Bucket becomes boutique at resort

18.05.12

Greystones has had a renaissance, with new and more established businesses staying afloat, says Lucinda O'Sullivan

THE once sleepy Edwardian holiday town of Greystones, Co Wicklow, has seen a burgeoning of new businesses from fashion to food and wine, flowers and gifts, cafes and restaurants and a hip pub. On a recent visit I met some really enthusiastic people working hard to keep their businesses on course in these times.

As you drive up Church Road you see people dining outside A Caviston's and The Happy Pear, which are side by side. Nearby is Azur shoe and accessory boutique, only six weeks old. It is the venture of Brigid Whitehead, and she clearly has a flair as she has bought like an expert. Her taste is impeccable, with a sparkling array of lovely shoes, handbags and classy costume jewellery and belts.

"I have been in publishing, but this is something I always had an interest in. We have a small publishing company in Bray where we were publishing interior and architectural magazines for almost 15 years, but we decided to take a year out. Business is tough.

Source: Irish Independent

Elegance for Easter: Ornate, colorful hats are on the rebound

18.05.12

Inside Ella’s Boutique on Evans Street in downtown Florence, the spring rush is on. From shiny suits in an array of bright colors, to prom dresses in all sizes, and the shoes decorated with glitter and gold, Ella’s offers something for everyone. But what makes Ella’s so special is the large selection of bright and beautiful hats.

It’s Easter, and on Easter, it is all about the hats.

“Hats make women feel beautiful,” Lois Graham said as she tried on dozens Thursday afternoon.

Graham, a self-professed hatoholic, owns close to 200 hats. Her closets are full of them; her hallways are stacked with the special boxes used to protect them. For Graham hats are a year-round tradition, and not just for Easter.

The window displays at Ella’s change regularly. Currently, the windows feature a collection of white hats, along with perfectly matched suits, shoes and bags. Inside the shop, colors are everywhere. In the front corner of the store, the hats sit, posed perfectly to display their special qualities. The ladies in the store are always ready to help shoppers select the perfect hat.

Source: SCNow