Scene: Joan Shepp Women of Style and Substance

February 28, 2023 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

In honor of Black History Month, Joan Shepp hosted her annual Women of Substance & Style soiree where black women who have influenced our community’s growth and prosperity are feted. This years honorees have been selected by Cheryl Ann Wadlington, Dyana Williams, and Tuesday Gordon. Each honoree will be presented with a certificate at the event, a change to talk about their lives to a room full of friends, family, supporters and change makers.

This year Joan Shepp will be giving back to Turning Points for Children, whose mission is to strive to bring social and health services to vulnerable people across the city of Philadelphia. Annually, they serve over 17,000 individuals, including children and adults, to offer services such as foster care placement, counseling and parental education, behavioral health services, and much more.

**Christie Mandia,** Cashman & Associates, with legendary **Joan Shepp,** and Bridgett Battles, Stylist, Brand Consultant and *Director for Community Engagement and Supplier Diversity at Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health*.

As with every Joan Shepp event, the fashion was fierce!

Famed jeweler John Wind was wearing an original design by Conrad Booker, where he takes a suit jacket and strips it down to it’s inners adding thread to create this unique jacket.

**Conrad Booker** and another stylish friend

More than just a meticulously curated fashion boutique, for 50 years, Joan Shepp have provided exceptional service, exclusive designer events, and most importantly, a space for the fashion community to play, discuss, explore, and discover new designers and innovations in the industry.

SHANI NEWTON Dolly’s Boutique is one of Philadelphia’s most unique shopping experiences. Owner, Shani Newton opened the boutique named in honor of her late grandmother nearly 10 years ago. She and her staff pride themselves on providing an exceptional level of customer service. “When you come to Dolly’s, expect to be treated like royalty”, a frequent quote of Shani’s.

Shani told me that when she was younger her grandmother took her to Joan Shepp’s shopping. She enjoyed the experience, how they always had treats and champagne on hand for the customers. When she opened her store she wanted to create the same experience for her customers, and she has, as well as earning respect from her peers and the community.

In 2019, Joan Shepp introduced a new concept store, Joan Shepp Home, to enhance your space with unparalleled decor.

**Tammi Toliver** Principle Artist at Fashion Facez, getting the shot with **Colona Rberts**.

Founded in 1971 in Lafayette Hill, Joan Shepp has since been recognized as one of the country’s style leaders by publications Harper’s Bazaar and Lucky Magazine. In 1984 Joan’s daughter Ellen joined the business. Together, along with their loyal and creative staff, they have continued to share the Chemistry of Fashion. The complete list of women honored at the event

CITRS 2022 Dancing for Character

April 20, 2022 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

Noelle Palazzo Burg, HughE Dillon, Lauren Conlon, Sue Jacquette, Kristin Daly,
Kristyn Aldrich and Scott Brown participated in the CITRs Dancing for Character Charity Dance last month. The amateur dancers took time from their busy schedules as ace real estate brokers, student, moms, and entrepeneurs to learn to dance at the Danza Dancing Studio in order to seem like “stars” on the dance floor, and I’d have to say all of us succeeded.

Clay Hamlin is the CEO and co-founder of CITRS, as well as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Character. Its mission is of comprehensive character development. CITRS partners with school districts and youth organizations to develop character-centered environments where students thrive ethically, socially and academically and provides resources and tools to educators and organizations to help urban youth be successful in life.

The event was held at Cescaphe’s Vie on North Broad. They always do a great job with production and food.

Brendan & Tessa Petersen,Michael & Suzanne Bracci

Karen Cox and Jen Su with Illustrator Denise Fike

Chris Smith,Heidi Kivi,Maureen Burling,Stephanie Jacquette,
Layla Peterson

*Nichole Davis Moore*, Director of Scholarships & Financial Aid Penn Vet and ,Nichelle Davis Ahmaddiya, **Chief Operating Officer** of CITRS

Lynsie Feinberg and Bari Gilbert both of **CITRS**

Fundraising is a hard thing to do. Kudo’s to Lynsie Feinberg on the tremendous job she did producing this event. She did an excellent job while managing so many movable pieces, and a pandemic as the planning for this event began in 2019..

Jasmine Hendri ,Stefanie Wenzel, Bernadette Armstrong, Nikai Iovino, and
Danielle Renzi

Genna Rufo, Gokcen Gurk and,Watsuki Harrington

Thanks to this crew for coming out to support me, as well as a few others who were camera shy, and those who donated and couldn’t be there. I appreciate it so much.

Thanks to PhillyChitChat team member: Andre Flewellen for photographing the event. It was sooooo hard for me not to shoot an event I attended, but he of course did a fantastic job capturing everyone and the elements.