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Downtown Divas Is Turning Heads

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By LAURA FRAZIER, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 2, 2008

RIVERVIEW - Crystal Bailey, a self-proclaimed selective shopper, had a fashion crisis on her well-manicured hands last year after she moved with her husband from Orlando to Riverview.

The finicky fashionista desperately missed shopping for elite clothing and accessories in Orlando at Downtown Divas, one of eight shops in the Florida chain that cater to the clothes horse who craves something different. The company's catch-phrase caveat is "Not for the woman who wants to go unnoticed."

Reluctant to shop exclusively at - gasp! - malls and mass retail stores, Bailey decided instead to calmly step around the sales counter.

"I contacted the head diva to find out how I could open a store," she said.

She met with the company's founder, Casey Cecilione, in July and opened Downtown Divas in Winthrop Town Centre on Dec. 8.

Boutique owners such as Bailey are licensed to use the company's trademark and agree to purchase at least half of their merchandise from a list of approved vendors. Celebrity-inspired and buzz-worthy brands offered include Red Engine, Sugar Lips, Sinful and Hanky Panky.

Bailey said she stocks the 1,000-square-foot shop with an ever-evolving selection of fresh, metropolitan pieces for every occasion and to suit women of all ages.

"We have classic pieces, eclectic pieces and hippie and rocker stuff," she said. "It's basically whatever catches my eye."

The company's premise, she said, is to carry a select few of each item, to seek out merchandise unique to the area, and to constantly replenish the racks with what's hot.

"If you see three of one style dress on the hangers, you can grab one and know that only two others will be sold in Brandon," she said. "We rarely re-order the same pieces. It's great because, like I always say, you don't want to see yourself coming and going on the street."

The Wednesday before Christmas, Kensie Yarbrough shopped for a holiday dress. A stylist at Asonipse Aveda Concepts Spa & Salon in Winthrop, Yarbrough said she planned to raid the racks regularly on her coffee breaks. She was impressed with the distinctive garments and Bailey's level of service.

"Crystal is like a personal stylist," Yarbrough said. "I'm so glad this store is here. I love it."

DOWNTOWN DIVAS

WHAT: Ladies' metropolitan clothing boutique

WHERE: 6120 Winthrop Town Centre Ave., Suite 2C

HOURS: Noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday. Private shopping parties are available after hours.

INFORMATION: Call (813) 657-DIVA or go to www.down towndivas.com.

Reporter Laura Frazier can be reached at (813) 657-4523 or lfrazier@tampatrib.com.

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