Fiore, on Lancaster Avenue in downtown Wayne, brings a European flair to women of the Main Line. Fiore has a well thought out and very fun collection of clothing, jewelry and handbags.

It’s AML’s first fun Fashion Forecast Shopping Night!!!

Spring is just around the corner ladies! And we are itchin’ to get our Spring wardrobes in tip top shape. Join us Thursday, March 29th in downtown Wayne from 5pm to 7pm with two of my all-time favorite boutiques—Fiore and finer things!

Find out what is hot for Spring 2012 and shop at these two fantastic local shops while enjoying complimentary food courtesy of our dear friends at Berwyn’s popular Italian BYO, Alfredo’s. There will be fun refreshments served as well.

And, after our Fashion Forecast, we will be meeting up at a Wayne restaurant to continue the festivities. Stay tuned for more details on AroundMainLine.com’s Facebook page.

Gentlemen are more than welcome to attend so ladies bring the hubs, boyfriends or guy pal. The more the merrier will make this night a fantastic success!

Kindly RSVP here on Facebook so we can plan accordingly with our fantastic friends at Fiore and finer things. Or, you can send an email RSVP to: rsvp@aroundmainline.com.

There is no cost to attend the event and we encourage you to bring your friends, neighbors, family members and coworkers-and remember, gentlemen are more than welcome to attend!

Be Social with finer things and Fiore

finer things:

Join finer things on Facebook
Follow finer things on Twitter

Fiore:

Join Fiore on Facebook
Follow Fiore on Twitter

finer things is located at 116 East Lancaster Avenue and Fiore is located at 104 East Lancaster Avenue in the heart of downtown Wayne.

Questions about AML’s inaugural Fashion Forecast event or hosting future shopping events with AroundMainLine.com? Publisher Sarah Lockard can be reached at: slockard@aroundmainline.com.

Magnificent millinery and fabulous fashion abound at one of Devon’s most popular traditions-the Devon Hat Contest!

Here ye! Here ye! Calling all marvelous Main Line ladies with a love of magnificent millinery! It’s time for the highly anticipated Devon Hat Contest.

Starting at 10am and sponsored by Cartier, the Hat Contest will welcome back celebrity emcee Carson Kressley. It’s part of the annual Ladies Day at Devon celebrations. This year’s fun and fabulous categories: “Mad Hatter”, for those who like to get a little wild and wacky in their choice of headwear; “Magnificent Milliners”, reserved for those in the trade; and “Most Lilly”, for the gal sporting her best Lilly Pulitzer look head to toe.

The event begins with registration at the Pavilion at 10 a.m, followed by a stroll along the promenade route passing the judges. This year’s judges are: Carson Kressley, Your OWN Show and long-time competitor; Lillian Vasquez, The Nate Berkus Show; Carmelita Martell, Carmelita Couture; John Wind, Maximal Art; Caroline O’Halloran; Brenda Waites Boling, Milliner Shops at the Plaza; Ginder Frisia Darcy, and Lisa DiCaprio and Darci Henry of Malvern’s Kiss and Makeup boutique.

For more information, please email jenmcgowan229@gmail.com.

In addition as part of Ladies Day, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., the first 100 “Lilly’s” will be entertained by a Fashion Show in the Pavilion sponsored by Lilly Pulitzer!

Devon Hat Contest 2011

When: Wednesday, June 1st 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Where: The Gazebo at the Devon Horse Show

Sponsor: Cartier

Emcee: Carson Kressley of ‘Queer Eye for a Straight Guy’ fame

Where to Shop: Ladies looking for a hat to sport at the contest can find plenty to choose from at Devon’s popular Hats by Katie booth.

Sister, Sister!
L to R: Kat Bradley owner Whitney Ayerle Bachrach with sister and business partner Liz Ayerle of renowned Main Line boutique-Fresh Ayer.

Whitney Ayerle Bachrach thought the Main Line boutique scene was missing a pivotal player in the market—fashion forward accessories that don’t break the bank. So, the 27-year-old Ambler native and Germantown Academy grad, who recently moved back to her hometown after years in Egypt with her husband Tom, opened Kat Bradley on September 1st in Eagle Village Shops.

Bachrach utilized her Ivy league education (boasting a dual degree of economics and history from Cornell) to shape a retail business model that would work in a challenged economy. The spacious two levels of 1,200 square feet in the shop, located directly behind georges’ restaurant, are chocked full of fashion solutions—such as Hollywood fashion tape—and a myriad of accessories including funky earrings, belts, scarves, evening clutches, bracelets, bold rings and more.

Bachrach’s older sister, Liz Ayerle, is well known for her success with her three-year old boutique that caters to plus-size fashion, Fresh Ayer. Formerly on the corner of North Wayne and Lancaster Avenues in the heart of downtown Wayne, Fresh Ayer moved into a new space just around the corner from Kat Bradley in early October—also in Eagle Village Shops. “We had really grown out of that space and so many of my out of town customers had trouble navigating Wayne. This space is interesting because it allows us to have more of a boutique feeling,” explained Ayerle.

AroundMainLine.com recently hosted a Wednesday Night Whinos party at Kat Bradley as part of their popular grand opening celebration on September 8th.

As for the name, it also has family roots as the sisters’ maternal grandmother, Delton Bradley, was a fashionable woman who influenced both Liz and Whitney’s sense of style growing up. ‘Kat’ is the first name of Whitney’s husband’s maternal grandmother. “It’s sort of this fictional person—we can build a lot around with and it has meaning, its just fabulous,” said Ayerle.

The sisters, new retail neighbors, and budding Main Line entrepreneurs, do the buying for Kat Bradley together. “Kat Bradley is an expansion of Fresh Ayer…it just happened organically,” explained Ayerle.

One-on-One with Kat Bradley Owner Whitney Ayerle Bachrach

AroundMainLine.com: Where did the concept of Kat Bradley begin?

Whitney Bachrach: It all started with Liz’s success with Fresh Ayer and carrying affordable accessories in the shop. Liz had gotten such a great reaction from women who were asking her to carry additional lines and she had exhausted what she could do from her space and the apparel she carried so this seemed like the perfect fit. So, we decided to open up a store entirely dedicated to the idea of fashion forward, high quality and affordable accessories.

AML: What have been the big sellers so far?

WB: Nakamol is one of most popular designers so far. She does unusual, intricate stone floral designs and bold necklaces and rings. She has strong statement pieces, right on trend, but her price points are great-her line runs between $50 and $100, approximately. Also, our funky scarves from a company called Zazou who uses different jacquards and brocades and have a really beautiful line.

AML: I heard scarves for European women are now year round accessories.

WB: Absolutely, scarves are season-less now and they come in different weights and textures so women should not be afraid to wear them as an accessory twelve months out of the year.

AML: Bold necklaces are still in, right?

Kat Bradley offers a great selection of affordable, fashion forward accessories and fashion solutions for the Main Line woman with discerning taste.

WB: I feel like they are always in, but yes they are on trend for this fall.

AML: I really like the feel of the store—its fashion forward, funky, young and hip to me! There really is no other accessory boutique on the Main Line with this selection and great price points.

WB: Definitely not. And that is something I researched and did not find it anywhere. With this economy, women are not necessarily investing in entirely new, seasonal wardrobes but they still want to be on trend and have something new to wear without breaking the bank. You can pick up a piece or two in here and update your look-very affordably.

AML: Looking ahead to holiday shopping and more fall accessories, what’s coming in during the next few weeks

WB: We have a new line called Hobo Bags. They popularized the original slouchy bag look which is another look that is really strong for this fall. And we are getting in a designer line of handbags called Dana Herbert, which are a little more casual, cloth bags with fun patterns and florals.

