Poke Around in the Polka Dot Parlor, LLC
by Cate Murway
Historic Bristol on the Delaware has become quite a unique and eclectic mix of historic buildings with modern boutiques, antique shops, restaurant offerings, coffee shops, book stores and art galleries where a new idea of an American downtown is emerging. Bristol Borough is a thriving art and cultural scene with various festivals and special events. It exudes energy and offers theatrical performances, art shows and entertainment for all ages that draws quite a crowd. It’s a quaint, small, cool town with lots of charm and long term traditions, earning a #1 town designation, a beautiful place to live and visit.
Welcome to the Polka Dot Parlor LLC, a rather funky, diverse boutique with an old-fashioned storefront.
“Polka dots make me happy and they are classic!”
Proprietor, self-proclaimed “one [wo]man army”, Paulette Kasmer is convinced that dressing to impress really is worthwhile and could even be the key to success. What you wear can profoundly alter your mood. Paulette’s boutique is a fashion destination “where spirit, style and price are on point. There is something for everyone with a sense of humor and a little edge.” Her selections include “fun things at best prices” with brands like Sourpuss, Switchblade, Folter, Alchemy of England and many fashion accessories. “Fun new things, old things and be your own person things.”
She is the mother of 3 daughters, Lizabeth, a Saint Basil Academy frosh Honor Roll/Principal’s list student, and grade school students, Pheodora [means ‘Gift of God’] and Catarina.
Paulette K is very excited that she and her shoppe will be a featured “character in the book” of the Deluxe's Small Business Revolution Main Street Series 2 show this Fall. Polka Dot Parlor was one of the Borough businesses selected by Amanda Brinkman, the chief brand officer for Deluxe and co-host of the series, and businessman Robert Herjavec of “Shark Tank” fame who stated, “There would really be no Mill Street if there were no small businesses.”
An additional honor is that Paulette’s Polka Dot Parlor is the 2017 Bucks Happening ‘Retail: Women's Clothing WINNER’, the most popular people's choice competition in Bucks County.
As a Bensalem High School student, Paulette participated in tennis and basketball but her passion was the Marine Corps ROTC program where she earned Highest Female Cadet award and ranked as Captain. Her father, Paul is a USMC combat Veteran but her chic fashion talent is apparently inherited from her mother, Mary, a retired systems analyst who also possessed a flair for interior design.
Paulette’s instinctive aptitude for doing things well includes dancing. She was a “regular” with a permanent guest pass for Dancin' On Air, a 1980’s television dance music reality show, the forerunner of Dance Party USA, and for Dance Down on local cable stations.
She invested 1 year and ½ studying for a Secondary Ed degree in history at Lock Haven University of PA. Her student-run radio station was dubbed “Recycled Mind for Trashy People”. She transferred to Temple University, switched her majors to Psychology and Law and she was named to the Golden Key Honor Society.
“Life is such a beautiful thing. You should expand more. There is always room for growth”.
Paulette was the Volunteer Resource Coordinator for PA DMVA and worked as the SPCA Director of Volunteer Services and Foster Care. She was “always told I was so good with people”.
A favorite but a tad overpriced clothing and accessories haunt had been Zipperhead on South Street.
“I saw a real need for affordable fashion in Bristol. Bristol is up and coming!” She found the perfect location, formerly home to Rosado Jewelers, Mill Street Primitives and Groovy Used on 324 Mill Street, close to the center of action on Historic Mill Street and just blocks from the wharf area.
Paulette treks to Manhattan to stock her shoppe with fetching articles that make a woman “look and feel good”. Part of her space is delegated to “re-loved/ reused vintage clothing” and her pieces reflect her love of “some texture, color or pattern, and footwear that adds interest”. And sunglasses! “I love affordable sunglasses and anyone can update their look with glasses, fashion earring and bracelets.”
This ambidextrous entrepreneur describes herself as a mood dresser! “I love pink and green and leopard print.” Her interesting selections are amazing. Is this store a best kept secret or what?
Finds for every style taste; including lace. “Lace is about embracing femininity!”
“I want women to be brave in who they are and be comfortable in their own skin. People should be challenged but you should wear what makes you comfortable and makes you happy.”
Mention this “Spotlight”, spend $25.00 on any regular price article and receive $5.00 off.
[Expires June 18, 2017]
Polka Dot Parlor LLC
open Thursday, Friday & Saturday
129 Mill Street
Bristol, PA 19007
267.554.7287
click on thumbnails to enlarge
Thank you to the Bucks County Courier Times for this award. I also want to thank all who voted for the PDP again this year. I am proud and happy to help bring you the style and affordability you desire. — at Polka Dot Parlor LLC.
9.8.2019
Polka Dot Parlor LLC is at Polka Dot Parlor LLC.Bristol, PA ·
It's been an exhaustive summer; but, I am happy to share that
the Polka Dot Parlor's new location
129 Mill Street will be open this Friday, Saturday and Sunday!
I miss you all so much. Feels like I been in some boot camp. Doh! I can't wait to show you the new space and all the new goodies.
Come shop for unique fall fashions, handbags, jewelry, crystals and more at great prices. Get your Autumn look on trend in a funky fun atmosphere.
Thank you for your patience and support during our transition.
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