The inspiration for the name of Julianna’s Closet is quite simple; the styles of clothes found in the children’s boutique are similar to those worn by owner Jennifer Bottoni’s 5-year-old daughter, Julianna.
“If you went in my daughter’s closet, you would basically find the exact same stuff that’s in the store,” Bottoni said.
The family connections don’t stop there. Bottoni said that the boutique’s only employees are her mother, Anna Feniello and grandmother, Michelina Cala.
“It’s four generations that all work together,” Bottoni said.
She said keeping the business in the family helps create a warm environment in the store, which includes kid-friendly features such as a television and play area.
Julianna’s Closet has been at its current location on Route 130 since November 2008. However, the business got its start in January 2007, when it operated out of Bottoni’s basement until the store was ready.
The boutique carries both casual and formal clothing for girls, sizes newborn to 16, and boys, sizes newborn to 7. The clothes come from designers such as Ben Sherman, Kingsley, Charlie Rocket, Sara Sara, Biscotti, Victoria Kids, Katie Rose and Baby Graziella. Julianna’s Closet also offers a wide variety of bows, headbands, crocheted hats and party favors for all occasions.
One of the shop’s specialties is dresses for occasions such as christenings and communions, and it has recently expanded its selection to offer party dresses for bat mitzvahs and Sweet 16 celebrations. Bottoni said the store has also ordered baptism outfits in larger sizes to accommodate the Greek tradition, in which the ceremony typically takes place at a slightly older age.
Julianna’s Closet will host several trunk shows in the upcoming months to showcase communion dresses from different designers. A trunk show on Dec. 12 and 13 will feature dresses from the Sposabella collection, and shows on Jan. 16, 17, 23 and 24 will feature dresses from the designer Christie Helene. Julianna’s Closet also carries communion dresses by Elena Do Vale.
Bottoni said the store’s selection of communion dresses begins at $150, and that selections of unique dresses are available in all different price ranges.
“Every single dress here, there’s something about it that’s special and different,” she said.
Both Bottoni and Feniello said they strongly believe in giving customers their honest opinions about each dress they consider, regardless of its price.
More of the boutique’s selections will be on display on Feb. 28, when Julianna’s Closet will host a fashion show from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Nottingham Ballroom. There will be 35 to 40 models showing off the new spring fashions, as well as communion dresses and Easter attire. The event is a fundraiser for Ryan’s Quest, and will also feature a breakfast, tricky tray and 50/50, Bottoni said. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children and will be on sale at the beginning of January.
Julianna’s Closet accepts cash, credit cards and personal checks. Gift certificates are available for purchase, and the store offers complimentary gift wrapping services for all presents purchased.
Julianna’s Closet is located at 1240 Route 130. Its hours of operation are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The store is typically closed on Sundays, but will be open on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 29 and through the end of March.
For more information about Julianna’s Closet, call (609) 448-3887. Go online to juliannas-closet.com.
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