Signature Sensation
While many women anguish daily over their clothes, Tuyet Wong’s most time-consuming decision each morning involves what jewelry to wear—and what a selection she has to choose from. “I started creating jewelry for myself as a hobby,” says the Radnor resident, whose custom line of necklaces and bracelets has been wowing area women since 2002.
Wong soon began designing and creating jewelry full time, hosting shows in her home and making pieces to auction off at charity events. She travels the globe in search of the most beautiful freshwater pearls, attending the world’s largest gem show in Hong Kong to find exotic precious and semi-precious stones. “People love my jewelry because the pieces are timeless, but classic and elegant,” she says. “I do a lot of limited- edition pieces where I’ll only make three or so of the same item. Every one has a beautiful clasp, so it can be worn in the front for a different look, instead of always being hidden.”
Many of Wong’s signature pieces feature Keshi pearls in various colors, combined with semi-precious stones like green amethyst and honey topaz. Brides and bridal parties are a Wong specialty. she hosts an annual “appointment-only” pre-Mother’s Day show at her home; this year’s event is May 9. Her jewelry also will be showcased at the Manayunk Arts Festival at the end of June.
(610) 316-7338, tuyetjewelry.com.
This article originally appeared in the May 2008 issue.
Fashion Forward
Katye Stanzak suffered serious culture shock when she moved to the Main Line from the West Coast. “I found the shopping to be lacking,” says Stanzak. “There were a lot of boutiques in the area carrying similar designers and styles.”
So she opened KatyeK in April 2008, filling its racks with a selection of clothes from the designers who inspire her. “I wanted to carry different styles and accessories that stand out,” she says. “When I do the buying for the store, I trust my instincts.”
Stanzak invests in quality basics, which explains the emphasis on jeans. She’s “obsessed” with Genetic Denim’s “great fit and quality”—and a girl can’t go wrong with a fabulous pair from William Rast or People’s Liberation. For those who prefer a price point below $100, there’s Blank, which Stanzak lauds for its “affordability and its ability to flatter a variety of shapes.”
KatyeK also stocks print tees by Lauren Moshi (favored by the Hollywood celebs), flowy silks from Tucker by Gabby, chic hoodies by husband-and-wife team Mike & Chris, and horoscope T-shirts from e.vil.
There’s also an assortment of items for little guys and girls, including adorable hand-stitched tees from Amy Tangerine, leather booties from Robeez and whimsical, vintage dresses by Green Pomegranate made from recycled cottons, vintage linens and other antique materials.
510 Lancaster Ave., Haverford; (610) 525-5552, katyek.com.
This article originally appeared in the August 2008 issue.
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Per Lei
Along with April’s warmer weather comes the thrill of shopping for the latest new styles. And the forecast for spring is color, color and more color, says Candice Caprice, owner of Media’s newest boutique, Per Lei. “Along with color, prints are still big this season—and flowy, translucent fabrics,” she says, pointing out the Lodis clutches in bold red, yellow and green, and the super-soft, lightweight Italian leather jackets by Gimo’s in emerald-green and gold.
The slim, cigarette pant has been replaced with a wide-leg version, and this season’s must-have jeans are high-waisted. Per Lei has all the hottest designers—from Rebecca Taylor, Trina Turk and Pink Tartan to Theory, Chaiken and Badgley Mischka—along with jeans from Joe’s and Hudson. “I’m buying for a very fashion-conscious customer who’s looking for something new,” Caprice says.
Per Lei is located right in the middle of B. Gross, a respected menswear store in Media since 1923. “For the longest time, we’ve wanted to get into the women’s clothing business,” says B. Gross owner Bruce Middleman. “We opened last September, and the response has just been fantastic.”
Per Lei shoppers experience the same high-quality service B. Gross has always offered its customers. “I encourage shoppers to bring in pieces they love, and I can help them build their wardrobe from there,” says Caprice, who also hosts nights out for the girls, so they can shop while enjoying wine and snacks.
2 E. State St., Media; (610) 566-1254.
This article originally appeared in the April 2008 issue.
Coiffed Couture
If you’re a worshiper of all things luxe and beautiful, you’ll be like a kid in a candy store at the new Raya Coiffure/Boutique in Haverford. There’s not many (if any) places on the Main Line where you can transform your look with a new hairstyle, updated makeup and a fabulous designer outfit complete with shoes and accessories. Indeed, Raya is a makeover show waiting to happen.
Owner Raya Yukhimov is the Raya from the former Bala Cynwyd salon Raya Haig. Those familiar with the old place can expect the same high-caliber service. “Our clients are used to shopping in New York,” says salon manager Leonard Kadyshes, who is also Raya’s husband. “They want Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman quality.”
The clothing at Raya looks as if it comes straight out of Vogue. “Since I was a little girl in Russia, I dreamed of fashion,” says Yukhimov. “I think every woman should look beautiful.”
And though Yukhimov admits that not everyone who comes into her salon can afford the prices, they can afford to admire her high-end inventory. “I want to show clients what’s in style,” she says.
You’ll find cocktail dresses and gowns from Cavalli and suits from John Galliano, along with floor-length shearlings from Les Copains, boots and shoes from Rodo and Robert Clergerie, and (this month) resort wear from Alessandro Dell’Acqua. Jewelry will soon have a place in the boutique as well. “We’re here to fulfill wishes,” says Kadyshes.
25 Haverford Station Road, Haverford; (610) 645-0707.
This article originally appeared in the January 2008 issue.
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New York State of Mind
NYC finds its way to Spread Eagle Village this month with the opening of Gramercy Boutique. Owner Khaki Young has been around fashion all her life, and her two best pals—Kelley Pillman, the force behind KEP jewelry, and Kristine Holstein of KAGE handbags—are coveted designers who’ve been featured in Vogue and InStyle. “I’m constantly in New York visiting friends who are immersed in the fashion world,” says Young. “So when I come back to the Main Line, I miss it.”
Aided by the encouragement and invaluable industry advice of her friends, Young has decided to follow through on her lifelong dream of owning a boutique. Gramercy features an exclusive list of 15 New York designers, including MINT Jodi Arnold, Calypso and Tracy Reese. Pennsylvania native Vanessa Fox, who broke into the industry with her fabulous designer bridesmaid dresses and has a boutique on New York’s Upper East Side, will offer a special line that includes customized tunics, dresses and jackets.
Gramercy will carry just one denim line, Anlo, which is a top seller at Bergdorf Goodman. And expect to find the best from KAGE handbags and KEP jewelry. “I handpicked every designer in this boutique,” says Young. “And I’m passionate about every one.”
503 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, (610) 420-3074.
This article originally appeared in the September 2008 issue.
