Whether in search of an elegant ensemble for this season’s dinner parties or jeans any pop-princess would envy, Friendgirl Things has the things that will satisfy.
Owner Anita Fenn said her love of fashion started in college when she worked for her mom at a kiosk in Hattiesburg.
“Anita always had a lot of good ideas for items she added to the kiosk, but we both really wanted to be in apparel,” said Fenn’s mother and design partner Pat Burris.
The mother-daughter team had earned a following of loyal customers in Hattiesburg when they were offered a chance to join the retailers at Edgewood Mall.
Friendgirl Things opened at the mall in May 2004.
“We still have customers from Hattiesburg that come to see us here; it’s a real good feeling,” Pat said.
Anita said she couldn’t do it without Pat, who along with Pat’s three best “friend-girls” was the inspiration for the name of her business.
The boutique has won a reputation for having “couture” accessories and designer clothing not found in department stores. Very secretive about the possibility of any celebrity clientele, Anita and Pat can boast that their ensembles have been pictured in the pages of People and Seventeen magazines.
Anita says it is necessary to go to market every six to eight weeks to keep up with designer trends. They travel all over the county to find great fashion.
During the economic downturn, as luxury purchases have come to a near standstill, the store has adapted.
“About a year ago we went through our inventory and looked at where we could lower prices and brought in designer apparel and small gift items for any budget,” Anita said.
For example, she has handbag by Natural Life starting at $4 and designer blouses starting at $25.
There also are Circle E candles starting at $16.98, Waxing Poetic necklaces and charms starting at $22, Emily Ray hoop earrings starting at $20, T-shirts designed by Anita and Pat and other eye-catching scarves and handbags.
Anita is positive about the upcoming season and expects Christmas sales to be good.
The pair said their employees take a lot of pride in customer service and guarantee they can help anyone find the perfect pair of jeans for their body shape.
And they are into their jeans. They have a large selection of designer jeans and Lucchese Western-style boots to go with them.
They have a program called “Santa’s List,” which helps customers buy gifts for loved ones.
“It helps us be more personable with customers who are buying for someone else,” Pat said. “We’re more able to help them find that perfect gift.”
For the charitable spirit of the giving season, the store is participating in a couple of programs that offer customers a chance to donate a product to a good cause.
TOM’S Shoes has the “One for One” program in which TOM’S will give shoes to a child in need a of new pair whenever a customer buys a pair.
In Vera Bradley’s soft-touch luggage line, ask for the “Hope” pattern, which has a new design every year. The bag’s proceeds go to further breast cancer awareness.
