, spanning from Manhattan to Philadelphia.
Recently, “Bucks Living Magazine” took a few minutes to sit down with Galina and David to discuss their business’s biggest successes, spring’s hottest trends in wellness, beauty and fashion, as well as how to save money and still feel luxurious in this difficult economic time.

BL: Let’s start with the quickly approaching spring season and Mother’s Day. Does your spa offer anything exciting for Mom this spring?
GW: Yes we do! Quality time spent together is priceless. What better way to say I love you than a day together at the spa? All of your services are included in our duel service room and upon your arrival; a spring floral creation from Clarks Flower Shop will be waiting for your mother! We are offering this relaxing and pampering experience with a savings of $140.00.

BL: How can a person on a budget afford to come to your salon for a spring makeover?
DW: The focus this spring is creating a shape that lasts! Everyone needs to stretch that haircut as long as possible. We have been creating looks that fit a lifestyle for over 14 years, so this is noting new to us.
Our focus has always been on the consultation and creation of a look that fits all aspects of your lifestyle—this includes your finances! Our stylists are trained to first address the needs of the client, then evaluate the texture of the hair and finally make recommendations that will be flattering to facial structure. This luxury is also affordable with haircut prices ranging from $40.00 up to $300.00. We really do accommodate every budget and price point. Also, consultations with me are complimentary. After I consult with a client, I schedule the appropriate designer to do the actual work.

BL: What makes your spa stand out from all of the other spas in our area?
GW: From the moment you open the door and enter the space, you feel like you have arrived in a Swiss chalet or lodge in a remote mountaintop—a luxurious retreat complete with turn of the century stone walls, a comforting and cozy fireplace, soothing aromas, spacious and well-appointed treatment rooms and a warm and knowledgeable staff that will indulge your spirits and relax your mind and body.
In addition to our classic signature spa style services, we also offer unique therapies from around the world that you won’t easily find this close to home—
including our caviar facial, Shirodhara treatment and therapeutic hot and cold stone body, facial and foot treatments. Over the past several years, we have been hand selecting the finest professionals to join our staff in creating a one-stop resource for wellness and beauty, elevating us to being a “medi-spa” and the response has been fantastic. Medical grade peels, Botox and Juvaderm are usually done in a clinical environment. We are fortunate to have the talented Dr. Robert Skalicky bringing these procedures to our guests. We enhance the treatments by making them a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

BL: Why is your boutique such a popular destination for so many women?
GW: We are known for the most flattering evening and cocktail wear. Whether you are looking for a dress straight from the red carpets of Hollywood or a cool, hip street style, you can be sure to find it here. Since we only buy for a select clientele, you won’t see what you are wearing on anyone else when you walk in the room. We also complete your total look with the perfect jewelry and handbags. What really drives women to come to us is our custom made designs. Anything from a woman looking for sizes 12 and up to mature women who still want to be in touch with fashion come to us for custom made casual and evening wear.  We have three excellent dressmakers that create custom pieces under my direction.

David J. Witchell is located at 25 S. State Street in Newtown. For more information, visit www.davidjwitchell.com or call (215) 579-1200.

Aside from buying denim, one of the most dreaded shopping excursions for women can be looking for a swimsuit that works perfectly with her shape. Shirley & Co. hopes to make that experience much easier with its personalized customer service that leaves women with often more than one swimsuit to fit their needs.

Shirley & Co. opened in 1986 as a boutique where women could be professionally fitted in a swimsuit and grew into a store that carries resort wear and accessories. The customer service is what makes the boutique stand out from the competition. “We want every customer to be serviced and taken care of on a one-to-one basis,” said Merrill Levin, owner of Shirley & Co. “We have customers that only come to us because they like to park themselves in the dressing room and have our professional salespeople bring them what will look best on their body type.”

Levin encourages her customers to ask for help. “The customers that come in
and wander around and don’t want to be helped will either leave with nothing or try on suits that are completely wrong for their body and leave in frustration,” she said. But with a little help, she’s found that customers often leave saying, “I would have never picked that suit for myself, but I love how I look in it.”

Finding a swimsuit that suits a customer’s body type exemplifies the type of
customer service you find at Shirley & Co. “Many will come in asking for a one-piece suit to cover everything up, and they will leave with two or three suits, one being a tankini with full coverage, one being a sexy one-piece with good coverage, and the other, an understated designer suit that is just smashing for that special day at the pool or at a pool party.”

Located in the Huntingdon Valley Shopping Center for 12 years, the company
opened its second location in the Langhorne/Newtown area. Three years ago, Levin closed the Huntingdon Valley location and reopened in Elkins Park. Each 2,000-square-foot store carries the same wide selection of swimwear for ages 11 to 90. The Langhorne store, recently redecorated after moving to the location five years ago, sports a sunny yellow and black décor, while the Elkins Park boutique sports a contemporary black and camel design. The stores carry sizes from 4 to 22 for women and from petite XS to XL in
separates for juniors and women who want mix and match separates. They also carry up to D, DD and E in separates, with a wide variety of cuts and colors to meet many tastes. The selection of swimwear retails from $70 to $450 and cover-ups range from $35 to $250.

The store carries Karla Colletto, which combines tailoring with future-forward fabrics; Carmen Marc Valvo, who shows on the runway in New York; La Perla, the intimates designer that moved into swimwear; and Robin Piccone, with its innovative details and modern styles. The younger customer favorites include Juicy Couture, Betsey Johnson, Lucky Brand and Ed Hardy. The hip customers in their 30s and 40s are drawn to LaBlanca, a stylish, fashion forward line. For the world traveler, Shirley & Co. carries Becca by Rebecca Virtue, inspired by exotic locales around the world; Jets from Australia, by designer Jessica Allen; Roidal from Spain; and Gottex and Profile by Gottex from Israel. The conservative woman who appreciates classic designs can find DKNY, Ralph Lauren and RL by Ralph Lauren. Women who want to camouflage their figure can look to Miraclesuit, the slimming lines of It Figures and Roxanne. For the full-chested woman, go for CoCo Reef with its two-piece suits in bra sizes. Plus-sized women can look to Longitude or Christina swimwear. And for a different look, find the hand-painted designs of Anne Cole or Vitamin A, which defines West Coast style.

Whatever her shape or age, fashion-forward women will find a swimsuit they
will be happy to wear at Shirley & Co.

Shirley & Co. is located at 23 Summit Square Center in Langhorne and 120 Yorktown Plaza in Elkins Park. For more information, visit www.shirleyandco.com or call (215) 579-7005 for the Langhorne store and (215) 884-5401 for the Elkins Park store.

Trends for 2009

• Cut-Away Swimwear/Bikinis —Cut-away clothes pieces are a major trend of 2009 and much like the asymmetrical trend, it’s a style being applied to bikinis and swimwear.
• The Cocktail Swimsuit —The swimsuit wasn’t just meant for swimming. Pinup styles of swimwear are perfect for lounging by the pool. Pair it with a big hat and oversized sunglasses for the Vargas look.
• Accessorize Your Swimwear —Look for sheer cover-ups that will show off your swimsuit while still giving you a complete look while you’re out of the pool.