Milltown area tweens can go back to school in style, now that Sally Miller has come to town.

The six-year borough resident and award winning fashion designer is opening her first retail shop on North Main Street in Milltown, and her trendy signature styles will be unveiled with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

"I couldn't be more excited," Miller said. "Milltown has been really generous in helping me move on this project, and just getting it done."

Though the store is a first, it is far from Miller's initial foray into the fashion world. The New York City transplant has spent more than 20 years establishing herself as a leader in the ever-evolving niche of tween, or size 7-14, girls clothing.

"I've been a pioneer in tweens before they even called it tweens," Miller said.

While creating, designing and building brands, Miller got a finger on the fickle pulse of what tween girls want to wear. Before launching Sally Miller and Sally Miller Couture 19 months ago, she created Sally Mack, which won her the Fresh Face Award. 

In November 2005, soon after being divorced, Miller woke up one morning and realized she wanted to be in business on her own, she recalled. By January, she was incorporated, and her namesake brand was born.

Since her unique line of fashion-forward clothing was released last fall, it has made its way to 375 specialty stores across the country. High-end department stores like Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Lord & Taylor, among others, quickly jumped on board, and the brand reached retail outlets as far away as Canada, Europe and Japan. In less than a year, the trailblazing designer's wholesale volume surpassed $2 million.

"I'm really humbled by the industry and my customers really embracing the brand," said Miller, who has been referred to as the "Queen of Tween Fashion."

Miller's success was far from a fluke. Her knack for fashion came at a young age, and she nurtured it over the years. A trend-spotter even as a young girl in her hometown of Philadelphia, Miller was babysitting by the age of 12 in order to earn funds for the clothes and accessories for which she pined. One purchase that stood out in Miller's mind was a pair of tan, thigh-high boots that struck her fancy.

"It was something I always had a sense of at a very young age," Miller said. "I knew pretty early."

Her family provided a solid basis for Miller's future career choice. With a mother who handmade outfits for Miller and her sister, Ellen, and a father who marched to the beat of his own style drum, it would seem only natural that the young designer-to-be would head in the direction she did.

Her grandmother, Isabelle Lazarus Miller, was a mentor for the young Miller. A fine artist and jewelry designer, her works have been exhibited in the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

"No matter when you went to visit her, she always looked like she just stepped off the pages of Vogue — all of her outfits, makeup and jewelry put together in a modern, creative way," Miller said. "She was very influential in my life as an artist."

Inspiration also came from another well known fashion maverick who stood the test of time.

"I remember watching the Sonny and Cher show when I was a kid, and just being mesmerized by Cher," Miller said.

Seeing Cher perform her final song of each show clad in fabulous designs by Bob Mackie only served to feed Miller's desire to create such works of artistry herself someday.

Attending the camp her family owned in the Berkshires of Massachusetts also had a hand in shaping Miller's future. She spent the first 23 summers of her life there, eventually becoming a counselor for the girls who attended.

"My interest in helping children celebrate who they are started at Camp Danbee," Miller said. "As a counselor, I got very involved in dance and created an annual Dance Festival that still runs today. Running that program and helping all these girls find self expression through movement was very important to me."

Miller went on to attend the Rhode Island School of Design for four years, honing her skills. For her senior thesis, which involved collaborations with a number of departments throughout the school, she won the Veteran's Textile Award.

Her first big break came in the early 1980s, when she showed up at Karl Lagerfeld's New York City office dressed in one of her own designs, portfolio in tow. While she did not meet with Lagerfeld that day, she did make a connection that got her a job working under Dana Buchman at Liz Claiborne. There she learned all the ins and outs of a major fashion operation, skills that would prove invaluable down the line.

After gleaning five years of experience there, Miller spent five months in Greece, exploring her love for dance as a performer and instructor, then returned to the U.S. to forge on in the fashion world. She was offered a job with a company specializing in the girls' 7-14 niche, and she never turned back.

A single mother of two tweens of her own, Miller has a good handle on addressing the wants and needs of the age group. Of course, it does not hurt that she gets the inside scoop from Katie, 10, and Lilly, 9, along with that of their friends.

