Shop Local: Quelque Chose continues a family tradition

Posted 1/14/16

Susanna Forjohn (photo by Jeremy Jones) by Jeremy Jones Frank Baum rescued Dorothy Gail from the bleak, monochromatic, parched plains of Kansas by renewing her spirit in the bedazzling rainbow-land …

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Shop Local: Quelque Chose continues a family tradition

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Shop Local.resize Susanna Forjohn (photo by Jeremy Jones)

by Jeremy Jones

Frank Baum rescued Dorothy Gail from the bleak, monochromatic, parched plains of Kansas by renewing her spirit in the bedazzling rainbow-land of Oz. Susanna Forjohn rescues us from cold, gray winter days in Chestnut Hill by giving us Quelque Chose, with clothes and accessories for women, men and kids that are a chromotherapy tonic for the seasonal doldrums. It’s a shout-out for spring, tropical islands and taking a barefoot run along the water’s edge.

Quelque Chose, at 8437 Germantown Ave., is the exclusive source in Chestnut Hill and the immediate area for today’s hottest designers who bring classic preppy back to the top of the fashion charts, including Lily Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines, Lolo and Scout.

Built in 1913, the store 8437 Germantown Ave. has lived quite a charmed life of retail sales history, as have the two adjacent buildings to the south: 8435 and 8433. For more than 40 years, Forjohn and her family have played an integral part in this history.

In the 1970s, Mrs. Allen’s Variety store was at 8437, where Forjohn’s mother, Corinne Roxby, remembers “buying ribbon by the spool and Easter baskets for my kids.”

Then, in the '80s this was the address for the ever-popular Wooden Train, which delighted customers for more than 20 years and was owned by Forjohn’s aunt and uncle, Judy and Gerry Romig. In her college years, Forjohn so enjoyed working at The Wooden Train on holiday breaks her uncle asked her if she was interested in opening her own store.

“I thought about what Chestnut Hill needed,” Forjohn said, and in 1994 Quelque Chose debuted next door to The Wooden Train at 8435 Germantown Ave., now home to Delphine Gallery. Longtime Hillers may remember when Cheese Please was at this location in the '70s, and Balbier’s Record Shop in the '60s.

Customer demand and Forjohn’s vision and savvy lead her to add a variety of inventory, and by 1999 her need for more space made for an all-in-the-family swap-a-shop.

The Wooden Train and Mes Enfants baby boutique, a prized Chestnut Hill favorite created by Forjohn’s cousin, Meredith, set up shop together at 8433 Germantown, which is now home to Style Camp.

Chestnut Hill Historical Society documentation tells us the modestly distinctive-looking building at 8433 Germantown is “one of the oldest extant buildings in all of Chestnut Hill, constructed circa 1750.”  Documentation also tells us it was the Bank of America building, 1890-1900. Ladybug and Frederick’s Crafts and Gifts have also been part of this significant merchandising profile.

So, in 1999, Forjohn brought Quelque Chose home to 8437 Germantown Ave., the retail arena where her inspiration and love of the trade began and has continued for 23 years.

“I love the buying and working with my customers,” Forjohn said. “I still enjoy it after all these years.

Lily Pulitzer and her colors take center stage at Quelque Chose with signature-style dresses, shoes, sandals and jewelry. Dresses, from knit jersey to jacquard and from the Lily classic shift to the sleeveless shift are priced from $98 to $298; shoes and sandals, $88-$198.

Cashmere thrives in Claudia Nichole’s sweater design, which can be worn as a dress-topper or poncho in multiple colors and styles, $130.

“I can’t keep them in stock,” said Forjohn about the plush knit beanie-style hat designer Pink Pineapple dubs “the best pompom hat.”  In warm and toasty colors and textures, this little statement of style, practicality and fun comes with a removable raccoon pompom so it’s easy to wash, $48.

Fabulous bags surround the shop like candy fallen from a piñata. Scout brings you coated canvas totes, cosmetic bags, ID bags (for cell phone, etc.) and beach bags with vinyl-coated lining which makes them easy to hose down after a fun day in the sun. Prices range from $12. Scout’s very cool lacrosse bag, $52.

You’ll “think Paris” when you see the three-piece Lolo set of cosmetic bags, $72.

According to Forjohn, Bella’s “Grab Bag” is the most popular Bella style – a must-have for an afternoon of beach and shopping, $28. New Scout and Bella prints come in every six months.

Popular for the young set and as terrific gifts, your choice of acrylic or lacquered boxes, jewelry boxes and trays which can be a real hit when personalized with a vinyl monogram which is done in house. Prices range from $9 to $180.

Quelque Chose is a super find for the fashion conscious guy and for gifts that will please any guy. Vineyard Vine ties are $45, Josh Bach ties are $75.

Smathers and Branson’s needlepoint key fobs with leather closure carry a world of themes, from nature to nautical, $28. These themes play throughout a line of wallets, cuff links and money clips. You’ll also find Smathers and Branson hats in rich colors set off by needlepoint designs and logos – from lacrosse sticks to Nantucket Island, $35.

My Pick: Kate Spade’s “Make Headlines” canvas tote with bold newsprint print. Compact and perfect for traveling with laptop, date book and the latest copy of the Local, $24.

Be sure to check out the 50-percent-off sale on select clothing and bags.

Susanna Forjohn was raised in Wyncote, attended Springside School and lives in Fort Washington with her husband, Dan, and their two daughters.

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