Good fashion never goes out of style, but old storefronts and aesthetics certainly do.
That's why two area boutiques--Cheryl W and Dina Ellen--have revamped the looks that established both as chic Pittsburgh staples more than a decade ago.
This month, Cheryl W closed shop on Forbes Avenue in Squirrel Hill, where the accessories and gift boutique had operated for 12 years. Cheryl W relocated last week to 6736 Reynolds St. in Point Breeze, a 375 square-foot, second-floor space above
Make Your Mark coffeehouse. The boutique and café now share an entrance, which is an unconventional arrangement, admits owner Cheryl Chotiner, but mutually beneficial.
"Our lease was up and we decided it was time to do something different," Chotiner says. "Point Breeze is really cool and hip with some amazing eateries, but there aren't a lot of retail stores. We're trying to set the precedent."
The intimate, pastel-pink shop is filled with elegant trinkets--from scarves and handbags to jewelry and photo frames--and features delicate mural work by Pittsburgh artist
Jennifer Rempel.
Chotiner also does business through the
ThatGirlIs.com, which features many of the same wares as her brick-and-mortar store, but is accessible to clients outside of Pittsburgh.
Dina Ellen boutique, 817 S. Aiken St. in
Shadyside, just finished its first major renovations since opening 16 years ago, and is hosting a grand re-opening with extended hours and discounts today. The remodeled two-story, 2,000-square foot showroom, designed by J. Sullivan Co. in Oakmont, features softer lighting, darker wood fixtures, and new ceilings, clothing racks, countertops, carpet, tiles and paint.
"We've freshened up everything," says owner Dina Ellen, whose goods include Frye boots, Me&Ro jewelry, Nicole Miller dresses and more. "We want our customers to know that we're here, and we don't plan on closing anytime soon."
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Caralyn GreenSources: Dina Ellen; Cheryl Chotiner, Cheryl W
Photograph copyright Caralyn Green