AML: I know you recently attended the New York accessories show at The Javits Center with Liz. What was hot on the floor there?

WB: In a lot of the smaller bags and clutches, metallics and golds were prevalent. Snake skins and modified animal prints and the slouchy bag, again we saw a lot of. Long gold necklaces are still in-either wearing one very linear gold accessory or wrapping it several times for a chunkier, layered look.

AML: It is interesting because with the Cleopatra exhibit downtown, I have heard local women are channeling their ‘inner Queen of the Nile’ with accessories that have an Egyptian influence. I noticed the bold snake cuffs you have and other bolder gold pieces that fit in with that style.

WB: Exactly, after years of silver tones being so prevalent the dramatic gold jewelry is back. Our bold cuffs have done very well.

AML: I like that you are open till 6pm, six days a week-perfect for working women.

WB: We will be open on Sundays in November too so perfect for holiday shopping. Everyone talks about holiday when they come in because we are priced so well for gifts.

Kat Bradley is located at Eagle Village Shops, 503 W. Lancaster Avenue in Wayne, PA and open Monday through Saturday 10-6pm in Eagle Village Shops. Call 610-726-1222. Find them on Facebook: Kat Bradley Accessories. Follow Kat Bradley on Twitter: KatBradleyShop

In the past 50 years, Shipley Shops has had 80 chairs that have helped raise over $2 million dollars for the school. Pictured are the chairs for Shops 2010. L to R: Courtney Bullitt Daly, Marin Smith, Larisa Bevan

In 1961, the world was introduced to the electric toothbrush, the cost of a first class stamp was $.04, Patsy Cline released “Crazy,” Audrey Hepburn starred as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, President Kennedy established the Peace Corps, Barbie got a boyfriend named Ken, and across the pond Lady Diana Spencer entered the world. In Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania that same year, a two-day shopping event created by Shipley alum Zoe V.A. Wells was the beginning of, what is now, one of the Main Line’s most popular traditions.

Fifty years later Wells’ progressive concept, The Shipley Shops, has grown from a two-day event featuring 15 local and out-of-town specialty stores to a four-day event with 40 vendors. Before the King of Prussia, Springfield, and Plymouth Meeting Malls, ‘Shops’ was an innovative shopping approach with various vendors all under one roof.

The 50th annual Shipley Shops fundraiser will be held October 21-23 at The Shipley School in Bryn Mawr.

Gingy’s, an exclusive store in Malvern owned by Shipley alumna Jean Gilpin Tremblay ’75, will treat Shipley Shops with her gorgeous collection of spirited women’s fashion and accessories coupled with unique home décor accent pieces.

The Shipley Shops committee members of Courtney Bullitt Daly, Marin Smith, and Larisa Bevan have worked hard to bring together a group of prestigious vendors to satisfy the most discerning shopper and everyone on their holiday shopping lists. The half-century celebration includes many new vendors with Patricia Adams, Adler Grier, Lisi Lerch, Vanessa Fox, Dubarry of Ireland, and many others. “One thing we really strive to do is to bring in a wide variety of wonderful vendors. You won’t find this type of selection in the mall, we have a vigorous selection process to make sure we have a diverse group and something for everyone,” explained Bevan.

In addition to great shopping, Shipley Shops 2010 will feature a chance to win a MINI Cooper or $15,000 in cash. Shops will also be a homecoming celebration as all the past chairs, 80 total, are invited to attend. As a group, the chairs consisting of a majority of women and a handful of men from the Shipley community have collectively raised over $2,000,000 for the school. “As the fiftieth celebration, it is our goal to honor all these past chairs for all their hard work, dedication as well as leadership. Certainly our current chairs—Courtney, Larisa and Marin, will be in the spotlight. We are privileged to have had all these great women and men lead by example over a half century on behalf of our school. We are very thankful and are excited to carry on the Shipley Shops’ incredible tradition for the next fifty years,” said Moag.

Shipley Shops’ Vendors to Note

Tory Burch, a first-time vendor for all four days at the Shipley Shops, has been hailed as the “most influential designer in America” by the Los Angeles Times.

Tory Burch, a first-time vendor for all four days at the Shipley Shops, has been hailed as the “most influential designer in America” by the Los Angeles Times and was recently voted “Best Hometown Fashion Statement” by Main Line Today Magazine.

Bryn Mawr designer, Vanessa Fox, is also making her debut at Shops. Vanessa was a well-known bridesmaid dress designer in Manhattan before moving to Bryn Mawr, where she produces two clothing lines annually and creates custom designs for her Main Line customers.

A Shops favorite, aBCdesign sells unique and personalized fleece blankets, baby blankets, bibs, and towels. The company’s entrepreneur-owner and designer Betsy Claghorn will feature her college, prep, and personalized blankets at Shipley Shops.

Dubarry of Ireland will introduce and demonstrate their durable and fashionable line of all-weather, all-purpose, outdoor footwear and tweed clothing that has been raved about in Europe for years and has made its mark in the US over the past few years.

Papierdoll fashion magazine highlighted Shipley Shops newcomer, Gail Toma, in their November 2005 issue as “Feature Designer” and “Thrifty Chic.” Gail Toma makes scarves fabulous again with her gorgeous designs that add the functionality of a poncho, belt, or coverlet.

Gingy’s, an exclusive store in Malvern owned by Shipley alumna Jean Gilpin Tremblay ’75, will treat Shipley Shops with her gorgeous collection of spirited women’s fashion and accessories coupled with unique home décor accent pieces.

Marlyn Schiff, a Bryn Mawr resident, graced the pages of InStyle, Marie Claire, Real Simple, and Bazaar this summer with her gorgeous jewelry line. Schiff’s trendy designs are top-sellers at boutiques around the country.

Patricia Adams Gifts, owned by Shipley alumna Jane Saul Kraus ’78, sells cottage-inspired home accessories, as well as colorful and classic personal accessories.

Shipley Shops History Quick-Facts:

Shipley Shops, circa 1965

• In the past 50 years, The Shipley Shops has raised over $2,000,000 for The Shipley School.
• Shipley alumna Zoe V.A. Wells ’52 chaired the first four years of Shipley Shops and raised over $10,000.
• Abercrombie & Fitch, FAO Schwartz, Hammacher Schlemmer, Orvis, and Vineyard Vines are among some of the hundreds of vendors that have travelled from across the US to introduce Philadelphia’s elite shoppers to their now leading national brands.
• Williams Sonoma regretfully declined Shipley Shops in 1980 so they could open their first store on the East Coast in Washington, DC.

The 50th Annual Shipley Shops

WHEN: October 21-23rd, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Thurs. & Fri.
10:00 am – 3:00 pm on Saturday

WHERE: The Shipley School, Bryn Mawr, PA
Shipley’s Yarnall Gymnasium
The Shipley School
814 Yarrow St.
Bryn Mawr, PA, 19010

PROCEEDS: All proceeds from the event benefit The Shipley School, an independent, coeducational day school in Bryn Mawr, with students from Pre-K through Grade 12.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Preview Party (Invitation Only Event)
Catering by Bryce’s Catering
Music by the Tonics
Wine Tasting by 333 Belrose Bar & Grill
Celebration for Guests of Honor, The Shipley Shops Past Chairs

Thursday, October 21, 2010
10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Shops Open to the Public

11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Luncheon by Gators Caterers

Friday, October 22, 2010
10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Shops Open to the Public

11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Luncheon by Gators Caterers

11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Fashion & Makeup Show featuring Shops Vendors

Saturday, October 23, 2010
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Family Fun Day: Open to the Public
Free Admission for All
Fun Activities for Kids

11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Kid-Friendly Lunch

2:00 pm
Grand Raffle Drawing for MINI Cooper or $15,000

Admission
Adults, $10
Seniors, $5
Under 18, Free
No admission charge on Saturday

For more information at www.shipleyschool.org/shipleyshops.