"When [Katie] was 8 years old, she designed her own outfit for her birthday party," Miller said.

Though Lilly is more of a sporty type, Miller said she has been getting more involved recently, giving her feedback about her designs.

Miller uses her daughters and their friends as fit models and informal focus group participants, bartering their willing services for clothes and accessories from her line. A group of them marched in the Milltown Fourth of July parade wearing Sally Miller designs to introduce residents to the brand.

"My clothes are really age-appropriate, they're really comfortable, they're trendy and they're hip," Miller said.

Beyond looking good, Miller's creations have a deeper philosophy behind them. She stresses the importance of giving the youngsters looks that will empower them by fostering attributes like self-confidence and positive decision-making.

"It's really about nurturing their spirit, the tween spirit," Miller said. "I actually had a mother say, 'I feel so safe with your clothes.' The girl has to want to wear it, but it has to be parent or guardian approved."

In a world where high-profile tween idols are being marketed as sex symbols and engaging in risqué behavior, it is likely a breath of fresh air for parents to find clothing both they and their daughters can feel good about.

It seems no wonder that the demand for Miller to expand her collections to fit fashionable females of all ages grew enough to warrant the creation of Sally M, a brand for size 14 and up. The new line, which will hit her store and others Aug. 30, will include similar hip looks to fit a larger population.

"I don't put an age range [on it]," Miller said. "It's all about spirit."

For Miller, her work is also about the spirit of giving. She became involved in the George and Ann Lopez-Richie Alarcon CARE Foundation and the National Kidney Foundation when she found out about the comedian's wife giving her kidney to come to her husband's aid. She also supports KIDS (Kids in Distressed Situations), which gives new clothing to kids who need it.

"We gave $125,000 of brand-new clothes to Katrina victims," Miller said.

The group also helps children of troops at war by providing them with new clothing.

In order to support the town she has come to love, Miller is planning a fundraiser for arts and education in Milltown's schools, and plans to become involved with the town's revitalization committee, she said.

"You're never too young of a company to give back," Miller said. "It's a great thing to teach my children."

Amidst her whirlwind of success in the high-profile world of fashion, Miller keeps her family as No. 1 in her life.

"My children are a huge priority for me," she said. "I've always been a believer: You don't find time, you have to make time."

Not only does Miller make time for her daughters, she also manages to eke out some savored moments for herself. Each morning, she spends time meditating to start her day off on the right foot, and she makes it to the gym as often as possible, she said.

During a television appearance on "The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch" Aug. 4, Miller spoke about trying to regain some romance in her life between being a single mom and running a large-scale business. Panelists including Liz Lange of Liz Lange Maternity offered her advice on how to balance the various aspects of her life to make room for romance.

"I hired a babysitter and I went out last night, so I took the good advice," Miller said.

Considering the success she has enjoyed in other endeavors, finding happiness in the dating realm should prove effortless for Miller.

In the meantime, she is simply enjoying her latest accomplishment. The Sally Miller Store, at 30 North Main St., is housed within a 100-year-old building, complete with stylish tin ceilings. Miller said she loves the space.

"It's an uptown girl with a downtown spirit," Miller said. "And that's really who I am." Mayor Gloria Bradford will attend the ribbon cutting ceremony. From there, the store will be open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and closed Sundays until September. For more information, visit the Web site at www.sallymiller.biz, or call the store at 732-729-4840.

Jessica Smith
The Sentinel

A Sneak Peek at Lucky's Café American
May 4, 2007
 

My wife and I were invited to get a special sneak-peek at Milltown’s newest (and only?) hot spot; Lucky’s Café American, a 1920-1930s Parisian-style cafe on Main Street. The classic throwback decor includes antique American fixtures, light jazz music, film Noir and a cozy atmosphere.

We were greeted by George and Anthony, co-owners of the Café, who were excited to show us around and share some stories of their past accomplishments as well as some of their future goals. The origins of Lucky’s had a simple genesis, "I woke up one morning and I wanted to get a cup of coffee, and I wanted to sit down and read the newspaper, and I really had no place to go," George said. "And I was like, you know what? Maybe it's time."

