It’s kind of hard not to stare. For one, Erin Kesselring and Jen White make style look as easy as breathing. White politely rocks out with the help of a well-coiffed pixie ’do, fierce riding boots and bold jewelry that makes a declaration, not some wimpy statement. Kesselring, queen of high-low, vintage-modern and all-things thrift shopping, is fresh in a fitted cardigan, long necklace and Uggs. Add to that their natural environment, Rehoboth’s Downtown Cowgirl, an independent-minded shopper’s dream-come-true. And did we mention, Kesselring makes bangs work? Like we said—hard not to stare. But there’s no outside-looking-in at Downtown Cowgirl. It’s an all-inclusive sisterhood of fashion, affordability, trends and relationships. “It wasn’t so much about having brand names as having cute, fun things that are affordable and unique to the area,” Kesselring says. White’s influence is evident in the treats in the jewelry cases, the stash of Harvey seatbelt bags and pieces that take a risk. Kesselring is alive in the eclectic decor, the clothes that speak to a vintage influence, the thrift-store gems. “The first couple of years, we were together more than we were with our husbands—12 hours a day, six days a week,” Kesselring says. “And at that point, we didn’t have a handle on what the store was going to look like, what costumer we wanted,” White says. But they’ve got it all figured out now—spectacularly. —Amy Kates
On Erin (left): Necklace by Colette Malouf from Houppette, Greenville; sweater by Lilla P from Peter Kate Shoes, Greenville; Rocket Dog boots from Piperlime; nail color is Espresso Yourself from Opi. On Jen (right): Cloway dress from Downtown Cowgirl; Frye boots; cuff bracelet by Leigh Ann Barnes from Houppette, Greenville; sweater by Ya and leggings from Downtown Cowgirl; ring by Dara Ettinger.
Page 2: Ohh, La La | Local Bombshell Beauty branches out from Vidal Sassoon to work wonders on your ‘do.
Ooh, La La
Local Bombshell Beauty branches out from Vidal Sassoon to work wonders on your ’do.
Some of us know how to achieve voluminous hair only by taking a trip to the salon, but there are a few who are taking matters into their own hands.
Local entrepreneur Suzanne Martinelli, with partner Jessica Steele, hair designer for Sarah and Bristol Palin, have created an easy way to create the famous volume you’ve seen on the Palins through a line of hair products—Bombshell Beauty.
Bombshell’s new pouf is a foam insert that shapes to any head. Your hair can be pulled over and through the pouf to add height and volume.
Bombshell’s other new product, Velcro-titanium rollers, locks in heat to increase your hair’s height and luster. “They are supposed to work better than our sure-grip rollers, which we actually used on Miss Delaware Teen USA 2010, Ashley DiLiberto,” says Martinelli. “She looked great, but these are more advanced.”
Bombshell Beauty has succeeded in part through pouf pins and rollers marketed by Vidal Sassoon. Martinelli and Steele are hoping their latest products will take hair to the next level. “We appreciate the collaboration with Vidal Sassoon and the breakthrough it has given us,” Martinelli says. “But we want to build our own brand through Bombshell Beauty and offer exactly what our customers want. We listen.”
Bombshell’s Sassoon products are sold at salons and supply stores, and at its Website. “We really want our clients to have fun,” Steele says. “That’s really what we are all about.” For more, visit bombshellbeauty.com. —Rebecca Kasman
Page 3: Shop–And Feel Good About It | Part boutique, part gift shop, the Pink Turtle is all about helping kids.
Shop—And Feel Good About It
Part boutique, part gift shop, the Pink Turtle is all about helping kids.
“We take pride in the times when customers come in and find the absolute perfect gift,” says Carey Pauley of The Pink Turtle—but she also takes pride in giving back.
In 2009 Pauley lost her young daughter, Savannah, to cancer. That loss inspired Pauley to open The Pink Turtle in Greenville and donate proceeds from sales to local nonprofits for children. It also inspired the SavannahStrong line of wristbands, water bottles, beach towels, stickers and T-shirts.
Other merchandise at The Pink Turtle varies from four lines of home decor to monogrammed handbags and personalized stationery. Popular fashion items range from custom tote bags to distinctive jewelry to unique accessories. “We just got in these adorable cowboy rain boots that I have never seen anywhere before,” Pauley says.
Every month The Pink Turtle selects a new charity to support. Past charities have included the local B+ Foundation and Kids Kicking for Cancer. Though Pauley wants every customer to have fun while shopping, her true pride doesn’t come from buying the perfect gift, but giving the gift of life to children like Savannah. —Rebecca Kasman
