Dana Sellitti opened SerenDipity Boutique, located in Weirton, WV, two months ago, fulfilling a life-long dream. She has been in the fashion industry for 25 years and loves fashion, working with people, buying merchandise, and traveling, and owning her own boutique allows her to do all the things she loves! There is nothing around the area like what SerenDipity can offer!

Sellitti chose Weirton, WV as the location for her boutique because her husband is from the city, and when the opportunity to open in the city came about, she went for it. Sellitti says, "I love the centralized location... its accessible to people from PA, WV, and OH! The open market was perfect for opening here!"

Sellitti's boutique is designed for a chic, strong, elegant, sexy, and classy woman. Her favorite designer is Halston, because she loves the look of the 70s- sexy, elegant, and chic. When choosing what to put in the store, she draws on her background in luxury fashion. She wants to allow local people to be able to buy affordable, luxury fashion and to bring in hot new designers. She does personal styling events, custom orders, and creates a one-on-one personal relationship with her clients.
Owning SerenDipity has changed Sellitti's life so much in only two months. She says, " I feel I have gotten to meet so many new, wonderful people which has helped me grow as a person. As a buyer, it has let me grow in my fashion career- especially experiencing New York show rooms."

Selletti's Gladys is her grandmother. She says, "She always inspired me that I could do anything and everything I ever wanted since I was a little girl. My entire family raised me to believe I could do anything I put my mind to. Also, my husband is so incredibly supportive of me in everything I do. Because of him, I have had the opportunity to fulfill a life long dream. Ever since my dad passed away in February I realized I should do this now, because it is something I have always wanted."
Her most memorable moment with the boutique so far has been her grand opening. "I was in tears... it was amazing! Hundreds of people from all over PA, OH, and WV were here! The news came to cover the event as well! I watched my dreams come true in front of me. All of the support was incredible!"

Growing up in both Pittsburgh and Florida, Selletti has had a life long career in luxury fashion working for Sax 5th Avenue, Dior, and Louis Vuitton. She worked in Miama, South Florida for 10 years. She currently carries AG – Adriano Gold Schmied, Chan Luu, Free People, WILT, Michael Stars, LeeLee Rox, SEN, Elan, Yosi Samra Shoes, Naked Zebra, Lush, Esley, Arc&Co, Phat Buddha, Haute Hippie, Joie, and more!

Store Adress: 324 B Penco Rd. Weirton, WV 26062

Store Hours: M-F 11-5:30: Saturday 11-3

Store Phone: 412-999-9015

Interview by: Jordan Strope

Helen Tsang Squires bought Lavish Boutique on May 1, 2014; however, the store has been open since August 1, 2009. Squires said it was a blessing to have known the previous owner for years. "It was a coincidence that both the previous seller and I needed to have a turning point in our lives. The timing just couldn't be any better for each of our individual reasons."

   
Lavish Boutique has been a very successful business over the years, and they thank you very much for your support and loyalty! They have increased their sales after each homecoming/prom season by 10%, and have also been expanding with the extraordinary jewelry of JIM BALL. They have also added more designer labels, brand-name fashion clothing, pageant swimsuits, pageant gowns and tuxedo rental by Jim's Formal (National Brand) and Ameri-tux. A spray tan service has also been added and Squires intends to expand the bridal gown selection for Lavish!

When I asked Squires how life at the boutique was, she said: "I absolutely LOVE the Lavish life at Lavish Boutique! The joy from seeing the girl's smiles motivates me to carry on so everyone can have the same experience!"
Squires also mentioned Gladys!

"I always adore the Gladys life! It is like my love for Lavish Boutique...It is so wonderful to see others sharing their joys and I feel honored to be able to share that as well." 

Squires' favorite designer is Jovani! She feels all the designs are absolutely stunning. "Jovani tends to accent with heavy beaded crystal and they are always elegant and stylish."

Squires loves being personal with others, and feels it is always important and meaningful for a joyful experience. She loves experiencing the joy that the girls have when they find the perfect gown.

Before owning Lavish, Helen went to WVU in 2000, where fate kept her in West Virginia until she met Brandon Squires, her husband. They tied the knot in 2003 and started their family together in Morgantown. They enjoy and love the environment in the Mountain State!

Squires said, "It is like a dream come true after years of saving and waiting with my personal hopes for life. I couldn't be more excited looking forward to growing and expanding my business. Bottom line is: I am just excited!"

Open: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday, Noon - 6:00 p.m. Sunday

Phone: 304-983-2900

Friend them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LavishBoutique 

Follow Lavish on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/morgantownlavishboutique?ref_type=bookmark 

Web site: www.lavishboutiquewv.com

By Jordan Strope

Jill M. Jones opened J. Jones after moving to Weirton, WV six years ago from Pittsburgh, PA. She felt the area didn't offer an upscale boutique for girls, and wanted them to have an "upscale boutique shopping experience" in their small hometown. Jones said, "a dress purchase involves many trips to the store for fittings, alterations, accessory coordination, etc. and I wanted to offer something fabulous so they wouldn't have to leave the area!"

