Chic Galleria Magazine - February 2009
FUNKY VIBE AT UNIQUE SHOE BOUTIQUE by Beth Anderson, February 11 2009
Ever since Elena Brennan was a little girl, she always had a passion for shoes. It just made sense that she would open a shoe boutique. She was born in London and now lives in Philadelphia. BUS STOP Boutique will be two years old in April, 2009 and is located on historic Fabric Row/4th Street, Queen Village in downtown Philly.
“Whenever I travel I am always inspired by designs and products that I find on my travels, especially shoes. Most of the shoe designers that I carry are from Europe and South America. I try to look for shoes that women are going to go nuts for, shoes they can’t find anywhere else. I select shoes that are well made with nice leather and unusual details so they stand out just a bit! The vibe here at BUS STOP is really funky. I believe it’s good to be trendy but you have to have comfy toes too!
“Some of my favorite experiences are shared with customers. There’s a great sense of community on 4th Street in Queen Village and I’d like to share some stories that have taken place in BUS STOP. A neighbor who’s sister has lived in Paris for 17 years visits him a few times a year, and the first time she bought a pair of shoes at BUS STOP, she told me this is the best shoe shop she’s come across in a long time - now that’s a compliment from a woman that lives in Paris! Another customer told me that she thought my shoe collection was too trendy for her but that I have converted her taste in shoes!
“I hold monthly events on the 4th Friday of each month in the forum of BUS STOP + Art where I showcase local artists’ work - photographers, painters, jewelers etc. I like to support the local art community and give back whenever I can. These events are always listed on my website.”
“I would love to design my own line of shoes so that’s a dream I can work towards. In the meantime, I’ll continue to keep up with the trends and to introduce any new designers that I come across.”
Just remember “When women get tired of shopping, they love to shop for shoes.” says Elena. “I’m not sure where this quote originated from but I love it!”
