It seems Merra-Lee is associated with fond memories for customers as well as for those of us who’ve worked here.  I know Halloween just won’t be the same to me without Clifford in our alcove terrorizing…I mean handing out candy to adorable Trick-or-Treaters.

We always had such fun partying with our customers at special events, like the NAOT V.I.P. Royal-Tea party,  and being serenaded by the Merry Carolers throughout the shops during Christmas walk—they’ll be back this year!

We’d love for you to share your fondest Merra-Lee memories with us in the comments below.  If you’ve got pictures or would like to have your story put up as it’s own post, just e-mail me at bev@merralee.com and I’ll set you up.  (And hey, we’ll be happy to hear about new memories you make with fabulous deals at our Going Out of Business Sale, starting tomorrow—doors open at 9am.)

My father Sol, who was a founding partner when the original Merra-Lee Shop opened 82 years ago, taught me to face facts and look to the future.  The fact is our retail businesses at the corner of State and Third Streets are no longer profitable.  As landlord as well as merchant, I realize the Merra-Lee Shops need to close.

The Merra-Lee Shops, including Merra-Lee, The Meeting Place, Boutique 15, The East Room and She She will be closed Friday through Tuesday to reduce prices and prepare for The Merra-Lee Shops Going Out of Business Sales starting Wednesday November 16th.  We have over a million dollars invested in fall and winter inventory that must be liquidated.  Please shop early while selections are at their peak

Starting Wednesday at 9:00 a.m sharp you can save up to 50% or more on all the clothes, accessories, and shoes you count on from us. Each of the shops is participating, and all inventory is included (except breast prosthesis products).

We’re having special store hours during the first week of the sales:

Wednesday, November 16th 9am – 7pm

Thursday and Friday, November 17th and 18th, 10am – 7pm

Saturday, November 19th 10am – 5:30pm

Sunday, November 20th 11am – 4pm

Many of you know I’m also co-owner of The Little Traveler, our unique 36-room store in a Victorian house.  The Little Traveler is a cornerstone of Geneva’s shopping community, and I will focus my energy to making it even better.

The world changes, and while this marks the end of the Merra-Lee Shops, my commitment to Geneva runs deep.  Once the Going Out of Business Sales are over, we’ll be redeveloping our property on South Third Street to strengthen our downtown.

Thank you to the many customers and employees who are all such a big part of the Merra-Lee family. We’ve made countless friends for which we are so very grateful.  I’ll continue to do everything I can to merit your continued confidence.

Yours truly,

Mike Simon

Solmate Socks are crafted with care in the USA from recycled cotton. By sourcing cotton yarns from recycled materials, the company is creating an environmentally responsible cotton product by reducing the amount of virgin cotton that needs to be grown and helping reduce landfill waste.

Marianne Wakerlin is the founder and owner of Solmate Socks. Marianne’s mother taught her how to knit when she was nine years old, but it wasn’t until she started knitting socks that her real passion was born.  Over the years Marianne knit over one hundred pairs of socks for family and friends. She then decided to turn her hobby into a business and in the year 2000 Solmate Socks was born. Her colorful and complex patterns are knit in the USA at a family owned knitting mill, hand finished and then “mismatched with care.”

The company is run in a small town in central Vermont, where the Socklady is surrounded and inspired by the woods, brook, gardens and hills of the countryside.

All Geneva Diva scarves are 100% wool with felting and feature unique details, like vintage buttons.

After washing and shrinking the sweaters, the designer cuts them into strips and lays them all out so she can see her full collection of colors and patterns.  Then the fun begins as she matches up a variety of pieces and cuts them into interesting and attractive designs.

Each Scarf Diva creation is a truly one-of-a-kind piece, and our customers are having a lot of fun finding the one that’s just right for them.

]]> http://www.merralee.com/blog/2011/11/the-scarf-diva-comes-to-the-meeting-place/feed/ 0 http://www.merralee.com/blog/2011/10/step-aside-apparel-the-accessories-have-arrived/ http://www.merralee.com/blog/2011/10/step-aside-apparel-the-accessories-have-arrived/#comments Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:39:07 +0000 Bev http://www.merralee.com/blog/?p=2431

Accessories are bold this fall and winter and just as wild as clothing.  Fur, feathers and fringe are everywhere.  You’ll see it not only in vests and coats, but in jewelry, hats, and  headbands.

We’re excited to introduce Leatherock belts and jewelry at The Meeting Place.  Wide leather belts with metal embellishments and cuff bracelets are literally BIG this season.

Down at Merra-Lee you’ll find lots of chunky stretch rings and the cool coated wire bracelets that are in vogue right now.  Look for layered, tangled necklaces to continue strong this season.

All of our shops have a large selection of scarves—full, ruffly, and yes, some even with fur.  Hats are embellished in a newsboy and casual cloche-inspired styles.

I hope you’ve found this two second tutorial helpful.  Now get out there and accessorize yourself!

New Naot shoe styles this fabulous deserve party!  One day’s not enough, so we’re celebrating from Thursday, September 22 all the way to Sunday, September 25! And it wouldn’t be a party without presents, so our gift to you is a 10% discount on your Naot purchases during the party.  (Store hours: Thurs 10am-7pm; Fri & Sat 10am-5:30pm; Sun noon-4pm)

All the new Naot styles will be on hand in a variety of sizes, and our Naot experts will be at the ready to help you find the footbed and style that’s just right for you. Expert craftsmanship, innovative technology, and attention to detail are what set Naot shoes apart from other fashion footwear.  Be sure to ask about our Frequent Footer and Friendly Footer Naot discount clubs while you’re here.