As we were talking with Anthony, George went off into the kitchen to create two different desserts that will be on their menu. I should have taken better notes on what these desserts were called, but I was too busy eating them. The first was a kind of chocolate sandwich served in tasty Ciabatta bread with a side of vanilla ice cream. The second dessert was a warm chocolate soufflé that was literally one of the best desserts I have ever tasted.

The menu at Lucky’s will feature an assortment of desserts and pastries, with all their baked goods being delivered daily from some of the best bakers in New York City. Freshly made fruit smoothies and a coffee bar that is second to none will round out their menu ‘til fall. At that point they plan on expanding the menu to include salads and specialty sandwiches.

"The people of Milltown have a very individual approach to things," George said. "[My] intentions are purely just to kind of bring something that I think people will enjoy, and people will love, and bringing back kind of like that home-style cafe."

Keep an eye out for the opening of this unique café which is sure to add to the charm that Milltown is known for. And when you’re inside, see if you can find the inspiration that led to the name Lucky’s.

I know that we'll be back.

Lucky's Café American is located at 60 North Main Street, Milltown. For more information call 732-246-5745 of visit them online at www.luckyscafeamerican.com

Chris Grotkopf
The Milltown Voice

Shanahan's Goes for Bigger, Better, and Thin-Crust Pizza  
July 14, 2008
 

Colm Shanahan had no way of knowing when he reopened his family's bakery in 2006 after a few years' hiatus, whether it would be the popular destination it had been for nearly four decades.

The business would have to contend with new competition, and would be scaled back in a smaller space at the rear of its original North Main Street building. A hair salon was now operating in the front space.

"I wanted to give it a shot ... to see if things would work out, which they have," Shanahan said.

So much so, that the bakery has recently expanded in terms of both physical space and the types of food it serves. In fact, at 900 square feet, the place is bigger than ever, with room for tables now, a bar for customers to eat at, and display cases for new offerings such as pizza.

Yes, pizza, at Shanahan's. Historically known for its cookies, cakes and breads made from scratch, the bakery now sells thin-crust pizza, also made entirely on premises.

Selling such foods not typically associated with bakeries, Shanahan noted, helps to keep business going beyond weekends and holidays such as St. Patrick's Day, when the shop sells thousands of Irish soda bread loaves.

"You go from holiday to holiday with the bakery business," said Shanahan, who at age 12 started working at the bakery his father, John, bought in 1969. "That's why I wanted to break out into food, it's more of a steady thing."

Pizza was a natural choice for Shanahan, who over the years would often make pizza for his staff to eat on lunch breaks, and would also make them for family parties.

"People have been telling me for years that I should make it in the store and sell it, and I'd say, 'I'm a bakery chef,'" Shanahan said with a laugh. But he saw other bakeries starting to serve pizza, such as in Brooklyn and Princeton, and decided it was worth a try. "It's a steady business. People eat it year-round. Everyone loves pizza."

And though Shanahan's still closes at 6 p.m., before many eat dinner, the thincrust pizza has taken off since being added to the menu just a few weeks ago. Customers are comparing the pies to those served at Federici's in Freehold and De- Lorenzo's in Trenton.

Shanahan, who is now considering staying open later, shrugged off the idea that he's onto some huge secret.

"It's not rocket science," he said. "I don't understand why regular pizza places don't make good pizza."

Regardless of the subtle changes, much remains unchanged at Shanahan's. The old-time favorites, such as butter cookies, scones and kifleys, are still offered, and it's still the same family-run business. Colm's parents, John and Kathleen, who live upstairs, still help out in the kitchen, along with Colm's wife, Dawn, and their daughter, Mallory, who just graduated college.

After nearly 40 years, the family is happy to continue serving up its recipes, as long as customers want it.

"People love the fact that it's still oldstyle and that everything is still made from scratch," Shanahan said.

The store is open Tuesday to Friday, 8am-6pm, Saturday 8am-5pm and Sunday 8am-2pm.

