May 10th, 2011 . No Comments »
Anyone who traveled down State Street this spring noticed quite a bit of activity going on behind the windows at Merra-Lee. The shop, at the corner of State and Third Streets, recently underwent a complete makeover, from the walls all the way in. “Since 1929, Merra-Lee has kept itself relevant in the fashion scene by bringing the latest trends to Geneva, IL for a good value,” says owner, Michael Simon. “This time we’re way ahead of the curve with the latest and most dramatic incarnation yet.”
On Thursday, May 12 at 5pm Merra-Lee extends an open invitation to a Grand Re-Opening Ribbon Cutting during which guests can browse the store’s contemporary summer fashions in the brand new interior of this historic boutique. The party will last all weekend through May 15 with sales and giveaways. Interior designer, Mark Norkaitis of Room 363, has been busy with a comprehensive remodel—starting with a sleek new color pallet (gray tones with black and a touch of blue) and opening up the site’s large windows to let natural light in.
Norkaitis’ design approach is unique in that before beginning a job, he hunts around for “found” items that he can repurpose. The basement at Merra-Lee turned out to be a gold mine for someone with his creative eye. “It’s amazing all the things that where hiding in the basement for me to use for this space. I have friends that would go crazy for dress forms that were down there!” Norkaitis says. Other treasures that have been given new life are the stunning black crystal chandelier that now greets customers as they step through the door and a collection of vintage disco balls that give the elegant surroundings a touch of whimsy.
Not to be outdone by the entrancing new design of the store itself, the clothing collection at Merra-Lee has also been refreshed. The store’s buyer, Leslie Waterson has just returned from market and explains, “We’ll always carry the classic styles that our customers depend on, but our collection is punched up with current fashion items with embellishments and styling. Our customers are excited about the fresh jewelry and accessories we’re showing this season.”
Merra-Lee has been a staple in the landscape of downtown Geneva, IL since 1929, when it was founded by Sol Simon and Rose Becker Kozberg. In 1941 the shop moved to the corner of State and Third Streets, former site of the Betsy Ross Tea Room in the historic Geneva Hotel, and has been there ever since.
Posted in Merra-Lee
May 5th, 2011 . No Comments »
Real Simple Magazine recently posted an excellent series of articles on how to flatter specific body types through fashion—what to wear and what not to wear. Here’s a quick and dirty summary from our buyers—study up and then come into Merra-Lee, The Meeting Place, and Boutique 15 and let our new summer fashions work their magic! The principles below also apply to formal styles at The East Room.
Apple Shape: Tends to carry the most weight around the midsection.
Apple shapes should wear:
- Angular lines
- Wrap tops
- Anything with a corset-style structure
- Pleating and gathering under the bust
- Deep v-necks and scoop necks
- Straight-leg bottoms
- Higher-waisted pants and pants with a bit of stretch to hold stomach in
Apple shapes shouldn’t wear:
- Extreme A-lines, or anything too blousy that lacks shape
- Busy details like pocketing on top half
- Patterns that don’t match overall size (e.g. don’t wear small prints on a bigger frame)
Pear Shape: Smaller on top/bigger on bottom
Pear Shapes should wear:
- Darker colored pants with stiff or stretch fabric
- Seams that run down the front of the leg
- Fluted skirts
- Lower and thicker waistbands
- Tops that are slightly A-line
- Low-slung tunic tops
- ¾-length jackets and tops
Pear Shapes shouldn’t wear:
- Fading on your denim, which highlights trouble areas
- Too-tight tops
- Attention-grabbing pocket details on the hips and thighs
Hourglass Shape: Curvy around bust and hips with smaller waist
Hourglass Shapes should wear:
- Simple, solid shapes
- Thick belts
- Pencil skirts
- Volume around the shoulder
- Wrap tops, scooped and boatneck necklines
- Bootcut or flare pants
Hourglass shapes shouldn’t wear:
- Ruffles
- Frills
- Lapels
- Busy patterns
- Straight, boxy shapes
Boy Shape: Straight up and down
Boy shapes should wear:
- Details at the bust such as ruffles, wraps and rouching
- Sleeveless tops and halters
- High-waisted skirts
- Bootcut pants and jeans, with a lower rise
Boy shapes shouldn’t wear:
- Menswear-inspired styles
- Straight cuts
- “Boyfriend” jeans
Posted in Boutique 15, Merra-Lee, The East Room, The Meeting Place
Tags: clothing
April 8th, 2011 . No Comments »
While The Meeting Place always has a large selection of Cut Loose clothing, we’ll be bringing you a special opportunity to see and try on the entire Spring and Summer 2011 collection of Cut Loose clothing at our Trunk Show on May 5 – 8. Even better—you’ll get 10% off all Cut Loose purchases made during the show!
