thesmittenboutique.com Blog

This week many of us in Durham, myself included, have been mourning, and trying to understand the loss of a child. I imagine none of us could actually come close to mastering that unless we experience it ourselves. The thought of it takes my breath away. Watching children mourn the loss of their friends does not seem fair. My prayers as well many others are with the families of these two young men who tragically had their lives lost in an instant.
Love your children and tell them you love them … everyday.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. ~Author unknown

Hi there my friends…
All of my customers do not read my blog…and that is ok! I understand email and time crunches! But for those of you that do …yes, as the title says …it’s been a while since I have written in my blog. I’ve been busy too~ where did my summer go?
Well to give you the abbreviated run down …
Many of you know my youngest son Will is Autistic …well for the very first time we have started him on some medication that helps to mellow him out … and it works … quite well I might add! He is a new and different child and my entire family is so thankful we were able to get him in with the “right” doctor at Duke.
My sweet sixteen year old finally coaxed, begged and pleaded with me long enough that I cracked and bought him a car. Actually I was more weary from him asking to borrow my car!!!
My sister and her husband came to visit for a week and we had a great time … sister time is always wonderful. I miss her and wish we could spend more time together. My sweet brother in law is one of those people that just always makes everyone laugh. He’s what you call a “good egg”
I went on vacation out of the country… I know that’s big for me. My cell phone didn’t work as I thought it would so I depended upon my nightly emails from Harrison (about home / family), Julie and Cally (about Smitten). I’m quite lucky to have all the great people I do in my life … it’s not easy for a single mom to take off and be “out of touch”. My fabulous staff met and exceeded the goal I put before them and my son kept my house VERY neat. What more could a gal ask for?? Oh and my vacation … I went to Abaco in the Bahamas … you can only get there by ferry / boat. I read several books and rested a lot, needless to say … it was wonderful.
I came home to a store full of Fall clothing and temps outside in the 90’s. Go figure! If you want really warm weather …just wait until my fall clothing starts to come in…it never fails and it sends my blood pressure through the roof! ; ) I know … cooler weather is coming in just a few weeks!
School starts in a week…I can’t believe it. My oldest is junior in high school and my little one is in eighth grade. Wow … that makes me feel old just saying it!
So there you have it … my summer in a nutshell. Stop by and see me and I’ll fill you in on the details of any of the above!!
We all look forward to seeing you soon! Friday afternoon Retail Therapy is quite the social scene … we would love to have you and your friends join us!
Be Happy and Be Smitten!!
NCM

Join us Wednesday, July 21 from 4pm to 8pm for our Continuing Fashion Education! We’re demonstrating how to layer your bracelets and necklaces! Refreshments will be served and everyone gets a bracelet to start their stack with! You won’t want to miss it! There is always a good time to be had at Smitten!
Can’t make it on Wednesday? Join us any Friday for our Wine, Cheese, Retail Therapy and The Secret Sale! It’s the best way to end your week or begin your weekend!
In the mean time…
Be Happy and Be Smitten!!
NCM

I hope everyone has a safe and relaxing holiday weekend! We will be open everyday except Sunday July 4th! If you’re on your way out of town stop by and see us …we have new Okab sandals, bathing suit sarongs and adorable sunglasses!
If you’re staying in town join us at our Friday afternoon Retail Therapy 3pm to 7pm…it’s the best way to start any weekend especially a holiday!
We hope to see you soon…
In the meantime,
Be Happy and Be Smitten!
NCM

Yes it is that time of year! My birthday happens every June…and I love it! Birthdays should be celebrated by everyone! Gifts are not important…it is the ones we love that we celebrate with that are! Join us on Tuesday June 22, 4pm to 8pm when we celebrate mine “Fancy Nancy” style! We’ll be celebrating all day so if you are unable to join us in the evening stop by anytime! There will be great friends, food and gorgeous clothing! … And who knows there might just be an unbelievable bargain or two…
Be Happy and Be Smitten!
NCM

This week our Pick of the Week is all about encouraging our customers to share Smitten with their friends. You, our customer are the best source of advertising. Check out the Pick of the Week on our website and tell your friends about us…we want everyone to Be Smitten.
Don’t forget to join us Friday afternoons from 3pm to 7pm for our Wine, Cheese, Retail Therapy and THE SECRET SALE! It’s a great way to kick off your weekend….with friends!
We look forward to seeing you soon…
In the meantime,
Be Happy and Be Smitten!
NCM

We were open on Memorial Day and I had the best time I have ever had working on a holiday! Thank you to all my wonderful friends and customers that joined us on Monday. I really do have the best job on earth!
Join us Friday afternoons 3pm to 7pm for our Wine, Cheese, Retail Therapy and The Secret Sale…it’s the best way to end your week or begin your weekend!
Be Happy and Be Smitten!
NCM

Remember those who serve for us! Happy Memorial Day~ We are open 10am to 6pm and would love to see you!

We’ve been open 1 1/2 years as of May 1. It is difficult for me to believe that much time has gone by. I remember when I decided to open this store… my then 14 year old asked me with great innocence…”Mom, do you think you’ll make it?” Back then I nonchalantly answered of course we’ll make it! Inside I was a ball of nerves wondering if I had completely lost my mind. Well, I think we’ve made it…and I think we’re going to be OK…as for my lost mind…the jury is still out on that!
I have great customers and we treasure each and everyone of you. Our commitment to you is to provide you with a beautiful, happy shopping environment, help you make selections that work for you and your wardrobe, and support you as you venture outside your fashion comfort zone!
There are many places you can choose to give your business to, we understand that. So, when you shop with us, please know that we appreciate every purchase you make.
Please visit us soon…Our Secret Sale on Friday afternoons during our Wine, Cheese and Retail Therapy is quite the social event! The Brightleaf music series has started and we’re a great way to kick off the weekend, followed by a stroll down to Brightleaf for some great music and food!
In the meantime,
Be Happy and Be Smitten!
NCM

I love fashion and beautiful things … I always have! My Dad used to say that all I ever wanted for Christmas was jewelry and clothing. He tells of me unwrapping all my gifts, disappearing for a while and reappearing head to toe in my new outfits and jewels…and I would remain dressed to the “nines” for the remainder of that day! Not much has changed for me in that regard. When I go to market and NYC, I still feel like a child. The difference now is I ship my “gifts’ back to Durham and I get to share them with all of you!!! We have a new section in our weekly email Style Watch. Each week I will keep you in touch with the news that I get weekly from NYC about trends and how to wear them. We know that keeping current can get expensive in the fashion world…that’s why we’re committed to helping you update your wardrobe with many of the pieces and accessories you already own. It’s fun to reuse and make something you’ve “had forever” feel new again. That said…don’t hesitate to bring us that item you have in your closet you have nothing to wear with, or have no idea how you should wear it. We love helping you feel beautiful and good about yourself!
We hope you visit us soon…our Friday afternoon Wine, Cheese, Retail Therapy and SECRET SALES have become quite the social event! We hope you can join some Friday if you have not done so already…this Friday is going to be a good one!!
In the meantime,
Be Happy and Be Smitten!
NCM