Brian Donahue
The Sentinel

Female Barber Happy to be 'One of the Guys'
May 4, 2007
 

Scala's Barber Shop has all the usual accouterments one would expect of such an establishment.

These include the tools of the trade, complete with straight razors, the usual banter that occurs among gentlemen, and good, old-fashioned hair-cutting.

The only thing that might surprise new clients would be seeing Holly White's smiling face waiting for them where they might expect to find a man.

"I want to keep the old-school barbershop alive," White said. "Being a woman in this business, I get old guys saying, 'I've never had a lady do this before.' I did get some men who said, 'I'm not sitting in her chair, she's a woman.' Now I'm one of the guys."

About 10 years ago, White left her life as a women's hairdresser behind to enter what has traditionally been a man's world. At a now-closed shop in Spotswood, White learned her skills from a veteran of the trade.

"He was like a drill sergeant with me," White said. "I always hear his voice in my head."

Her most recent stint was at Rocco's, a Milltown landmark since 1968 that closed about a year ago.

"[Rocco] gave me a break by hiring me," White said. "The guys all disappeared, so that's why I had to open my own place."

Wielding the scissors at Rocco's made White the first-ever female barber in Milltown. With the opening of her new shop April 26, White has become a trailblazer in another way, as the first female owner of a barbershop in town.

"My kids are getting older now," White said. "Now, me opening my own shop in Milltown, this is my baby."

White has lived in Milltown for about 20 years. She resides with her husband, Frank. They have two children - Frank, 20, and Heather, 18.

"They're really proud of me," White said. "It's always been a dream of mine to have my own barber shop."

Though Scala is her maiden name, White said she wants to keep the tradition of the old-fashioned, Italian barber shop alive. She also had a second reason for naming the shop Scala's.

"If they see Holly's Barber Shop, they might say, 'Oh, it's a lady's place,' " White said. Though her shop is new, White said she already has a large clientele.

"What I did was, I kept contact with all of my customers. I'm reclaiming them now."

Among White's regulars are a number of police officers and firefighters, to whom she gives flat tops and fades, she said. While she serves men and boys of all ages, White said she no longer does women's hair - unless, of course, it is very short.

Working around men exclusively has exposed White to conversations that are normally kept strictly among the boys, she said, noting that the men would sometimes tell risqué jokes about women.

"I never really took offense to it," White said. "To be honest, I laughed right along with it. Actually, I started telling the jokes. I have seen a whole other side of the man's point of view, about everything from dating to politics. It's nice hearing their view."

The inside of Scala's evokes images from the past, with Norman Rockwell prints adorning the walls, and an old razor strop on display. On the outside, customers might find White's Harley-Davidson motorcycle holding court, sort of a testament to her status as one of the guys.

White is the sole barber at her shop, but if things go well, she may hire others.

"Milltown is an old-fashioned, Norman Rockwell kind of town," White said. "It's such a cute little town."

Scala's Barber Shop is in the same building as Milltown Hardware, at 66 North Main St., in the rear. Hours of operation are Tuesday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Men's haircuts are $14, and for boys under 10 they are $12. A beard trim is $8. For more information, call 732-619-9114.

Jessica Smith
The Sentinel

Elite Billiards: A Cool Hangout
March 23, 2007
 

Elite Billiards, in Heritage Plaza on Ryders Lane in Milltown, is a good choice for those looking to play pool while socializing. In 2005, Home News Tribune readers named it Best of the Best Pool Room.

The Billiards, as it is called by regulars, has been around for 16 years, but has been under the management of owner Jai Park for the last two.

The pool tables are Brunswick Gold Crown III, the same ones used in ESPN tournaments, Park said. The tables come with Simonis 860 Cloth, which is manufactured from combed, worsted wool with a high thread count, assuring a smooth surface and a true ball roll.

"We change our tables' felts at least twice a year . . .," Park said. "We have nothing but top-of-the-line equipment. Even the ping-pong tables in the back are worth $2,000."

