Penny MacAuley – Penelopes boutique

www.penelopesboutiquefx.com

I began my professional career as a singer/songwriter including four years on CBC’s “Singalong Jubilee” and a résume of national TV, concert touring and club appearances. At 35, I moved behind the camera, to produce and direct arts and entertainment programming. When reality TV arrived, I left!

Serendipity or luck introduced me to the joys of curated, pre-loved fashion. A series of part-time jobs stalled when I was told, “You’re too old” to be a fashion clerk. Penelope’s boutique was born soon after, in 2011 when I was 59. Today, business is steadily moving forward with double-digit growth over the past three years, a strong presence on FB and Instagram, and meaningful engagement in the community such as our annual fashion show and sponsorship for Adsum House, a local women’s shelter.

We provide a range of gently-used fashions that are sophisticated, classic and casually chic, along with our lovingly curated vintage collection in a warm, friendly, helpful atmosphere – a cup of tea might be on offer, while a tune from Ella Fitzgerald or Diana Krall wafts in the background. My favourite comments are from women of all ages who tell me I’m their fashion role model. So much for being too old! As we like to say, Flaunt your style at any age.

Our mission is to help women of all ages – “perennials… those ever-blooming, curious people of all ages who are always relevant and not defined by their generation” – who want to look their stylish best without spending a fortune.

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