Now, how about a sneak peek at just a few of our personal favorites?

The Radical is a fashionable maryjane with a faux patent button hook & loop closure and a patent toecap. This style has a padded heel cup for extra comfort & support and inside gore at the instep for adjustability. Naot’s anatomic cork & latex footbed is wrapped in pampering suede and molds to the shape of the foot with wear. From the Avant-garde Collection; 2″ TPR sole with metal shank; Narrow to medium fit.

The Culture is a fashionable maryjane with three upper straps. The top strap has a hook & loop closure and the middle strap has gore for adjustability. The Culture has a padded heel cup for extra comfort & support. Naot’s anatomic cork & latex footbed is wrapped in pampering suede and molds to the shape of the foot with wear.  From the Avant-garde Collection; 2″ TPR sole with a metal shank; Narrow to medium fit.

The Legend is a beautiful boot with a layered leather look & faux leather buttons. The Legend has an inside zipper for accessibility & gore for adjustability. This style has a heel cup for stability and support & a padded shaft for ultimate comfort. This style features padded technical lining which provides comfort and warmth. This style has a 5.25″ shaft. Naot’s anatomic cork & latex footbed is wrapped in pampering suede and molds to the shape of the foot with wear. The Avant-garde Collection features a 2″ TPR sole with a metal shank. Narrow to medium fit.

Here’s a peek at 8 trends for Fall/Winter 2011:

Fur - Fashions have gone wild!  Mixed animal prints are as strong as ever and now fur has joined the safari

Velvet - Crushed velvets with a gentle sheen add an interesting texture and touch of elegance to casual dressing

Graphic Print – Fun, with a touch of drama

Capes and Ponchos – A cozy trend this fall and winter in all sorts of fabrications and colors

Sheer Shoulders – Tease ‘em just a little bit with peek-through lace at the shoulders

Peplum - A feminine flounce at the waist to show off that girlish figure

Lace - As accents or across whole garments, modern lace designs are a must this season

Ruffles - On sweaters, coats, everywhere!

Urban Aid™

These handy dandy purse-friendly tins come packed with all the little things that fill in this blank:

“If only I had a ________”

Each tin has a theme, and She She has a variety of choices.  A cute, funny, and practical gift for your girlfriends as well as for yourself.

The One Too Many Urban Aid Kit contains: eye mask; pair of earplugs; moist towelette; hydrating lotion towelette; pain reliever.

The Bridesmaid Urban Aid Kit contains: a sewing kit; mini emery board; dental flosser; double stick tape strip;  earring backs; 2 adhesive bandages; stain treating towelette.

The On-the-Go Urban Aid Kit contains: mini emery board; dental flossers; sewing kit; hairband; 2 adhesive bandages; stain treating towelette

The day I came to the store it was very busy. The salesperson was attentive and professional and instantly knew what would look good on me. Having the dress, shoes, purse,  jewelry and even undergarments at one store was very convenient.

I want to applaud the East Room for the excellent  customer service. They made my shopping experience pleasant.

-Pat

Amoena

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about after breast surgery and the fitting process:

What is a breast form and how long will it last?

A breast form (prosthesis) is a soft silicone molded form designed to recreate the natural appearance and gentle movement of a woman’s breast after mastectomy or other breast surgery. Most breast forms are warranted against manufacturer’s defects for two years from the date of purchase. Premium breast forms may last longer than two years with proper care. It is still a good idea to see a certified fit specialist every six months to one year to have your fit evaluated because women’s bodies change with age and weight. There are several different styles and shapes of breast forms available.

Is there any point to meeting with a She She specialist prior to surgery?

We strongly recommend making an appointment for a pre-surgery consultation: 630-232-0933. During this visit you’ll be educated regarding the various products available for, immediately after, and on-going post mastectomy (such as forms and apparel).

Are appointments required for fittings?

To provide our customers with undivided individual attention and to ensure that a certified staff member is present, appointments are required for post mastectomy fittings. Our qualified staff will fit you in our private dressing rooms for bras, and you’ll also be educated on the types of forms and other products available to allow you to be comfortable and active after breast surgery.

How long will the fitting take?

Your fitting will last about an hour. This time is important because it insures your getting the best fit possible and allows time to answer your questions. Since breast surgeries are done in several different ways, each fitting is unique. If we are filing medicare or Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO for you, allow an extra half hour to complete paperwork.

When can I be fitted?

Your doctor will tell you when you can be fitted—usually 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. A lightweight puff and soft unconstructed stretch bra are available for wearing immediately after mastectomy or other breast surgery.

How much does a breast form cost, and will my insurance pay for it?

Silicone gel breast forms typically range from $350-$475. Insurance coverage varies but Medicare, and many private insurance companies pay a portion if not all of the cost of the prosthesis and six bras. She She staff can file Medicare and Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO forms for you, and can assist with other insurance forms.

Medicare typically covers one form every other year and six bras per year. For any other type of insurance policy, please check with your insurance company prior to appointment.

Do I need a prescription?

Most insurance companies require a doctor’s prescription to accompany the completed insurance form. Please obtain the prescription from your doctor prior to your appointment or your doctor can fx it to us 630-232-2677. A prescription is not required if we’re not helping you file insurance.

Learn about the materials used in Amoena breast forms.

See questions regarding attachable breast forms.