READER FEEDBACK
Post a commentFor frocks and finery, shop Michelle’s Boutique and Manelli Alterations
Get customer service and top-of-the-line fashions tailored to your needs at Michelle’s Boutique and Manelli Alterations.
Located in Cherry Hill, the business specializes in party dresses for bat mitzvahs, sweet sixteen parties, homecomings and other special events, said owner Patricia Manos.
The store’s selection, ideal for girls and women from age 8 to their 20s, comes from all over the country and the world, she said.
Prices can range from $100 to $1,000, the owner added.
Michelle’s also sells a variety of shoes, jewelry and other accessories, such as shrugs and shawls, said Manos. Some semi-casual clothing is available, too.
The store provides great customer service and has employees who specialize in bat mitzvahs so clients are sure to get the best personal assistance possible, she said.
The other end of the business, Manelli Alterations, services women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, from “minor items to the most challenging of gowns,” said the owner.
The business also handles wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses.
Alterations are done on premises, and customers receive a special 20-percent discount on services if the clothing was purchased from Michelle’s.
Though Manelli employs five very experienced seamstresses, Manos oversees all alterations performed and offers a 100-percent guarantee on all work.
Manos, a seamstress for more than 20 years, moved here from Brazil in 1990 and worked in a small dressmaking business. From there, she began creating ice skating costumes for local rinks and eventually shifted to special-occasion dresses.
“I was doing alterations for mothers, and they started requesting bat mitzvah dresses,” she said.
Manos’ daughter, Michelle, soon inspired her to open her own boutique.
“When she was younger, we were looking for the perfect dress for homecoming and special occasions,” she said. “[Michelle] said, ‘If we have to keep going out to look, why don’t we sell them?’”
Michelle, a 16-year-old student at Cherokee High School, aspires to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York after she graduates.
“I would love for her to take over the business,” Manos said of her daughter. “She’s already involved — coming here a few days a week to work and help out.”
The potential shift in management would give Manos a chance to do what she likes best: create.
“Between buying [items for the boutique] and running the business, I have very limited time to make dresses, and I miss that,” she said. “I miss sitting down at the sewing machine like I used to, and I’d love to do that again. It’d be a dream come true.”
The boutique and alteration business opened in its current location — Cross County Plaza on Route 70 — in July. Before that, Manos did business on Route 73 in Marlton and her home.
Clients are encouraged to sign up for the business’s mailing list to receive coupons. Additionally, a Facebook page for Michelle’s Boutique should soon be posted, allowing customers to “become a fan” and receive special offers on products and services.
Michelle’s Boutique and Manelli Alterations is open Monday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
My Community Trend profiles a selected business or organization each week as a service to its advertisers. This is promotional copy and does not imply endorsement by My Community Trend.
Located in Cherry Hill, the business specializes in party dresses for bat mitzvahs, sweet sixteen parties, homecomings and other special events, said owner Patricia Manos.
The store’s selection, ideal for girls and women from age 8 to their 20s, comes from all over the country and the world, she said.
Prices can range from $100 to $1,000, the owner added.
Michelle’s also sells a variety of shoes, jewelry and other accessories, such as shrugs and shawls, said Manos. Some semi-casual clothing is available, too.
The store provides great customer service and has employees who specialize in bat mitzvahs so clients are sure to get the best personal assistance possible, she said.
The other end of the business, Manelli Alterations, services women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, from “minor items to the most challenging of gowns,” said the owner.
The business also handles wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses.
Alterations are done on premises, and customers receive a special 20-percent discount on services if the clothing was purchased from Michelle’s.
Though Manelli employs five very experienced seamstresses, Manos oversees all alterations performed and offers a 100-percent guarantee on all work.
Manos, a seamstress for more than 20 years, moved here from Brazil in 1990 and worked in a small dressmaking business. From there, she began creating ice skating costumes for local rinks and eventually shifted to special-occasion dresses.
“I was doing alterations for mothers, and they started requesting bat mitzvah dresses,” she said.
Manos’ daughter, Michelle, soon inspired her to open her own boutique.
“When she was younger, we were looking for the perfect dress for homecoming and special occasions,” she said. “[Michelle] said, ‘If we have to keep going out to look, why don’t we sell them?’”
Michelle, a 16-year-old student at Cherokee High School, aspires to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York after she graduates.
“I would love for her to take over the business,” Manos said of her daughter. “She’s already involved — coming here a few days a week to work and help out.”
The potential shift in management would give Manos a chance to do what she likes best: create.
“Between buying [items for the boutique] and running the business, I have very limited time to make dresses, and I miss that,” she said. “I miss sitting down at the sewing machine like I used to, and I’d love to do that again. It’d be a dream come true.”
The boutique and alteration business opened in its current location — Cross County Plaza on Route 70 — in July. Before that, Manos did business on Route 73 in Marlton and her home.
Clients are encouraged to sign up for the business’s mailing list to receive coupons. Additionally, a Facebook page for Michelle’s Boutique should soon be posted, allowing customers to “become a fan” and receive special offers on products and services.
Michelle’s Boutique and Manelli Alterations is open Monday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
My Community Trend profiles a selected business or organization each week as a service to its advertisers. This is promotional copy and does not imply endorsement by My Community Trend.
