Shop is an oasis of Sanity for male and female shoppers -- Places in Style
Wednesday, December 24, 2008 Fran Henry Plain Dealer Reporter
When Kevin and Isabel Pritchett said "I do" in May, they were already up to their elbows in commitment. While planning their wedding, the young couple, 26 and 25 respectively, were in the thick of preparations to open a boutique in Chagrin Falls that features the latest and hottest in men's and women's fashion. Their shop, Sanity, at 8 E. Washington St., opened in early September. Not only did they design and execute the shop's subliminally undersea decor -- painting, installing carpet and searching the Internet for unique sea-urchin-like lights -- they went on their first buying trip to the famous Magic trade show in Las Vegas in February.
"We saw every clothing line you can imagine," said Isabel, a petite woman in stiletto heels, denim capris and a long belted tunic. "We're both into it. We have two pairs of eyes for every buying trip." Their shop is stocked with a wide range of designers they love -- including Stella and Jamie, Robert Rodriguez, Free People, Paige Premium Denim, Junk Food, Glamour Campaign, Rich & Skinny, Joe's Jeans and William Rast.
"We're the only store in Ohio that carries Glamour Campaign," Kevin said, standing amid a clutch of clothing racks in the trendy shop. And they might also be the only shopkeepers who play "Project Runway" constantly on a 47-inch LCD flat-screen television above the cashier area.
"Our customers love the show," Kevin said.
They pride themselves on their wide selection of contemporary jeans and T-shirts for men and women, as well as clothing to dress a young couple to the nines -- including blazers with hoods and elaborately embroidered backs.
In fact, area high school girls found Sanity in time for unique dresses for their homecoming dances. The Pritchetts sold only one of a style to each school, ensuring that their customers didn't see themselves coming and going.
"This Stella and Jamie ruffled-neck, drop-waist chiffon sold out in mauve and cream," Isabel said, holding a black version up to herself. The Pritchetts also stock affordable gift items, including slogan T-shirts, Cake brand bath and body products, Diesel messenger bags, scarves, and handbags designed by Hudson artist Maryann Wohlwend. And they decided to feature shoes that are mostly between $59 and $100 a pair, so customers could finish off more easily. In short, Sanity is the sort of unique boutique they'd seek out as customers.
"We don't want to wear the same things everyone else does," Isabel said.
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: fhenry@plaind.com, 216-999-4806
©2009 Plain Dealer
© 2009 cleveland.com
All Rights Reserved.
0 comments:
Post a Comment