August 14-20, 2003

mixpicks

Summer Sale

It is hard to ignore the individualistic beat pulsing through Doylestown. It is not heard in the Gap or in Chicos, but only at Chelsea. Chelsea, which opened up two years ago this August, is celebrating its birthday by holding an amazing summer sale. Chelsea offers an array of creative products amid an artistic atmosphere, thanks to artist Nick McNamara's paintings, which adorn the walls. The store boasts modern and vintage clothing, chunky shoes, funky bags, candles, incense, bath products and unique household accessories. The most distinctive merchandise is the variety of jewelry from local artists like Melissa Matarese, Maria Camila Mesa from Colombia and Yochi, who was recently featured on talk show The View. Owner Maura Hughes has chosen other, more functional products including Joy & Jake's luggage, (carried by Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde 2), and softer retro styles by Dobre Goods. But Chelsea offers a little something for everyone, regardless of age. "Just last week I had a grandmother and her teenage granddaughter both purchase something," commented Hughes, who has been working in retail for over 19 years. Chelsea is a rarity that mixes New York style with having fun, a breath of fresh air among the pollution of small-town conformity.

Summer Sale, Fri.-Sun., Aug. 15-17, Chelsea, 18 N. Main St., Doylestown, 215-348-1296.

—Kristina Weise