Cut Loose clothing is for women who aren’t willing to sacrifice fashion for comfort and visa versa—that’s why it’s become one of the most popular designers at The Meeting Place. Cut Loose began out of a box on San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, when two enterprising expatriates decided to bring European flair to California and sold dyed cotton T-shirts and drawstring pants to passers by. Because there were no dressing rooms on the wharf, sizes had to be forgiving, and that tradition continues today but with a much wider variety of styles, which can be dressed up or down, in an array of soothing and fun colors.
Posted in Boutique 15, The Meeting Place
Tags: clothing, Cut Loose, Spring 2011
April 4th, 2011 . No Comments »
Beverly Livermore of St. Charles has always had a knack for looking at items that are past their prime and envisioning a new use for them. It led her to stash away perfectly good fabrics on clothing items cast off by her family and search out ways to reuse them. The Meeting Place is always interested in environmentally friendly products, such as those made from replenishable resources, recycled products, and vegan leathers, so we are thrilled to have a new line of accordion skirts by Beverly’s company, for you Beverly Jo Creations, in our store!
The skirts are a trendy new twist on a 1980s pattern for tennis skirts. It’s a fresh and flexible look that can be dressed down or up and is convenient for packing since it can be folded up like an accordion.
The style lends itself perfectly to Livermore’s penchant for mixing various textiles from previously worn clothing because the skirts are made from strips of different, but coordinating, men’s suit and pant fabrics. Men’s trousers have never before looked so good!
Beverly donates most of her profits to charity, including a sewing school in Honduras and the Glenwood School for Boys and Girls in St. Charles. The Geneva Patch recently featured Beverly in the article linked below:
Posted in The Meeting Place
Tags: clothing, designer, Spring 2011, summer
March 24th, 2011 . No Comments »
We all know how important it is to have a good-fitting bra—and how difficult it can be to find one. Even if you think you know your size, our bodies shift without us knowing it and it’s important to recheck you size every couple of years. That’s why each season, She She lingerie store, at 17 S. Third Street in downtown Geneva in the western Chicago suburbs, periodically hosts bra fit clinics. It’s a great opportunity to get fit and help raise money for charity.
On Tuesday, April 12, 2010 from 9:00 a.m – 5:30 p.m. come in to She She to get fit for a bra, foundation or after breast surgery product and help us raise money for the American Cancer Society. A portion of sales from all of The Merra-Lee Shops on April 12 will be donated toward breast cancer research.
In addition to our in-house fitting experts, special guests Julie Naylor-Gottlieb, Amoena Territory Manager will be here. Julie can answer all of your questions about Amoena’s full line of post-breast-surgery products, including bras, breast forms, and swimwear.
Also joining us will be Nikki Spitzer representing Green & Wellness.
Featuring a special collection of jewelry by Nancy Neill Designs.
FREE GIFT with appointment! Call 630-232-0933 to make an appointment for April 12 with one of our ABC certified fitters.
Posted in She She
Tags: amoena, bras, breast health, events, jewelry
March 21st, 2011 . No Comments »
She She fit specialists can answer any other questions you may have regarding Amoena contact breast forms. Appointments for Pre- and post mastectomy consultations and fittings are strongly recommended: 630-232-0933.
Q: What is a contact breast form?
A: Contact breast forms attach to the skin and move with the body, staying in place with every movement.
Q: What are the benefits of a contact breast form?
A: Contact breast forms relieve pressure on the shoulders, which is especially important for women with lymphedema or a larger bust. Additional benefits include easy wear and care, more freedom in clothing choices, like low cut-dresses. All of this can result in a greater feeling of security and self-confidence.
Q: Has the Contact adhesive been tested for skin compatibility?
A: In skin compatibility tests, most women did not have any issues with skin irritation or allergic reactions. If you have reactions to the silicone used in products such as stockings and strapless bras in the past, then the Contact breast form may not be the right choice. We recommend you discuss any concerns with your physician. Your skin may require a certain period of time to get used to the breast form’s adhesive. When you first wear the breast form you may experience slight skin reddening when you remove the form. This is generally caused by increased circulation and not an allergic reaction. If you experience an unusual skin reaction, immediately stop use and seek medical attention.
Q: How long can the adhesive back layer last?
A: The precise life of the adhesive layer will vary from woman to woman. On average the adhesive lasts approximately one year. While the life of the adhesive is determined by several factors, it is primarily dependent on properly caring for the form by following the provided care instructions.
Q: Is it really necessary to clean the Contact breast form every day?
A: Yes. The Contact form must be cleaned every day it is worn in order for the adhesive back layer to maintain its adhesive properties. The adhesive will pick up lint from clothing, dry skin cells, and body oils during daily wear. These deposits, if not cleaned and removed, will reduce the effective life of the adhesive and decrease the its ability to adhere to the body.