“We wanted Aisle Style to be very approachable and chic-a cocktail party where ladies can mingle and enjoy themselves,” explained Beka Rendell of Innove Events. Photo courtesy of Spark Photography

AroundMainLine.com is thrilled to be sponsoring its first ever Main Line bridal event! Aisle Style, a sophisticated Sunday afternoon cocktail party and chic gathering of the region’s best bridal businesses, is the brainchild of Beka Rendell, of Innove Events. The event will take place on Sunday, March 14th from 1 to 4 p.m. at St. Davids Golf Club in Wayne. Rendell, who holds a degree from F.I.T. and has established a very successful Center City events business, decided it was due time to bring a wedding event to the Main Line that offers a unique experience and atmosphere. “It’s a sophisticated event that is geared towards brides, but also other special events too. So, ladies planning a baby shower or child’s birthday party, bar mitzvah, anniversary party—any event can be inspired from this show and the incredible businesses that will be on hand. We wanted Aisle Style to be very approachable and chic—a cocktail party where ladies can mingle and enjoy themselves. This is much different than a traditional wedding trade show atmosphere with vendors and booths. It is very ‘loungey’ with ottomans set up to relax and an amazing focus on design. The people we are working with are pulling out all the stops for Aisle Style—it will be something to see,” promised Rendell.

Innove Events launched in January of 2005 after Rendell, 28, left her position working as an event planner for a clothing company in New York City and moved to Center City. Rendell draws her company’s creative visions from an extensive background in fashion marketing. “When I left New York, I knew that I wanted to get involved in event planning but more on the social side. We wanted this to be a fun company, appeal to our clients and speak to an audience that wants a sleek, fresh modern approach to their wedding, bat mitzvah, baby shower, you name it. The brides we work with want very Martha, very DIY, but of course it’s not DIY. That’s the feel that Innove offers to our clients,” explained Rendell.

Malvern’s renowned Campli Photography has been capturing Main Line brides beautifully for over two decades and will be featured at Aisle Style.

Innove recently brought on Kimberly Fink, formerly of Kimberly Fink Events, an established Center City planner as a new partner to join herself and Rendell business partner Melody Appel. The three women are the team behind the booming company. “Our clients hire us for the event but it’s a different relationship from a usual planner. We work very closely with our florists; we will create a storyboard with an illustrator to come up with the full conceptual design behind the event. We start with the save the date and follow through with that vision all the way up to and including, of course, the champagne toast the day of the wedding or party and the thank you notes. From welcome bags to favors to styling the wedding party—we are very involved,” said Rendell.

Main Line mompreneur Margaux St. Ledger of Millefleurs is one of the prestigious designers participating in Aisle Style. St. Ledger and Ilonka Comstock created Millefleurs six months ago—a collaboration of their two boutique local floral design firms. “Ilonka and I wanted to team up together to cater to the larger weddings, the corporate events in Philadelphia that we were being approached to work on. Ilonka and I can now handle events that have 50 tables or more and this has opened up our businesses to a whole new marketplace,” explained St. Ledger.

Main Line floral designer Margaux St. Ledger of Millefleurs will be displaying her creative artistic arrangements. Photo courtesy of Spark Photography

A native of Medford, New Jersey, Margaux holds an art degree from Rosemont College. Her home studio is based on the Main Line-and her approach to floral design keeps a sophisticated suburban clientèle in mind. “I like to summarize our philosophy with Millefleurs with the idea ‘When there are no words, flowers speak.’ We take the beauty of nature and I use my artistic background-knowing about form and shape and color-to create my designs. In my art classes in college, I was always taught to look at and study a painting from different angles and levels. So, I encourage that approach with my brides. Every centerpiece does not have to be the same size and height—and the design elements can compliment but they don’t have to be exactly the same. It’s a fun approach,” explained St. Ledger.

Margaux said the floral design business is always changing and dynamic—and an established designer, who has relationships with major distributors, can resource almost any flower year round “short of a peony” from around the globe. St. Ledger said the current color trends that are being requested by her Main Line brides are Tiffany-blue and dark brown, pink and chocolate, lime green and navy blue and a rustic approach using elements of nature-as in branches and leaves. “On the Main Line, the brides stick to their roots. It’s a fresh look and concept but they are always keeping it tailored. Main Line women have great, refined taste and they know what’s in for fashion and design. So, they are not afraid to go modern in a sophisticated approach with their flowers,” said St. Ledger.

Secrets Limousine, AroundMainLine.com’s official limo company, will be a part of Aisle Style.
Photo courtesy of Courtney Apple

A former on air host with QVC and HSN, St. Ledger has an extensive background in dynamic, high profile industries. In the early ’90s, she developed experience in floral event design working in L.A. with a prestigious firm that held an office on Rodeo Drive. Margaux’s celebrity clients included actresses Meg Ryan and Jaclyn Smith, for whom she assisted with their holiday decorations. Later, she worked in D.C. for two years with an event planner who handled the embassies and the highest profile hotels and event locales in the nation’s capital. “D.C. was exciting for me, but my experience in Los Angeles was where I really developed a great knowledge of floral design and had my first important years in the industry. It was so rewarding in L.A. to work on such a high end level, with the clientèle I had. That’s what I feel I bring to my clients here on the Main Line now. If a bride wants a sleek, fresh modern style with a vintage twist, that is Millefleurs,” said St. Ledger.

Aisle Style: Sponsored by AroundMainLine.com

What: Aisle Style, “I Do” Inspirations from the Main Line. Aisle Style is a chic and sophisticated wedding event for discriminating brides and ladies with style.

When: Sunday, March 14th 1-4 p.m.

Where: St. Davids Golf Club, Wayne, PA

Hosted by: Innove Events

Sponsored by: AroundMainLine.com

Facebook Event: RSVP on AML’s Facebook Aisle Style event page

Goodie Bag: Provided by The Knot

Cost: Brides can attend for free, $20 general admission

Participating Vendors:
Innove Events, design & styling
Two Paper Dolls, paper products
Secrets Limousine, transportation
Millefleurs, floral
Beke Beau, makeup artist
CTO, entertainment
Polished Spa, manicures and massage
Amanda Andrea, hair
Van Cleve/The Wedding Pavilion, couture dresses
Whipped Bakeshop, sweets & desserts
Roberts Personal Training
Eventions Productions, lighting and draping
Campli Photography
Arsenal AV, video
Select Event Rentals, table top décor and chairs
Total Table, linens

RSVP: RSVP on AroundMainLine.com’s Facebook Event Page ‘Aisle Style’ or send an email to: rsvp@aroundmainline.com.

Looking for a fun holiday guide for the next few weekends? We have got you covered with six super towns that are pulling out all the stops to entertain and delight the young and old.

The most cherished holiday tradition in Chestnut Hill is its Stag & Doe Nights which will be held on Wednesdays: December 9th, 16th and 23rd. Pictured is a holiday display in Robertson’s Florist.

Chestnut Hill
Holidays on the Hill
December 2nd through December 24th
www.chestnuthill.org

Discover wonderful holiday design ideas this weekend at the Chestnut Hill Holiday House Tour on Saturday, December 5th. Five magnificent homes, each with unique design and architectural styles, will be professionally decorated for the holidays and open from 10 am to 4 pm.

