First Selectman Ellen Scalettar recently visited two of Woodbridge’s clothing boutiques. Scalettar has been visiting local businesses to highlight them as part of the “Shop Woodbridge, Dine Woodbridge, Try Woodbridge” campaign.
She visited Today’s Clothing on Selden Street and Pamela Hirth Designs on Litchfield Turnpike. (In the fall she attended the grand re-opening of another local clothing boutique, The Red Barn after moving to its new location on Bradley Road.)
Today’s Clothing, a vintage-styled boutique adorned with a sparkling crystal chandelier, fireplaces and blue painted walls is nestled among the many stores at the Selden Plaza in Woodbridge. First Selectman Ellen Scalettar browsed through the store as she visited with business owner, Cynthia Miller, who explained her business began as an online business in 2002 that quickly expanded to a retail boutique.
“Moving Today’s Clothing from Branford to Woodbridge in 2012 made sense. While many customers are local with some walk-in traffic, Today’s Clothing is a destination boutique. Easy access from the Merritt Parkway is important, enabling many out-of-state clients to shop at the boutique,” noted Miller.
Patrons can expect to find a wide variety of women’s items at Today’s Clothing including European inspired clothes ranging from simple silk tees to intricately embroidered formal wear as well as funky, one-of-a-kind shoes, handbags, scarves, jewelry and other accessories. Luna Luz, Krazy Larry, Joseph Ribkoff and Scandal Italy are among the most popular clothing lines carried at Today’s Clothing. “I have fun with my customers and love buying them what they want. The clothes are unique and appeal to women who do not want cookie-cutter clothing,” said Miller.
Miller is excited about the upcoming spring selection that will be available at her store located at 22 Selden Street as well as online, www.todaysclothing.com. Store hours during the week are 9:30am-5:30pm (Thursday 11am-7pm) and Saturday 9am-5pm.
Scalettar congratulated Miller on her retail and online business successes. “Today’s Clothing is a treasure among the many retail boutiques that make Woodbridge a special place to shop. I am thrilled that Cynthia has her business in Town and is able to provide such a unique selection of women’s apparel and accessories that her customers have come to love.”
Pamela Hirth learned to sew at age nine. She later took classses and attended design school. While her children were growing up she sold handmade clothing of her own design at regional craft fairs and grew a clientele.
Now she has her own store, Pamela Hirth Designs, at 1652 Litchfield Tpke., in the same plaza as Starbucks, Katz’s Deli, Arlyn’s Fine Accessories and Grimaldi’s Pizza.
“My niche clientele are the people who don’t want to dress like everyone else and people who have a hard time fitting into most clothing,” says Hirth. “I try to help customers find the right color and style for them. I like to help people feel good and look good.”
That personal service extends to her custom hemming. All pants and jackets are hemmed to fit their new owner; the service is included in the price.
Nestled between the dressing rooms is a fitting area where Hirth measures the clothes to fit the customer. In the back of the store is a small workshop where she works on new creations.
Hirth describes her style from classic to eclectic with a mixture of fitted and flowy shapes. She still makes her signature jackets from upholstry fabric but also offers slinky velvet cocktail dresses, soft everyday cotton tunics and everything in between.
“You have an amazing range of items,” First Selectman Scalettar told Hirth after taking a tour of the store. “In addition to the many clothing styles, your support of local artists is quite impressive. I’m so pleased that you decided to bring your business to Woodbridge.”
As well as clothing, Hirth offers paintings, pastels, photos and pottery from local artists. She also sells accessories, such as jewelry, scarves and mittens, from local talent. Many are made by friends she made while on the craft fair circuit.
The store is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sundays 12-5 p.m. For more information, visit www.pamelahirth.com.