Sissy Harris has an individual style that’s uniquely “Peter Kate.” The mother-daughter team of Sissy Harris and Kathy Savage founded Peter Kate in Greenville in 2001 and they have inspired women with their exciting sense of style ever since. The store, originally Peter Kate Shoes, expanded last year, selling clothing, accessories, and, of course, shoes.
Harris graduated from law school, married, and worked at Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children. After having children she realized she needed a flexible job.
Kate was her first born. Peter was her second—hence the name Peter Kate. “My cousin told me it was the worst name she had ever heard,” says Harris, “and we still laugh about it.”
Harris believes family comes first. She’s considering an expansion to incorporate her third child, Margo, into the business.
The sophisticated sense of style, trust, great dynamic and different perspectives on fashion are keys to the duo’s success. “The best part of my job is being with my mother every day,” says Savage.
Harris is a woman of vision. She’s the embodiment of the word “entrepreneur.” She balances fundraising and philanthropy, working with The St. Francis Foundation, Stocking Project and the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center to name some. She senses a new awareness among her clients—they know they can come into the store and find a great quality outfit, shoe or handbag without having to go to New York City or Philadelphia.
Harris’ interest in fashion was sparked by her mother, who always had a good eye for style and design. It was a combination of expertise learned, in part, from her years in law school, and her ambition that led to Harris’ entrepreneurial achievements at Peter Kate.
Her favorite designers? Bettye Muller, Kate Spade, and Paul Green for shoes. Sissy is inspired by Yoana Barashi, and loves Vince, Diane von Furstenberg, and Theory. Her go-to is always J Brand jeans. She also recommends a new Vince linen jacket for spring and summer.
So, will Peter Kate be around for another decade?
“We will close our doors when it is not fun anymore,” says Harris.
Page 2: Shopaholic: The Shop that Pops | Looking for gifts and luxury items at a reasonable price? Bounce on over to Basia.
Shopaholic: The Shop That Pops
Looking for gifts and luxury items at a reasonable price? Bounce on over to Basia.
It takes guts to paint your business periwinkle, especially if your business is in Brandywine Hundred. Marie Swyka has guts. Her shop, Basia Gifts (709 Foulk Road, Wilmington, 658-2950) is a periwinkle Cape Cod next to her husband’s garage and across from a Wawa. You can’t miss it, nor would you want to.
As bold as the boutique is from the outside, it’s more intriguing inside. Two floors are stocked with jewelry, soaps, shoes, baby clothes, and more. This month, Swyka will offer Tommy Bahama clothes for men and women, as well as a line of Crabtree & Evelyn products, says manager Tabitha Trent.
“I wanted the shop to be like a place you’d see in Chesapeake City,” says Swyka, an avid sailor and lover of the shore vibe. Basia offers an eclectic and reasonably priced mix of gifts and luxury items, including Spoiled Girl Jewelry by Jane Taylor, OMG! Beads by Susan Salman, Melie Bianco purses, Lindsay Phillips snap shoes, and Woodwick candles. Men’s gifts include stainless steel wallets designed to prevent bad guys from scanning magnetic credit card information.
Whether the shopper needs home decor, fragrances, accessories—even a sinful array of Asher’s Chocolates—he or she has a purple boutique that might make other shoppers green with envy. —Maria Hess
Page 3: Beauty at the Beach | A handful of new salons and spas offer resort visitors–and residents–unique services.
Beauty at the Beach
A handful of new salons and spas offer resort visitors—and residents—unique services.
Several new salons and spas have recently joined the ranks of the beaches’ finest personal care establishments. ThomasDavid Salon, Fusion Salon and Day Spa, and Salon LaRoc all offer a slew of beauty services. In this technology age, ThomasDavid Salon (16388 Samuel Paynter Blvd., Suite 101, Milton, 827-2466, thomasdavidsalon.net) keeps up with the times with comprehensive online booking, says owner Tom Archino. “All your appointments are shown, previous and future, and you can book up to 90 days out,” he says. The salon specializes in cuts and color at affordable prices. Fusion Salon and Day Spa recently opened a third location, this one in the Atlantic Sands Hotel (101 N. Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach, 858-0772, fusiondayspas.com). Owner Robb Leech boasts top-notch spa services and can cater specifically to hotel guests. “We have our spa, but our staff can go into any room as well,” Leech says. Salon LaRoc (310 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, 727-0040, salonlaroc.com) is unique thanks to its welcoming feeling, says co-owner Peter DiRocco. “When you’re in here, you feel like you’re in your own living room,” DiRocco says. “You aren’t rushed in and out. It’s not a hustle and bustle.” —Katherine DiMaggio