The most cherished holiday tradition in Chestnut Hill is its Stag & Doe Nights which will be held on Wednesdays, December 9th, 16th and 23rd, from 6 to 9 pm. Shops offer evening hours with wine and cheese or cocoa and cookies. Live music, roasting chestnuts, carolers and merriment make the nights come alive with joy and holiday spirit. And everyone looks forward to greeting Santa as he, too, enjoys the fun of Stag & Doe. New this year is Girls Night Out on Wednesday evening, December 2nd from 6 to 9 pm. Participating shops will offer lots of goodies and the ladies can get a head-start on their holiday revelry (and shopping, too).

Chestnut Hill’s highly anticipated Holiday House Tour is Saturday, December 5th from 10am to 4pm. For full info on the tour, visit chestnuthill.org

For a special treat, Santa will be in Chestnut Hill every Sunday from 1 to 4 pm. He has invited all the children to visit him at his gingerbread house and tell him their wishes for Christmas. The Morris Arboretum has a special gift for all children who stop by to see Sant-admission for two children for the price of one with a full-price adult admission to the Arboretum’s 9th Annual Holiday Garden Railway Display. Visitors of all ages will be wowed by a quarter mile of track featuring seven loops and tunnels with fifteen different rail lines and two cable cars. The Garden Railway opens on Friday, November 27th and remains open through January 3rd.

Marshallton
Christmas in Marshallton House Tour
Saturday December 12th, 10am to 4pm

Located just four miles west of West Chester, Marshallton offers a charming Chester County daycation year round. This year’s Christmas in Marshallton House Tour is the perfect reason to experience the town for the first time. The tour benefits the Marshallton United Methodist Church and offers a fun glimpse of unique Victorian homes and buildings decorated for the holiday season. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 the day of the tour. Tickets are available at the church Monday through Thursday from 9am to 1pm. No food, drinks, high heels, smoking or children are permitted on the tour. For more information, call 610-696-5247 or 610-793-0201.

Bah Humbug!
Narberth’s popular Dickens Festival, slated for December 12th, is chocked full of old fashioned fun for the kid in all of us. ©2008 Donald D. Groff

Narberth
The Narberth Dickens Festival
Saturday December 12th, Noon to 4pm
www.narberthonline.com

The Narberth Dickens Festival is a free family event held on a Saturday afternoon every December on the streets of downtown Narberth. This year’s event is from Noon to 4pm on December 12. The event had a modest start in 2006, when the Narberth Business Association (NBA) hired a brass quartet to stroll through town playing holiday music. It was met with such enthusiasm that the NBA expanded the entertainment to create a Dickens themed event, complete with horse and carriage rides, musicians, Christmas carolers, plus Ebenezer Scrooge and all the characters from “A Christmas Carol.” There’s a scavenger hunt for the children, sending them searching high and low for every character in order to win a prize. The 2008 prize was a top hat that was worn all afternoon by hundreds of kids throughout Narberth’s version of 1840’s London.

Malvern
Malvern’s Victorian Christmas
Friday December 4th, Saturday December 5th
malvernbusiness.com

NBC Philadelphia’s Lori Wilson is the emcee for this year’s Victorian Christmas festivities in Malvern. Rain or shine, starting on Friday at 6:15 p.m. in Burke Park, the community will gather to light Malvern’s town tree for the season. The ceremony will be covered live on NBC10 for the sixth year.

Following the tree lighting, there will be musical performances throughout town, strolling street performers, children’s shows, horse and carriage rides, a hay ride and more. Malvern’s shops will also be hosting open houses with refreshments. In addition, the most highly anticipated guest, Santa Claus, will hear the wishes of all the children in the pavilion Friday night. On Saturday at Malvern Federal Savings Bank, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be welcoming the children from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with plenty of activities and workshops for families to enjoy.

Wayne’s Finer Things will be one of the town’s stores open late for the annual First Friday ‘Wayne Christmas,’ with over a thousand locals expected to attend.

Wayne
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Old Fashion Christmas
Friday December 4th, Saturday December 5th
waynechristmas.com

The Wayne Hotel is the title sponsor of the Old Fashioned Christmas in Wayne, an annual event presented by the Wayne Business Association (WBA). The two-day community and family celebration begins Friday evening, December 4th with festive caroling and horse drawn carriage rides along North and South Wayne Avenues and culminates with the lighting of the Christmas Tree at the Wayne Train Station. The countdown to the tree lighting, scheduled for 7:30 p.m., will be led by 6ABC Action News Reporter Cathy Gandolfo.

The festivities continue with a parade on Saturday morning, December 5th. Led by Radnor High School’s marching band, Jolly Old Santa will make his way down Lancaster Avenue from the Wayne Acme on a fire truck to the porch of the Wayne Hotel. Wide eyed children and their families will gather on the porch to visit with Santa, while enjoying fresh baked chocolate chip cookies and hot chocolate compliments of the hotel. New this year is the opportunity to contribute to Toys for Tots and on Saturday you are invited to bring a new, unwrapped toy when visiting with Santa on the porch of The Wayne Hotel. Bring your loved ones to celebrate at the Wayne Hotel’s Old fashioned Christmas!

West Chester’s popular Old Fashioned Christmas is in its 30th year.

West Chester
Flavia Old Fashioned Christmas
December 3rd-6th
greaterwestchester.com

Now in its 30th year, the four-day (Thursday through Sunday) celebration features over forty events including theatrical and musical performances, guided walking tours, a holiday craft bazaar and breakfast with Santa. The parade, scheduled for Friday, December 4, begins at a new time, 8 p.m., giving spectators plenty of opportunity to get into the Borough and enjoy all the evening has to offer. Beginning at 5:30pm, many businesses and organizations throughout the downtown will host Holiday Open Houses featuring refreshments and seasonal entertainment. At 7 p.m., the First Annual Jingle Elf Run kicks off at Market and High Streets with a 2-mile run and a 1-mile walk.

The evening culminates with the Old Fashioned Christmas Parade which offers a blend of traditional and new elements. In keeping with West Chester’s small town ambiance, a host of local schools, businesses, volunteer fire companies and service organizations will be represented among the many marching bands, floats and antique vehicles that have become a mainstay of Old Fashioned Christmas. Appearing for the first time will be Radio Disney recording artist, Joey Page; the United States Submarine School Silver Dolphins Drill team from Connecticut; and the Cultural Fraternidad Pachamama Dancers from Maryland. Meteorologists Karen Rogers and Adam Joseph from 6abc Action News will serve as emcees. The parade also features a “Salute to the Military” and, of course, the arrival of Santa Claus.

In the upcoming New Moon movie, Jacob Black gives Bella Swan a dream catcher for her birthday. Fallen Hearts’ pewter pendant with turquoise colored enamel accents, $24.

If you have not been privy to the media buzz surrounding this Friday’s release of New Moon, the second installment of the Twilight saga, then well, you must be living in a cave. Although considering New Moon’s storyline is based on a troubled vampire, perhaps a cave is a good place to emerge from just in time for the November 20th theater debut. The highly anticipated flick is based on author Stephenie Meyer’s four book blockbuster—of which 70 million copies have been sold and subsequently translated into 45 languages across the globe. Last November’s Twilight earned $70 million in its first three days and has since grossed close to $400 million worldwide.

With her Twilight-inspired Etsy store Fallen Hearts, West Philly jewelry designer Desiree ReDavid (pronounced Ree’-David) has tapped into the tens of millions of Twilight fans, known collectively as a Twilighters. Starting her sensationally successful jewelry line was, as ReDavid explained, “a happy accident.”

The movie, New Moon, is expected to draw over 100 million fans to theaters starting this Friday, November 20th.