After each customer is finished playing, "we brush and clean all the tables, so everyone enjoys a higher quality game and a cleaner atmosphere," Park said.

The Billiards also has large sofas for lounging, a snack bar, vending machines and pool equipment ready for purchase.

They even have Danny "The Kid Delicious" Basavich — a touring professional who in 2005 was ranked No. 1 in Billiard Digest — available for tutoring.

Elite Billiards attracts all levels of players, from novice individuals just looking for a place to hang out to professionals.

John Ly, 34, of Freehold, drives to The Billiards three to four times a week. The pool hall has a relaxed and clean environment, he said, adding he appreciates the atmosphere, the staff and the rates.

Among the offers at Elite Billiards is Power Play, which means that between noon and 6 p.m., players are only charged $10 for all games except ping-pong and billiards. Wednesday nights are ladies nights, where the ladies play at two-for-one pricing.

Elite Billiards, which has a location in Edison at 519 Old Post Road, also offers deals on parties.

Anthony Gonzales
The Home News Tribune

 
The store and museum is closed Thursdays and Sundays and holidays. The store is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9:00am - 5:00pm.

Lavender Sachet: Much More Than Just Lingerie
September 6, 2006
 

The most beautiful brides have a secret. Regardless of their shapes or sizes, these smart women know that a major part of looking picture perfect on their wedding day is the right undergarments.

With this in mind, Lavender Sachet will make a bride, her mother, and entire wedding party feel special and look fabulous. This lingerie store does business the old fashioned way. Trained fitters with many years of experience provide personalized attention to correctly fit a most personal item: a bra.

"The old saying is that 85 percent of people are wearing the wrong size bra," says Owner Joyce Leavitt. "We teach you that the important thing is for a bra to fit. Where major retailers might stress only that a bra should be sexy, we say a bra can be sexy, but it can also fit."

Lavender Sachet carries everyday and special occasion bras. But Leavitt says that bridal really is their niche and what they love doing best. She has something to go under every style of dress out there, including bustiers, merry widows, strapless bras, and those for low back dresses, high back dresses, plunge necklines, and more.

Leavitt suggests a bride either come in with a picture of her wedding gown or be able to describe it to the staff. Must-know facts are where the waist is, how high or low the front is, and if the gown is strapless.

However, a gal needn't feel too stressed. Unlike many other stores, Lavender Sachet gladly takes returns on special occasion undergarments.

If it doesn't fit under her dress, what good is it?" says Leavitt. "We'll start over again. It's not an issue to us."

Sizes range from petite to plus sizes. A full line of hosiery is available, as well as body smoothing undergarments to help hide those least favorite areas.

Once the business of finding the perfect foundation is through, be sure to continue browsing Lavender Sachet. You'll find a huge selection of feminine and just plain fun items designed especially for brides, grooms, and other wedding participants.

Always in fashion, peignoir sets are often purchased as gifts for new brides by their mothers. Lavender Sachet has many to choose from in whites and ivory, as well as long and or short. Playful gowns and pajamas with bride spelled in rhinestones or embroidery also make great gifts. You'll even find designer sets by Betsey Johnson, Flora Nikrooz, Vera Wang, and Claire Pettibone.

One-stop shop Lavender Sachet for your bridal party gifts and cross another item off of your to-do list. Monogrammed items like mouse pads, pocket knives, watches, compacts, perfume bottles, robes, and more are sure to be appreciated. And accessories like earrings, necklaces, shawls, evening bags, handkerchiefs, and jewelry also make meaningful statements.

Pick up those desired ceremony items and reception goodies, as well. Lavender Sachet has ring bearer pillows, flower girl baskets, sign-in books, toasting glasses, garters, and cake knives. The store also carries special glasses in lace bags to be broken during Jewish wedding ceremonies.

Leavitt even does invitations. She has over 50 books to select from and offers discounted prices.

Leavitt adds, "We're a pretty, feminine store for all of your bridal needs. It's set up beautifully and there's plenty of room to browse and find what you're looking for.

Lavender Sachet is located at 89 North Main St. in Milltown. The store's hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.