The pewter grayness of the mid-morning seemed to suck the color from everything—except the wrap coat the fabric design of which was black, burgundy and white squares. The coat adorned a torso-mannequin that was set just outside the open door of a boutique. A man of indeterminate age paused to look at the neatly-tied wrap coat and lingered for a few moments. Claudia came to the threshold of the open door and inquired if she could be of assistance. In a soft voice, he declined and added that the coat reminded him of his wife who had died a little over a year ago. He thanked Claudia, took one more lingering look and resumed his walk down the street with a memory that was given a tangible element by the wrap coat designed with fabric of black, burgundy and white squares.
Between Friends Boutique, 7833 W. Germantown Avenue, in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia is the boutique. This shop explodes with vibrant, soothing hues on cotton, silk, linen and other fabrics for garments. Jewelry, scarfs, and shawls abound to accessorize a present wardrobe or to compliment an outfit purchased at the boutique. “Shopping is better when done with a friend” is the branding phrase of this sophisticated boutique. Come with friends but if you come alone, the two co-owners or the boutique manager will become genuine friends during your shopping experience.
Claudia Averette, Chief of Staff for the Chester Upland School District, and her daughter, Atiya Smith, an assistant principal in the Philadelphia School District, initially were not looking to open a boutique. Both professional women would lease vendor space during conferences and other large events for women. The items were from Claudia’s and Atiya’s suppliers in New York City, Las Vegas, and major areas in California. Frequently, customers would inquire about the location of their store. The co-owners always responded there was no shop location, only these pop-up Between Friends boutiques. Finally, the pressure to open a boutique was so overwhelming that the mother and daughter co-owners opened the Between Friends Boutique in July 2022. They were warmly welcomed by other retailers on the lovely Chestnut Hill section of Germantown Avenue.
Intimacy is the signature of Between Friends Boutique. As one approaches the entry there is a torso-mannequin in some eye-catching, richly hued mixture of colors that boldly pulsates with a joy of life and an invitation to check out the garment and enter to see more. One is met with a compelling-smile that is in the eye as well as the lips of the greeter. The white walls are the canvas for the colors of the garments while the garments become sculptured art awaiting your viewing and fitting.
The person one meets most frequently is Deborah Averette, a retired executive assistant to the Dean of Students at Claremont University in Claremont, CA. Debbie is the manager of Between Friends Boutique and is Claudia’s sister. She will assist you with whatever your size from petite to 5X. The boutique takes seriously its commitment to assist women in enhancing their innate beauty through beautiful garments. Claudia notes that while most women buy for an occasion or season, “we want you to build a wardrobe so that you are ready for any event at any time of the year.” The clothing are items that most women have never thought of wearing and the items bring out the beauty that individuals rarely imagined was theirs. Please note, the season is about to change and white linen pants will be available. While Between Friends caters primarily to women, for men, there are cashmere scarfs, men’s and unisex socks, and unique bow-ties.
The prices for the high quality of the merchandise will surprise you. A woman entered Between Friends and loved a particular style of pants and the complimentary top which she tried on in three colors. After some debate with herself, she determined that her budget would allow her to purchase the pants and would return at another time to purchase the tops. As she was preparing to pay for her selections, she shared with Claudia that she was going to take the pants and would return another time to purchase the tops. Claudia shared that the pants and tops were a set and the price noted was for both items. With gleeful excitement, the woman called to a friend who was near the fittings rooms to immediately get the tops and bring them to the register! This is the norm at Between Friends; you enter in silent pleasure and curiosity and leave with lovely and unique clothing because you can afford to look and feel beautiful in clothing and accessories from Between Friends. (A caution: It you see an item in that you love, do not delay its purchase; it will be gone when you are ready. There are no extras somewhere).
When I made the appointment to interview Claudia, I knew I would buy something from Between Friends. I intentionally did a visual overview of the clothes and accessories after the interview. During the tour of the boutique, I noted garment construction, felt the fabric, and viewed the design options. All were high quality. At the conclusion of my professional assignment, I purchased a reversible jacket for one sister, a pants/top set for another, a poncho in two colors that can be worn in three ways for myself, and three pairs of socks in modern art designs. In many other boutiques, I would have paid the price for the four for just the poncho and socks. I will return to Between Friends because of the quality, unique design, and affordability of its merchandise and its excellent customer service.
People come into the Between Friends Boutique and often do not realize that 2-3 hours have passed. Should you stop by in the afternoon, you may stay longer than you initially planned. During searching and conversation, before a final decision is made, throughout the experience, a signature courtesy is extended – a glass of chilled spring water or a glass of champagne is offered. Persons often ask what is being celebrated. The response from Claudia, Atiya or Deborah is, “You! Life!” This is the signature Between Friends Boutique!
On pewter days or golden days, Between Friends Boutique takes time with you.
Dorothy Watson Tatem, D.Min., ACC
Senior Associate
Cassandra W. Jones, Ed.D.
CEO & President
Next Step Associates, LLC