Working in a used bookstore in Havertown two and half years ago, Desiree befriended a regular customer who encouraged the Delaware County native to discover the Twilight series of novels. “I had not heard of it before, I went out and bought the book and really enjoyed it. I really did not know it had such a popular following. Within a few weeks, I had read all three books (the series is now a four part saga) and I was intrigued by the part of the series where Bella was given a bracelet,” explained ReDavid. A little bit of online research turned up a few interpretations of a Twilight-inspired line but the budding designer did not think they hit the mark.

So, ReDavid made herself a one-of-a-kind bracelet and a couple of customers who came through the bookstore commented and asked where they could purchase the piece. Desiree decided to put a few early pieces up on Etsy last fall to test the market and she had three sales in a matter of minutes. A few months later, she quit her current job to invest her time and talents in Fallen Hearts. Now, a year later, she boasts 1,000 sales and a very promising future. “I’ve had so much encouragement from my family and friends. It’s very exciting, what has come from the store. This is something that I don’t know when it will end so for me right now as an entrepreneur, it is a great time to flourish and enjoy this success.”

Etsy Shop: fallenhearts.etsy.com

Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/FallenHeartsJewelry

Twitter: twitter.com/FallenHearts

Renesmee Locket, $30
Inspired by the necklace that Bella Cullen gave her daughter, Renesmee, for her first Christmas is the most popular piece in the Fallen Hearts line.

Time on Etsy: April, 2008

Sales: 1,000

Price Range: $9-$50 (approx)

Selection: Over 150 pieces of stunning Twilight inspired pieces make this Etsy shop quite tempting for New Moon fans!

High School: Friends Select & Homeschooled

Hometown: Colwyn Borough

Current Residence: West Philadelphia

Custom Pieces: Twilight fans can order customized, one-of-a-kind treasures working with ReDavid and their artistic vision.

Mom Bond: Desiree ReDavid grew up in a creative family—her mother is a writer and artist. When she was 13, Desiree and her mom took a class at a bead shop on South Street. After a few classes at Moore College of Art and Design over the years to learn the finer points of jewelry design, Desiree took it upon herself to make jewelry as regular gifts for friends and family before launching Fallen Hearts.

Materials: ReDavid uses the finest quality metals along with real crystals, gemstones and glass beads. “There are many young girls who are part of the Twilight phenomenon so it was important from the beginning for me to make this line very affordable and high quality at the same time,” explained ReDavid.

Midnight in Forks ring, $20
Vintage Brass Filigree Blue Goldstone Ring

Customer Love: “I get emails every single day from Etsy clients who compliment me on the line. It really is truly amazing to have that kind of constant interaction as a designer,” enthused Desiree.

Favorite Part of Etsy: The blog, The Storque, is a must visit every day for Desiree.

Globetrotter: At last count, Desiree has shipped her jewelry to over 23 countries in the past year. “The Twilight craze is huge here in America, but it has international appeal. Every time I get an order on Etsy from a country that I have not shipped to, I get a little thrill. It’s really unbelievable.”

Best Seller: Renesmee Locket, $30

The Meadow: ReDavid’s bracelet called ‘The Meadow’ is a translation of an encounter between Bella and Edward’s intriguing afternoon swooning in a field. A pivotal part of the Twilight series, Desiree uses an antiqued brass chain chocked full with gorgeous beads and charms as her interpretation of this key chapter.

Publisher’s Pick: Liquid Topaz Twilight Inspired Crystal Drop Necklace, $20, with its rich amber crystal is a subtle nod to the series. ReDavid explained the inspiration for this piece: “Edward Cullen’s honey smooth voice and golden eyes are the inspiration behind this elegant necklace.”

A Handful of Desiree’s Favorite Etsians:

For art, www.etsy.com/shop/stilettoheights is one of my favorites. I have an original of hers and it’s just stunning.

www.etsy.com/shop/andreakett is a newer discovery, and I’m having such a hard time narrowing down what to order first. I want absolutely everything listed in this shop!

Looking at www.etsy.com/shop/wiggleperfume instantly makes me feel about ten times more flirty & fancy. Her perfumes smell just as good as they look, too.

www.etsy.com/shop/stitchandswash actually made the bag that Bella carried in the Twilight movie. She made me a custom bag in grey instead of brown and it is hands down my favorite ever. Stitch and Wash’s line is amazing quality, and the seller is fantastic to work with!

A planter from www.etsy.com/shop/giddyspinster is definitely on my ‘gifts to myself’ holiday shopping list.

www.etsy.com/shop/savor has the most delicious soap in the whole world.

And I fully intend to torture my cats with these awesome hats www.etsy.com/shop/ToScarboroughFair

A full selection of Fallen Hearts Twilight-inspired jewelry line, with over 150 pieces to choose from, can be found on ReDavid’s Etsy Shop at fallenhearts.etsy.com. To inquire about custom orders, email: desiree@fallenhearts.net.

Know a great Etsy vendor that’s based in the Delaware Valley? Send us their link for consideration for our Etsy Phavorites series via: info@aroundmainline.com

Smith, 22, is a diehard Phils fan, loves college basketball and cheers for the Orlando Magic.

Don’t think Kayleen Smith is just another pretty face. The 22-year-old former Cabrini College basketball star and Anna Kournikova look-alike, budding model and local single has her sights set on a career in sports television. Smith, who just wrapped up an intense summer internship cutting her teeth with Comcast Sportsnet (albeit drooling over stud anchor and Philadelphia pretty boy Michael Barkann part of the time, see below) is serious about breaking into a world still very much dominated by men. “I’m willing and eager to start somewhere and work my way up. I just want someone to give me an opportunity to get my feet wet in television and I will take off! I have a great willingness to learn and a winning mentality and that is important in sports-because I throw myself into every task I am given.”

Kayleen fell in love with the frenzied, high pressure pace of live television when she sauntered down at the end of her intern duties to watch the final moments of Sportsnet’s number one weekday show, Daily News Live. “It is completely nuts, everyone is running around screaming and yelling-it is something else to watch. You don’t see that when the show is live and the lights come on and the host welcomes everyone with a big, calm smile. I loved that atmosphere. TV is so exhilarating, and the show must go on as they say. The viewers don’t care if an edit bay crashed or an external drive is not working…it’s all or nothing! This is the industry I belong in.”

The new college grad is excited about the opportunities that await her. “I am now embarking on a new chapter in my life where everything isn’t already predetermined and I can dictate my own future,” said Smith.

Kayleen’s confidence and natural charisma was evident during our first phone conversation, no surprise as the beauty with the brains was crowned St. Joseph’s (Hammonton, NJ) homecoming queen in 2004. “I always want to (and strive to) be a better sister, a better daughter, a better friend—whatever it is I always work to make myself better. And, I think people around me catch on to that vibe and I believe that is why I have had success my entire life. I never let myself fall short of those standards.”

The winning attitude and athletic prowess (Smith had a very successful career as a star forward on the Cavaliers women’s basketball team) stems from her family tree. Former Saint Joe’s basketball star (and Kayleen’s dad) John Smith is best known in Big Five basketball circles for his winning layup against #1 DePaul in the 1981 NCAA Tournament. The play is legendary and the win, which catapulted the ninth-seeded Hawks to an unlikely trip to the Sweet Sixteen, is considered one of the great NCAA tourney games of all-time. It’s a moment also best burned in Philly sports fans’ memories as (then) St. Joe’s head coach Jimmy Lynam ran furiously down the court to hug his teenage daughter, Dee. “My dad always loved being the underdog, constantly proving himself. People still to this day talk about the play he made, the layup. It’s pretty neat that in just a few seconds, like the time my dad had to make that moment happen and win the game, can shape your life forever! That is how I am personality-wise, I think, in a large part because of that winning attitude he instilled in my brother and sister and myself. My dad knows how to make the most out of every opportunity. Now he works in the financial industry, but I still see the athlete and that competitive edge in him daily,” beamed Smith.

