So three years ago we got 1st place on the Fox Philly’s HOT List.  And the last two years the shop placed within the top 5.  Help a gal out and vote!  click here…MALENA’S HOT LIST.

Starting today there will be a huge store wide sale until July 31st.  All clothing is 30% off, jewelry, purses, and shoes 20% off.  Plus, lots of additional mark downs, so if you have had your eye on something now is the time to pick it up!  Then, from Sugust 1st-3rd we will be closed and renovating!  After 7 years it is time to give the shop a facelift.  We will be open for First Friday in August, but the one in September will be the grand reopening party, so stay tuned!

Ok, so it has been almost ten days since I put up the Facebook page and I already have 100 fans!  Tomorrow is First Friday in town and I have been spreading the work about the page in the shop and it seems to be working!  Ok, I have to quit it with the exclamation points, but I am excited.

Well, so far so good.  I said yesterday I would muster up the courage, (or the extra time) and finally put together a Facebook page for the shop.  It is barely up and running and I am looking for FANS! I will post pictures of what is new, on sale, and trends to look out for.  So, click, on this, MALENA’S VINTAGE BOUTIQUE and fan the shop!  Thanks

So, it’s no secret that blogging about the shop has not exactly been my daily (or even weekly) strong point.  As you can see the last time I did this was January. I don’t know if it’s because my efforts are more concentrated on my in store customers than my virtual ones, or what.  So, I am making a commitment to up the anty.  In the next month I will be making a Facebook page and doing weekly wardrobe tips via video.  Often times my customers ask my personal opinion for styling questions and I will be translating these interests into my videos.  I am looking for ideas and questions to answer so comment or email me what it is you want to know that you think I am qualified to answer.  Thanks for your continued support and advice.  I love my customers and appreciate your input!

So, my email is down and has been for about 48 hours.  I apologize to any one who is trying to reach me, or submit an online order.  With any luck the reconfiguration of my server panel (i have no idea what that means) will be complete within 2 hours and email will be up and running again in two hours.  I have no idea if any of the emails from the last two days will appear or not.  So keep your fingers crossed for me!

That’s right, Ms. Malena Martinez was on the small screen this morning for the first time.  Thanks to my friend,  the multi-talented Leigh Ann Barnes, (who has an unbelievable handbag line), I did a quick segment on the 10SPOT!.  The Philly morning show on NBC has two hosts, Lori Wilson and Bill Henley.  My segment was about how to recession proof your wardrobe by mixing and matching items you already have in your wardrobe. Here are some key tips!

1. Clip on earrings, worn as a pin, pendant, or hairclip
2. Layer a vintage clear crystal necklace from your grandmother with pearls,
and attach a brooch to it.
3. Brooches are back in style, wear them differently! On your flats, purses, scarves,
or jeans by the pocket.
4.  Experiment with the menswear trend and borrow cuff links, ties,
and vests from your man friend.
5. Embellishing items you already own will make them seem new,
try a scarf as a shirt or belt.

 Vintage fashions can be made timeless when mixed with modern pieces and
keeping an eye on current trends.  What you wear is part of your identity,
so don't forget to look within before determining what to put on.


I have to admit, it was very stressful for me!  So far the reviews,
(although from my mom and husband to be)
have been positive! So it was nice to hear I made an instant mini tv host.

Just a quickie here to let you all know I will be closing at 5pm on NYE, instead of at 7pm.  Have a fun, safe, and fashionable evening!

More of the figural type, than the literal.  I think I consumed more sugar and carbs in the last three days than in the last 3 months combined.  There was dark chocolate pretzel bark, tiramisu, sweet potato pie, cookies, apple cake, brownies, egg nog cheesecake, Bailey’s, martinis, OMG I should stop listing these things cause it is going to make me sick!

Hopefully your holiday season was filled with as much family, friends, and laughs as mine was.  I want to thank each of you for making this year at the boutique possible, interesting, and fun!  To me, my customers are like my co-workers (since I don’t have any!).  Thank you to everyone who got a little stocking stuffer or a gift card at the shop, or any shop in West Chester, every little bit helps keep all the brick and mortars open and our town unique.

So, it seams when your day is slow, and dreary something totally crazy can happen!  Like today, when I was bored out of my mind doing paperwork and Issac Mizrahi strolls in.   In the words of my mother, when I called her after to let her know what happen, “Holy  S**T!”  “Is this a joke?” No Mom, it is not a joke! He bought a few dresses, and some vintage items by Charles Jourdan.  His assistant was super nice as well.  The local buzz is that he was in town for QVC related stuff.