When I asked what inspired her to open J. Jones she said, "It's simple! I LOVE the bridal/special occasion industry. I love being involved in the special events my girls come to me for! I love making them feel special, important, and look even more beautiful in our clothing!" Jones said that along the way, her biggest supporter and fan was (and is!) her boyfriend and confidant Mr. Greg Shoup. She says he motivates and encourages her, and tells her to "just go for it!"
Jones says Greg is also her Gladys! When she had the idea to open a bridal salon downtown Weirton, he was there for her all the way. He doesn't know the fashion industry but he knows Jill, and how she thinks. He drives her to be successful and work hard and honest. She says he is the hardest working person she knows and that is what makes him so successful! He is "the best father, a truly inspirational man and friend... my best friend!"

Jones says her most memorable moment since opening the store was overhearing two women talking about "this great new bridal shop on Main Street in Weirton." They said the shop was beautiful, and the owner was nice, helpful, and really cared about the prom girls! They were talking about Jill, but she was smiled and went about her shopping! She says that is why she works so hard at what she does!

Jones has had over 20 years of bridal experience and says it never gets old. She loves sharing that feeling with a bride when she finds "the dress"! She says she has cried with and for many brides when the final moment comes together. Jones also says she is truly blessed to have a job that involves so many men and women's "happily ever after's!"
Her favorite quote is "'Happy girls are the prettiest' by Audrey Hepburn! It's on the wall in her store!

Jones says, "My passion for this business has enabled me to go far J. Jones has been wonderful because it lets me follow my dream while fulfilling other girl's dreams at the same time! I always say I am selfish for getting to do what I love and all of us at the store say it isn't even like going to work when we come here...we ALL love our jobs! The best part of owning J. Jones is getting to see ALL my beautiful babies on prom night or their wedding day and see the stunning smiles on their faces...remember 'happy girls are the prettiest'!"

When I asked Jones what her favorite designer was, she said," I love many of the designers for different reasons...Sherri Hill is for the young, feminine girl who isn't afraid to show her "girly side". Jovani is fashion forward and edgier...Vienna is new and up in coming and I love to work with new, excited growing designers. In the bridal industry I love, love, love Allure! They have it all, style, elegance, sophistication and are a wonderful company to deal with. First rate ALL the way!"

In five years, Jones hopes to be in a much larger location on Main Street where they can service many more clients and offer an even larger selection to local brides, prom girls, and formal wear clients. She wants to be the "it" store in the area and hopes the girls will say "you HAVE to go to J. Jones"!

Hours:
Tues, Wed, Thur 12-7
Fri/Sat 11-4
Sun 12-3

Address:
3385 Main Street Weirton, WV 26062

Phone:
304-914-0930

By Stephanie Scarci, Editorial Intern Gladys Magazine

Having the opportunity to work with the amazing photographer Cameron of DCprostudio for Gladys Magazine was a thrill, but the amazing venue in which we shot the editorial totally blew me away! As we drove about half hour from the Washington DC area, we came to the little town of Aldie. Here is where the Bella Villa Antiques Shop is located. Absolutely an awesome place to do an "old Hollywood Glamour" shoots. The place is filled with so many amazing pieces of furniture and nick-knacks. You could get lost just in looking at everything the place has to offer. The arrangements, the settings, the wall hangings, and the color schemes: everything is meticulously placed! The owner, Rosanna Smith, greeted us with open arms and she went out of her way to accommodate the crew. In addition to the huge and fabulous location, it offers vintage rentals, a bridal registry and so much more! Although the current site is under renovations, be sure to view the shutterfly site to see everything Bella Villa has to offer. I asked Rosanna to share a little about Bella Villa and how it has evolved. After reading her description, you can understand why it is so charming and endearing.

Nestled in the historic village of Aldie, VA, Bella Villa is a 3,000+ sq ft boutique shop locally owned by Rosanna F. Smith, and operated by a talented team of folks who love what they do and strive to exceed expectations. Situated in a stone-covered multi-room home from the early 1900's the shop offers a vast and diverse selection of quality vintage and antique furniture, home decor accessories and architecturals both for purchase and for rent. The multi-colored plaster walls offer a unique Anthropologie-like backdrop for the edited collection of unique vintage items. Since 2007, visitors have found both traditional and painted furniture, American-made garden urns, tufted sofas and chairs, gorgeous chandeliers, rustic European baskets, pottery and linens, French and Italian decor, as well as vintage tools, hunting and sporting goods. In addition, Bella Villa offers affordable and high-quality upholstery services, interior and event design services, as well as photo shoot opportunities. The shop is open Wednesday thru Saturday 11am - 6pm, Sunday 12pm -5pm and by appointment.

Bella Villa's work has been featured in several magazine publications and blogs including: Weddings Unveiled Magazine Fall 2012 & Fall 2013, Engaged Magazine (Feb 2013), Southern Living Weddings Magazine (Jan 2013), Fashion Faces Magazine (Aug 2013), Style Me Pretty Blog, Wedding Chicks Blog, Green Wedding Shoes Blog, and now Gladys Magazine! For more information about Bella Villa, contact Rosanna Funiciello Smith at 571.921.0356 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit Bella Villa in the village of Aldie, VA.

Bella Villa
39478 John Mosby Hwy (Rte 50)
Aldie, Virginia 20105
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.bellavillashop.shutterfly.com 
Contact: Rosanna Funiciello Smith
571.921.0356
Hours: Wed-Sat 11am -6pm
Sun: 12pm-5pm