Kayleen was a standout for the Cabrini College women’s basketball team and a Conference MVP for the Cavaliers in their 2009 CSAC Championship season.

As she wound down her first summer as a college grad and Comcast internship along with juggling a handful of odd jobs, Smith recently interviewed for a part-time position at Sportsnet in their production department. This sensational single keeps busy with her beloved boxer named Bryndal, family, friends and career ambitions-and has high expectations for the right Mr. Right. “I am looking for a great guy who has a sense of humor, ambition, and most importantly a guy who has a good outlook on life and doesn’t take anything for granted. My ideal guy doesn’t take himself too seriously and goes wherever the waves take him. He’s a man when he needs to be and a goof the rest of the time—and never lets a smile leave my face. Someone who makes me a better me every day, as cheesy as that sounds. I won’t settle until I find him.”

Interested parties can email Kayleen below. Game on.

Get to Know Kayleen

Full Name: Kayleen Anastasia Smith

Age: 22

Occupation: Budding sports exec/host, model, actress

Height: 5’11″

Hair Color: Blonde

Eye Color: Blue

Smith’s athletic prowess stems from her father, Big Five basketball legend and former Saint Joe’s Hawk John Smith. Smith scored the famous game-winning layup for the Hawks on their road to the Sweet Sixteen against #1 DePaul in the 1981 NCAA Tournament. It’s considered one of the greatest upsets in college basketball history.

Nationality: Irish, French, Indian, English

Hometown: Williamstown, NJ

High School: St. Joseph’s (Homecoming Queen 2004)

College: Cabrini, B.A. English and Communications

Sign: Aquarius

Email: kas727@cabrini.edu

Parents: John and Lillian

Siblings: Benjamin, 24 and Amanda, 18

BFF: Kayleen has had the same best friend since kindergarten.

My Idea Of A Great First Date: Completely unscripted. We agree on the place together considering we just met and then we take it from there. I am very ease to please due to my lack of pickiness.

Won’t You Be My Neighbor?: Northern Liberties gentlemen should take note-Kayleen loves the vibe of the city’s hippest neighborhood and will be moving there this fall.

Kayleen currently resides in Williamstown, NJ but will be moving to Northern Liberties next month.

In High School I Was: The tomboy every guy wanted as their teammate-just not as their girlfriend.

Achy Breaky Heart? I am fortunate to say I have yet to experience my first heart break. Relationships are hard work, every couple knows that. It’s the most demanding selfless act you could voluntarily sign up for and when they end, it definitely takes a while to recover and gain that part of you (back) that went missing.

Celebrity Look-Alikes: I get Blake Lively a lot, Anna Kournikova, Jewel, and on a really good day Scarlet Johansson. People always tell me that I remind them of someone they know.

Male Celebrity Dream Date: I would be perfectly content being within five feet of Gerard Butler where I could just stare at him for however long a date would normally carry on for. I went to the Kings of Leon concert not too long ago and I envisioned what it would be like to go on a date with lead singer, Caleb Followill. My utopia would be having one song sung to me by him. A man who can sing and play the guitar is my weakness. I think the song “Use Somebody” is secretly about me.

Last Movie You Saw Was: District 9

Biggest Misconception About Me: People think I am unintelligent and incompetent because of my hair color.

Hoop There It Is: Smith was a four-year starter for the Cavaliers and says her Cabrini teammates have formed a sisterhood for life. “My teammates are everything to me and have become a huge part of my extended family.”

“My mother would describe me as ‘a hard working, butt kickin’, sweet Irish lass.’”

Favorite Sports Teams: The Phillies-of course, Flyers, Orlando Magic, and all college basketball

Starting Lineup: Smith can name the pitching rotation and entire starting lineup for the Fightin Phils.

Werth It: “I love every player on the Phillies! Jimmy Rollins and Jayson Werth are my two favorites, though.”

Comcast Sportsnet Crush: Michael Barkann “I wouldn’t mind having a couple beers and talking sports with him. He has such an aura about him, I am so intrigued by his sports knowledge and he just draws me right in. I am totally captivated by him when I am watching Sportsnet! He has just that something about him. The first day I met him during my internship he was so polite, shook my hand, took the time to speak with me–it was like meeting Brad Pitt! There is something about him-he has the ‘it’ factor. If I break into an on-air position someday, Michael Barkann is who I would emulate.”

Brush With Fame: I placed third in a Roxy modeling competition out of 500 girls. That was pretty cool!

Secret Date Spot in The City: Parc (parc-restaurant.com)

Favorite Jersey Shore Town: I’ve grown up always going to Ocean City. We’ve had a shore house right off the island in Marmora for eight years now, but my favorite beach to surf at is definitely LBI.

My Mother Would Say I Am: A hard working, butt kickin’, sweet Irish lass.

My Friends Would Describe Me As: Outgoing, friendly, bubbly, quirky, extremely passionate

Most Attractive Physical Part of A Man: His smile and dimples are always a plus.

Kiss on A First Date? That all depends. I wouldn’t completely rule it out. If the feeling was right, I would go with it.

Favorite Clothing Store: Ron Jon Surf Shop

Favorite Perfume: Beachy by Lilly Pulitzer

Five Songs on Kayleen’s iPod Right Now: Pearl Jam – Black, Airborne Toxic Event – Wishing Well, Jack Johnson – Flake, Doors – Roadhouse Blues, Chili Peppers – Minor Thing

Favorite Musicians: Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews, Caleb Followill of Kings of Leon

Morning Radio Station: 104.5, Preston & Steve

Philadelphia is a City of… Brotherly love baby!

Favorite Food: Sushi

Favorite Cocktail: Tullamore Dew with a splash of ginger ale

Favorite BYOB In the City: Little Fish in Center City

Favorite Place on the Main Line to Have Drinks: Gullifty’s! They have the best beer selection in the area and their menu is extensive and accommodating to anyone’s taste. I used to work there too!

Favorite Coffee Shop: Cousins Coffee Shop in South Philly

When I date a man they can expect: There to never be a dull moment!

Date Pet Peeves: Text messaging and/or talking on their phone. I think when you are out with someone who you truly care about that should be a given. I want my man to put the world on hold for me. I would expect him to ask the same of me. Dining etiquette is a must as well.

Puppy Love: Kayleen’s two year old Boxer, Bryndal, is her current full-time commitment. You can catch ‘Bryn’ and Kayleen at the park most evenings playing catch.

Family Matters: As for my mom, I always joke that she belongs in the South and not in Philly because she is so sweet and polite to everyone she meets. I learned from her to be kind and generous to people-even strangers. I am very close to my parents and they are my biggest fans.

Want to nominate a sensational single for AroundMainLine.com to consider? Email: singles@aroundmainline.com with a picture and a maximum 50 word description. Singles can reside anywhere throughout the Delaware Valley, minimum age required is 21. Nominations will be kept strictly confidential.

Hark The Herald Angels Sing!
Deanna Muth’s great sense of style makes The Pear Tree an irresistible shopping adventure.

Two years ago, Deanna Muth and her husband Thom were about to become empty nesters as their youngest child and only daughter, Andrea, was heading off to Penn State. Muth was facing that question that so many women have–after raising a family and sacrificing a second career, what will fill the next period of her life? The mother of three to Michael, 24, Bobby 23, and Andrea, now 20, was searching for a new creative outlet.

