High style in the Mon Valley
Observer-Reporter
Daneen Troup, owner of Prima Diva Boutique in Charleroi, said she would hate to reopen and close again if the governor is forced to pull back on the economy again.
Employees Angela Rostcheck,Tiffany Dunmeyer,Kelsey Warehem, Larisha Hotchkiss, owner Diane Donaldson and Heather Cain at Jazzy Boutique Consignment and Artisan Center
Darla Caley at Darla SuZ
When trendsetters envision cutting-edge fashion, New York City, Paris or Milan may come to mind, while Belle Vernon probably does not. Despite an omission from the short list of fashion capitals of the world, the Mon Valley is not scrimping on style. Several boutiques deliver “en vogue” looks with their unique offerings.
Darla Suz is owned and operated by Darla Sue Caley in Belle Vernon, who says it was her dream to open a boutique.
Caley, who appreciates fine fashion, wanted a store where she could purchase well-made clothes. The closest one she could find was in Bethel Park.
“There was nowhere to shop,” she says.
So, Caley took matters into her own hands and opened her namesake in August 2013. “I wanted to do it for years,” she says. “It’s harder than I thought, but I’m always learning.”
Darla Suz carries everything from basic T-shirts to sweaters to pants sets. Caley also stocks accessories – purses, costume jewelry, reading glasses and scarves. And, the shop is known for carrying elaborate and unique coats and jackets.
“It’s different stuff you’re not going to find in a department store,” she says. “You get what you pay for. This is a quality selection of well-made clothes that you have for years.”
For patrons who don’t feel confident in their accessorizing skills, Caley’s tops are usually adorned with a complementing necklace or scarf to take the guesswork out of shopping. “I have some customers who really appreciate that.”
Though she regularly buys from merchants in Pittsburgh, Caley recently traveled to New York City to purchase merchandise. She’s excited to display a new selection of dresses for spring.
“I love everything I sell,” Caley says.
Jazzy Consignments, also in Belle Vernon, is owned by Diann Donaldson. Fashionistas will find what Donaldson calls high-end consignment, with authentic designer purses, jeans and clothing for women, men and plus sizes. “I try to have styles for everybody,” Donaldson says.
Patrons can also find unique, locally made gifts including candles, customizable Swarovski crystal jewelry, and salt and sugar scrubs made by employee Tiffany Dunmeyer.
After opening in June 2016, the shop is already expanding with a move in the spring to the Trombino Building, just a half-mile away.
“I’m so excited,” Donaldson says. “We will be able to expand and offer new merchandise, too.”
The move will also allow Donaldson to combine her other business, Reliance Business Solutions, in to one location.
New clothing and a wider selection of beauty items and accessories will be added to the bigger space. And Donaldson will continue to offer personalized service, with in-store alterations and personal shopper services. Customers can call and provide the event they are shopping for, size and color preference, and staff will pull and have ready a selection to try on.
“I wanted to have the same classy, yet affordable selection of boutiques I’ve been to (in Naples, Fla.),” she says. “I think we’re doing a great job here.”
Prima Diva in Charleroi is owned and operated by Daneen Troup, who has a general theme for her clothing boutique.
From the greeting cards to the baby gifts to the apparel, Troup selects merchandise to make people smile.
“I don’t want anything in here that’s not fun,” Troup says.
After a 25-year career in banking, Troup was considering her next career as she worked with the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce to promote local businesses. In 2010, she started selling formal wear consignment. When that took off, she moved to her current larger corner location, which has always enthralled her.
“I admired these empty windows for years,” Troup says.
The location was actually a former clothing store, and made for a boutique. Troup was able to keep many of the original fixtures, lighting and mirrors. She abandoned the consignment and now sells new apparel, gifts and home goods. A bar area at the back of the large space includes gifts and accessories for wine lovers. Purses, jewelry and shoes round out a varied selection.
Shoppers have come to expect regular events at Prima Diva. During a spring fling, Troup selected 10 customers to participate as models in a fashion show and photo shoot.
“It’s real women in real clothes,” she says. “Who wouldn’t love that?”