Q: Will the adhesive on the Contact breast form come off on the skin? Will it ever separate from the form itself?
A: The adhesive back layer is permanently affixed. It should not come off on your skin or come loose from the form itself.
Q: How can I be sure the Contact breast form will attach securely? Is a Contact breast form right for a woman who exercises and participates in sports?
A: Besides careful daily cleaning, a well-fitting bra is the best guarantee that the breast form will adhere securely. If you’re active, exercising or in a warm climate and perspire, this can inhibit the secure adhesion of the Contact breast form to the chest wall. Because the adhesive layer of the Contact breast form and your skin must be completely dry to securely attach the breast form to the body, many women have found the Contact breast form with Comfort+ technology helpful—a revolutionary temperature-regulating material is integrated into the form and hinders perspiration behind the form during wear. You may also choose to wear the form unattached in the pocket of a bra using the provided BackPad.
Q: If I have oily skin, will the adhesive layer stick to my body?
A: It’s the skin on the chest wall that must be considered. If your skin is extremely oily on your chest wall, the adhesive may not adhere well. Remember to properly cleanse the skin on the chest wall before applying the breast form.
Q: If I had radiation therapy on my chest wall, can I wear a Contact breast form?
A: If you have had radiation therapy on your chest wall, a Contact breast form may not be the right form for you. It is best to consult your physician before wearing a Contact breast form.
Q: If I use a skin moisturizer on my chest wall, will the adhesive layer still adhere to my body?
A: If you use a skin moisturizer on your chest wall, the adhesive layer may not adhere properly. Moisturizers often leave an oily or greasy residue on the chest wall that inhibits the adhesiveness. If you must moisturize your chest wall, use a small amount of Amoena Skin Balance Gel Cream. This cream is formulated to leave the skin feeling dry to the touch while providing ample moisture.
Q: If I take Nolvadex (tamoxifen), will this have any effect on how well the adhesive adheres to my body?
A: The most common reaction associated with hormonal breast cancer therapy is hot flashes similar to those many women experience during menopause. These hot flashes usually cause perspiration. Moderate to heavy perspiration will affect the ability of the adhesive back layer to adhere and to stay secure on the body. Choose a Contact breast form with Comfort+ technology—a revolutionary temperature-regulating material is integrated into the form and hinders perspiration behind the form during wear. You may also choose to wear the form unattached in the pocket of a bra using the provided BackPad.
Posted in She She
Tags: amoena, breast health, mastectomy
March 18th, 2011 . No Comments »
We’re so excited about the fun new knits, tops, jeans, Naot sandals, and jewelry in The Meeting Place this spring, that we want to show them off in a special…and unexpected…way. So we’ve asked interior designer, Mark Norkaitis (who just finished a full-scale renovation of Merra-Lee) to work his magic once again.
Mark scoured our basement, attic, and other nooks and crannies for very cool display pieces—which didn’t seem nearly so cool until he got a hold of them:
Note the luggage display - Naot shoes are perfect travel companions!
New French door entrance to She She
Posted in The Meeting Place
Tags: clothing, jewelry, Naot, shoes, Spring 2011
March 16th, 2011 . 1 Comment »
She She is part of the five Merra-Lee Shops, located in historic downtown Geneva. She She carries the best in pajamas, lingerie, foundations, and post breast surgery (e.g. lumpectomy and mastectomy) products by Amoena.
For more than fifteen years, She She has been a proud leader in servicing post breast surgery needs. All She She fitters are expertly trained and knowledgeable of post surgery bras and products and are capable of assisting customers with their individual needs. Our staff boasts a combined 35+ years of bra fitting experience and proudly employs two ABC Certified Fitters (ABC=American Board of Certification of Orthotics and Prosthetics).
The store itself also obtained its ABC Certification for Orthotics and Prosthetics in 2009. She She is pleased to accommodate our mastectomy and lumpectomy patients’ needs by filing Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO on-site and can offer assistance with other insurance filing for coverage of prosthesis and bras.
She She has the area’s largest assortment of Amoena post breast surgery bras and other products. Our Amoena inventory includes full and partial breast forms, prosthetic nipple sets, post operative camisoles and bras, novelty bras and swimsuits.
Appointments with She She fitters are strongly encouraged to best accommodate our customers’ needs. Please feel free to contact us for further information at 630-232-0933. We look forward to meeting with you soon.
The She She fitters,
Denise CFm, Heather CFm, Alison, Christine, Marilyn, Martha, Peggy, Carol & Cindy
Posted in She She
Tags: amoena, blue cross blue shield, insurance filing, mastectomy, Medicare, post mastectomy
The 
Amoena 