During a steamy August heat wave in the summer of 2006, Muth had a restless night with a dream containing the vivid image of a pear tree. It did not register with her at the time what it meant or represented, but it remained clearly burned in her memory. Two weeks later, feeling down in the dumps, Muth was walking out of Wayne’s Great American Pub with her husband and noticed an empty retail space across the street. “It was a total dump–just a real pit! Really, there was nothing appealing to the building except for the location which was on the corner of North Wayne Avenue directly across from the train station and facing [the busy] restaurant row. I peeked through the windows, turned to my husband and said, ‘What do you think? Could this be something I could sink my teeth into?’ We talked it over when we got home and he encouraged me to go for it. So, it was not long after that the wheels were in motion for me to open my own Main Line store,” recalled Muth.

A vintage children’s wagon brimming with holiday accents is a charming touch to welcome in passersby.

With a background in marketing and an eye for sophisticated home décor and upscale boutique items that would appeal to the Main Line shopper, Muth, a Broomall native, signed a lease in October of 2006 and opened The Pear Tree the following spring. She knew she needed to build a strong brand around the store name so she quickly scheduled a trip to New York City with a good friend who had a graphic design studio. “I told her the name of the shop and said nothing more. When I went back to review her designs, the image I had dreamt up a few months earlier was her exact sketch! It was a strange feeling, but The Pear Tree has been a spiritual journey. This is something that I have put my heart into,” said Muth.

Now, two years later the store is one of the most popular boutiques on the Main Line. This season its perfectly decorated with elegant holiday accents and a beautiful selection of
hostess gifts. Muth acknowledges that her inventory has been thoughtfully planned out. “It is really important to have the balance of great gifts and unique, locally produced items. I recognize so much talent in this area and I love welcoming local artists into my store to present their work, whether it’s their jewelry or paintings or pottery. We are open to seeing a variety because that is what our clients respond to, not just a store filled with catalogued items. Although, we do have some beautiful products from vendors we carry on a regular basis. As the owner, I want my customers to feel they can browse and enjoy our store and not feel pressured to buy…just enjoy the beautiful things we carry and the atmosphere we offer,” said Muth.

Ole Kris Kringle and many other festive decorations delight at The Pear Tree in Wayne.

A Jersey beach lover, Muth was also inspired by her summers at her house in Stone Harbor where she worked several years ago in a popular store called The Frog and Toad Shoppe (www.frogandtoadshop.com). Those summer vacations have become fewer and farther between with a bustling Main Line business. “I spend all my waking hours here and I would not trade it for the world. It keeps me busy and fulfilled to offer affordable beautiful gifts and make new friends with customers who walk through the door. This shop is a combination of all the shops that I miss that are no longer in existence on the Main Line,” Muth said.

For the holiday season, The Pear Tree has something for everyone at every price point, including pine-scented Trapp Candles, hand-blown German ornaments, $5 glass snowflakes, cleverly hand-crafted Santas, and charming Hanukkah accents. A superb selection of inventory and keen sense of style won The Pear Tree Philadelphia Magazine’s 2008 Best of Philly Hostess Gifts. Looking back, Muth reflects on a mid summer night’s dream that has turned into a terrific Main Line boutique and fulfilling career.

“I am here in this place, in this building, because I needed a new creative outlet. The Pear Tree to me exemplifies the art of saying thank you, a place where I can help you say to a friend, a loved one, a wife or girlfriend or perhaps someone in need of a pick me up, ‘I love you, I was thinking of you and here is a beautiful gift just for you.’ And what better gift can I offer through my store than the sentiment of gratitude? I can’t think of a more fulfilling dream.”

The Pear Tree is located at 133 North Wayne Avenue in Wayne, PA. The store is open Sundays 12-4pm, Mondays through Thursdays 10-6pm, Fridays 10-7:30pm and Saturdays 10-6pm. For more information contact Deanna Muth at The Pear Tree: 610-688-7202.

Main Line Mom, Minority Business Entrepreneur and QVC Model Monica Walker Miraglilo Talks Business, Babies and Beyond.

Fill-a-Pillow CEO Monica Walker Miraglilo

I am flying down Route 30 in Bryn Mawr at 6pm on a Friday evening in mid-September, hastily buckling my seatbelt in the passenger seat of Monica Miraglilo’s sleek SUV. It’s a great night, about 70 degrees, sunny with the perfect hint of fall in the air and every Mercedes, Lexus and BMW on Lancaster Avenue has somewhere fabulous to be. So we are weaving and moving and Monica is being Monica as I will soon learn: the multitasking machine is shifting into high gear as Miraglilo answers text messages and makes phone calls simultaneously. I’m trying to figure out when exactly in my sudden adventure we will find a good time to talk.

Monica and I have been scheduling and rescheduling our thirty-minute interview for weeks—I’ve been swamped with writing assignments and work, Monica has been juggling her two full time jobs, two young children and a steady social life with husband Michael, an insurance executive. But, now here we are, and before I know it, we are back on Route 30 headed east at fifty percent of the previous speed and I’m no longer looking in the rear view waiting for ‘those guys’ with their red flashing lights. Phew! Did I mention this is an interview not a roller coaster ride?!

Monica Walker Miraglilo has been a QVC model for sixteen years, on a shopping channel that boasts 7 billion in net sales in 2007. When Miraglilo is strategically poised on the home shopping channel’s set, her stunning looks are broadcast to more than 166 million cable and satellite homes worldwide. It seems like such a glamorous life—wearing designer duds from the likes of Bradley Bayou and Chloe Dao, modeling eighteen karat Italian gold and Kenneth Jay Lane pearls, hob-knobbing with the slew of celebrities that walk through the doors of the West Chester headquarters. But while millions know her as one of the longest on-air names and faces on set, most don’t know anything about her.

Beautiful and bright, and mom to a two-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter, Miraglilo is hardly basking in her local celebrity status or resting on her success with QVC. Instead, since 2005, ‘Monica,’ as millions of viewers know her, has been steadily building a unique brand of her own with a successful company, Fill-a-Pillow (www.fillapillow.com). The Haverford store is full of fabulous fabrics and trims that allow Main Liners to build and design customized pillows and linens or young girls to host their own Fill-a-Pillow parties. In less than three years, the 40-year-old’s entrepreneurial spirit, undisputed work ethic and dynamic personality have made a success of the startup business. After a series of short errands that evening in September, I was able to sit down with Monica in her cozy boutique, located a stone’s throw away from Haverford Station. I was curious to find out from a woman who seemed to have it all what inspired her to take on the task of becoming a successful entrepreneur.

AroundMainLine: Ok, let’s start from the beginning in the fall of 2005. Where did you get this idea to start a company based on customizing and building pillows?

Monica Walker Miraglilo: Well, I was working on trying to open up a business with my husband and we were considering opening a Build-a-Bear on the boardwalk in Ocean City, New Jersey. And, we went there one evening and we found out there was already one there and we were kinda bummed out. But, my husband said we would think of something else. At that time, I had started doing some home decorating and interior design consulting on the side. And then I started to give my clients a thank you pillow when the job was completed. It was very creative—I made them out of vintage scarves that complimented their décor.

So, when we brainstormed further my husband said, ‘Why don’t we take that Build-A-Bear concept one step further and make it into a custom pillow company?’ And I said, ‘Yep, that’s it that is genius!’ So, I slept on it, dreamed about it, researched it to see if anyone else was doing it and nobody was. I didn’t tell my husband I was running with this. I thought about it further, and thought–with the way Americans are into instant gratification, it would be a big hit to be able to give someone a custom pillow in one day.

