Business Profile: Shuppee, Chappaqua
A love of fashion and a genuine desire to make her customers look good was the inspiration behind Adelaide Dolgetta’s Shuppee, a relatively new store in the heart of Chappaqua.
Shuppee offers one-of-a-kind costume and fine jewelry items, scarves, handbags, clothing and myriad accessories to suit any woman.
Dolgetta, a friendly entrepreneur, has always had her pulse on retail. She has about 26 years of experience, including several years as a buyer of fashion frames for an optical store in The Westchester Mall.
Before opening the brick-and-mortar business last April, Dolgetta tested the waters by selling jewelry and other items online and at private parties.
“That experience gave me a good sense of what I wanted to do and how to choose pieces for multiple occasions,” said Dolgetta, a Portuguese native, who moved to the United States with her family when she was 13.
Just walking into the elegant, brightly lit store with large framed photos of Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn on one side and an array of artistic silhouette decals on the other is sure to get customers into the mood.
Dolgetta packs a lot of merchandise into the space, although it never looks overcrowded or cluttered. Many of her limited edition items stand out, such as vibrant Italian scarves made of merino wool and silk, calfskin leather handbags, wrapped crystal tube bracelets and freshwater pearls, as well as the bold, colorful selection of fashionable necklaces and other fun items.
She has also created her own line of makeup, aptly named Shuppee. The name originated with her son, who as a one-year-old used the word to signify that he liked something.
Dolgetta’s makeup line includes oil-free foundation, paraben-free lipsticks and lip glosses, blush, eye shadow and mascara, in addition to primers and makeup remover products, all creating the natural look that she prefers.
Dolgetta also carries miniature perfumes, including Tommy Girl, Versace, Lolita, Marc Jacobs and Bulgari brands.
The Mahopac resident says she offers only the finest of merchandise at prices that are as competitive as other stores and, in some cases, lower.
Not one to follow fashion trends, Dolgetta is eager to stay ahead of the curve by attending several trade shows a year. She said she’s more interested in finding items that look good on the average person than following a designer’s latest fad.
“I put an enormous amount of energy and thought into what I do, and I want to bring my customers something that is fashionable, unique, but also wearable,” Dolgetta added.
Customers in search of comfortable, no-hassle fabrics can choose from a range of linen outfits. For the winter months, Dolgetta has a variety of warm capes in various colors.
To show appreciation for those who have supported her business, Dolgetta has created a special Makeup Club. The first 200 customers to sign up for a one-year contract and agree to pay a $30 monthly fee will receive three makeup sessions a month. Appointments must be made 24 hours in advance, although same-day appointments can be granted if there are spots available.
Shuppee is located at 144 King St. in Chappaqua. It is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check out the store’s website at www.shuppee.com or call 914-238-6700.
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