So, six months later I came to my husband and said ‘Guess what honey, I found a location, got incorporated, have my logo and design, did all the paperwork…I did it!’ And he said, ‘I was kidding about the pillow thing!’ At that point, it was too late to look back because I was serious about doing this and moving forward. So, I did.

Fill-a-Pillow’s Creative Interiors,
Haverford Station, PA

AML: That’s true focus and purpose. So, since the store has taken off, what other areas are you branching out with in the same idea/concept?

MWM: Our motto is ‘If we can fill it, we can do it.’ That has created some exciting new areas for Fill-a-Pillow and what we can do. Now we do bedding, we do window treatments, outdoor cushions, linens, pet cushions and pillows, wine bags, holiday stockings, you name it. One of our most successful pillows is a secret pillow–some gentlemen have bought them as a way to hide the ring and propose to their fiancé. We are starting to do home parties, where we come to your home and do a vintage pillow party with girlfriends. Those have been a huge hit because it is something different and fun and engages everyone to interact and be creative themselves. I think it brings out people’s own taste and talent and that’s something anyone of any age can enjoy.

AML: What it’s like to work as a QVC Model?

MWM: It’s great, I love it—it’s a fantastic company of course. But, people probably don’t realize how many hours we (QVC models) work. A lot of times I work overnight shifts and then come into the store straight from QVC and have not had any sleep and I have a full day of work ahead of me. The customers don’t know I’ve been up all night at the studio and they expect bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and an owner who is on point. Meanwhile, I’m so exhausted because I have a full work day ahead of me and a family to go home to be a good mom and wife for. But, my family is my support system and they make it all worth it. Without my husband and children, I would not get through the day.

AML: Honestly, if I turn on QVC and see you on air it seems like you are just hanging out modeling the jewelry, hair and makeup professionally done to the tee, smiling without a care in the world—piece of cake, no?

MWM: Not exactly! I can’t tell you how many times my mind is racing. I might be sitting there doing a jewelry show smiling and modeling but I am thinking about when or how my kids are going to get picked up from school, who needs what fabric at the store, what accounting works needs to be completed for Fill-a-Pillow, where my husband and I are going that weekend, what I need to make for dinner tonight. It is a hundred and one things all at once. I don’t have time to relax and kick back because as soon as I am out the door from QVC…it’s on.

AML: What advice can you give other female entrepreneurs–women who have an idea and are thinking about starting their own business?

MWM: You can’t be everything in this business. You have to designate jobs to other people in order to succeed. That’s the biggest thing I’ve learned now, two and a half years down the line. If you don’t do that, you can wear yourself out and lose your enthusiasm because you are taking on too much. But, my big advice is, if you have an idea and you believe in it, GO FOR IT! Do not wait for someone else to do it, just do it.

And if you try it and it doesn’t go as planned, oh well, no one is going to look down on you because you had the guts to try something different and you took a chance. I took a chance and look what it is now. I took a risk. My husband kept telling me that he was joking about the whole idea. And, granted, my business from the start was based on a unique idea and a dream, something I envisioned for myself. The very first day I opened up my store, I took a deep breath and propped open the front door and hoped someone would walk through. I was persistent and consistent from the start and never looked back. This business is an extension of me.

AML: That’s great advice, well stated. One thing I wanted to touch on that I know we chatted about before this interview is the fact that you are one of only a few minority entrepreneurs on the Main Line. Why do you think that is, where are all the minority business owners in the western suburbs of Philadelphia?

MWM: What you are saying is so true, I’m really not sure why there are not more minority business owners on the Main Line. But, I never really think about it from my own personal perspective. But, if we are going to be totally honest here–sometimes it is brought to my attention (in a nice way) by my customers who will say, ‘So you own this business, a beautiful black girl like yourself?’ And I know they mean well and they are just curious and also trying to be politically correct in some fashion. So, I just smile and tell them yes, I am the owner and creator of Fill-a-Pillow and yes this is my store. I just want to make an impression as a successful businessperson as me, Monica, myself—instead of ‘Monica, the African-American business owner.’ I want to be the successful entrepreneur and want everyone to view my business that way. At the same time, I do embrace the opportunity to inspire other young women of all backgrounds to open up their own business and be an opportunist and that’s what I want to focus on.

AML: Honestly Monica, I think you are inspiring and enlightening to many people and you do not even know it. The way you carry yourself, your enthusiasm for what you are doing and you are so genuine and nice. I bet you’re making a difference and breaking down social barriers–big and small–every day and not even knowing it. In fact, I’d bet on it.

MWM: That is very nice of you to say! This is a good question, a good topic and I am very glad you brought it up. Many people would not want to ask me about being a minority business owner on the Main Line because, well, they just wouldn’t want to ask that question and talk about ‘it.’ I don’t know if I even know how to answer it the best way I should but it is hanging out there as an important topic and I’m glad we discussed it. Thank you.

AML: Me too Monica, I was personally curious and wanted to know. Thank you as well. Changing focus, do people ever say to you, ‘Come on, this is a pillow company, what is the big deal?’ Because they don’t see a great business model, they can’t appreciate the creativity and guts involved in a venture such as Fill-a-Pillow. You know, I just love Donny Deutsch on CNBC, I’m a huge fan of his show “The Big Idea” and something he says on his website is ‘Creativity is the greatest form of commerce.’ I just love that.

MWM: I actually tried to contact Donny Deutsch not that long ago and he didn’t return my email. I’m sure he gets thousands if not tens of thousands of requests, though…maybe I should send him a picture pillow of himself and he would respond?

I did that for Paula Abdul and she called me to thank me and then she ordered a dozen customized pillows for her friends! She was so nice, I was impressed she personally called me to talk — it was very nice of her and she was very encouraging of my business.

AML: That’s cool that Paula reached out. As far as Donny…well, hello–did you send him a picture of yourself Monica? Because you know if you watch the show as much as I do, he loves beautiful, successful women. Maybe you should try again! Anyway, the pillow thing…is not just about choosing a pretty fabric and putting a pillow on your couch, right?

Stocking Stuffers
Fill-a-Pillow, Haverford Station, PA

MWM: It’s not. This is not the store you walk into and order ten pillows for your daybed and we hand them to you and you leave. You have to do the work when you come here, we have the fabrics and custom pillow capabilities and certainly we can help you out, that is what we do! But Fill-a-Pillow is for you to become the creator and the designer of what you want. That can mean a five year-old little girl makes a pillow for her grandmom for her birthday or a woman can come in here (with her own interior designer on hand) and we can help advise them on the best fabrics and pillows and everything in between. We make it for you, yes, usually that exact same day. We can help you but you have to create and design your own. It’s all here for you to choose from. That’s the best part of Fill-a-Pillow and that is why I love my store and my customers.

AML: So, wait, I so get this now, its all coming together for me! You created a company out of your own gifts and creative spirit and that store in itself is inspiring people, especially women, to empower themselves—make their own pillows, use their minds and embrace their talents. It’s not about making a pillow; it’s about knowing or figuring out what you want and putting it together on your own. It’s just like you have done with your store and business model. That’s pretty awesome!

MWM: (Clapping and laughing with me) I never thought of it like that, wow. This is really such a neat moment that you put that together, I have chills! You are so right. My business and my vision for what I am creating and now doing have come full circle. I so get it now too. This is incredible, I love it!

Fill-a-Pillow is located at 403 Berkley Road in Haverford Station, PA and is open Monday through Friday 10am to 5pm. Saturdays the store is open by appointment and Sundays are reserved for private parties. For more information about parties, showers and the store hours call 610-649-5040. Email: info@fillapillow.com.