The Swellesley Report

Since 2005: More than you really want to know about Wellesley, Mass.

Business buzz: The Bra Shop coming to Church Square; Be heard on Wellesley Square Improvement Project

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The latest Wellesley, Mass., business news:
 

The Bra Shop’s coming to Church Square

 

The Bra Shop has announced plans to open in November at 22 Church St. in Wellesley, expanding beyond its Worcester roots.

The business’s mission is “to provide women with access to properly fitting bras and lingerie,” and opening in Wellesley will bring its services and merchandise to people in MetroWest and greater Boston, according to The Bra Shop President Stephanie Ramey.

The five-year-old Bra Shop carries band sizes 28–48+ and cup sizes A–O. It also sells lingerie, lounge and sleepwear, and accessories.

Professional fittings will be available by appointment, with walk-in shopping welcome.

Worcester_Bra_Shop
The Bra Shop in Worcester (courtesy photo)

 

 

Be heard on Wellesley Square Improvement Project

 
The town of Wellesley has launched an online survey to get public input on plans to improve the safety, traffic flow, and general vibrancy of Wellesley Square. Will the team in charge be able to figure out a way to cut down on the number of people who invent their own crosswalks? We’ll see.

With initial local/state funding as well as consultants in hand, the town will offer a series of public meetings, with the first on Oct. 14 at Hunnewell Elementary School at 6:30pm.

Local business reps will have a chance to learn and weigh in on Sept. 17.

Wellesley Square Improvement Project story map.

 
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MIT Museum, Cambridge

“Wellesley in Bloom” Gift Guide

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SPONSORED CONTENT: Wellesley is celebrating Spring with Wellesley in Bloom, a weeklong experience where you’ll discover floral fun, store events and exclusive offers. To spark your Spring shopping and Mother’s Day gift buying, here’s the Wellesley in Bloom Gift Guide.

Fleuri, Linden Square
Fleuri, Linden Square

Ana Katarina Fine Jewelry Designs—Ladybugs, butterflies, and bees have come to Ana Katarina Fine Jewelry for “Wellesley In Bloom” to add joy to your daily jewelry aesthetic.

Anderson’s Jewelers—Discover the new seasonal jewelry collection at Anderson’s and enjoy 15–20% off floral-inspired estate pieces in celebration of Wellesley in Bloom like a beautiful butterfly pendant, or stunning flower earrings.

Caskata—Mothers will delight with these spring tableware gift ideas from Caskata—Stella scalloped blue salad plate, Butterflies large round tray, and stunning Quinn ocean white wine glasses.

The Clever Hand is a cooperatively-owned gallery featuring the work of New England artists offering gifts at every price point from a large glass panel with a stunning Iris to felted tulips in little felted pots, and even flowery silver or glass earrings.

Dena Pavone Collection—The beautiful colors of Spring can be found at Dena Pavone Italy with our Mia Floral sneakers, butterflies, bees and flower sneaker charms and our floral leather wallets. 5% of sales of floral products from May 3-10, donated to Giving Joy.

Fleuri—Step into Fleuri for a breath of spring.  Fleuri’s fresh floral arrangements are available for pickup or delivery for Mother’s Day. Updating your décor…Fleuri’s faux peony flower in a white glass container or Fleuri’s best-selling faux stem-green blossoms on bark-like branches.

Footstock—Nothing says springtime like the Naot sandals bursting with color at Footstock. To celebrate Wellesley in Bloom—all are 10% off.

Henry Bear’s Park—Imaginations grow wild at Henry Bear’s Park! Come see what’s in Bloom with our freshest puzzles, LEGO sets, new baby gifts, and more. There’s always something new popping up!

Isabel Harvey—Shop at Isabel Harvey for the best selection of Julie Vos. Her designs represent wearable luxury and reflect her vision that jewelry should make you feel wonderful. Handset in 24k gold plate over nickel-free brass sealed to prevent tarnish.

Isabelle Harvey, Wellesley
Shani DeFina, Kenzie & Hope

Kenzie & Hope owner, Shani Defina, radiates spring in this stunning shirtdress by MISA, cut from an eye-catching Matcha Love satin. For girls, there’s a smocked skirt and top by Alicia Bell and a gift to bring a smile, an embroidered “I did it” pillow.

J. McLaughlin—Slip into J. McLaughlin’s Charlotta dress for a fresh spin on the classic shirtdress. The split V neckline flatters, and the embroidery on the sleeves and hem add dimension. This dress can take you from day to night and city to coast.

London Harness & TUMI—The new MZ Wallace Astor Satchel in Stone Blue is perfect for Spring. The silver plated 4×6 frame—engravable with your initials, name, or special message. The Mini Taylor LED Compact Mirror—ideal for slipping into any bag or pocket.

Lux Bond & Green—Celebrate spring with timeless treasures from Lux Bond & Green, including Marco Bicego’s Africa multi-colored gemstone earrings, Roberto Coin Jasmine Butterfly pendant & Herend’s hand-painted Honey Bear in Blue.

Sara Campbell—Shift into spring with a flowery, piqué dress with flattering scoop neckline and top off with a straw hat. For a special Mother’s Day gift, there’s the Monroe flower top handle bag. It’s elegant, timeless, and vegan leather.

Tiny Hanger—Find spring cuteness at Wellesley’s favorite children’s boutique, Tiny Hanger, with an adorable Pink Chicken Elsie Dress. Accessorize with the Jellycat Blossom Bunny Bag Charm. Magnetic Me Emily Modal Footie looks adorable beside the dress for the perfect sisters moment!

Salt Boutique—Step into Salt for a bouquet of floral fun with gifts galore for mom and for you like the Ranger Santalum Candle, the fabulous Raleigh Pullover and flowy, Trovata Birds of Paradis Loren Blouse.

Wellesley Books—Spring is blooming at Wellesley Books. Don’t miss the new line of White Lotus-inspired hats. Check out the gardening and floral book display!

Wellesley Holiday Boutique—Flowers are sprouting up all over at Wellesley Holiday Boutique. Glorious home goods, coffee table books, stationery, and dresses. Check back as new stores are added.

Page Waterman, Natick
London Harness, Wellesley
Dedham Country Day School

Wellesley business buzz: FP Movement looks to open in Linden Square; Chamber launching women’s conference

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The latest Wellesley, Mass., business news:

FP Movement coming to Linden Square

Activewear retailer FP Movement is looking to open in Linden Square in between the Bluemercury and LaserAway shops on the same side of the street as Roche Bros. The business has submitted plans to the town for its signage.

FP Movement has dozens of retail locations, as does related retailer Free People, which sells bohemian-style apparel.

FP Movement rendering
FP Movement rendering submitted to the town

 

Know of Wellesley businesses coming or going? Let us know:  theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

 

Chamber launching women’s conference

The Charles River Regional Chamber is launching its inaugural women’s conference, dubbed Momentum, on Friday, June 13 (8am-3pm) on the Wellesley College campus.

momentum

The event, subtitled “Women in Business: Celebrating & Creating Change,” will feature:

• Speakers (to be announced): Celebrating female leadership
• Sessions: Practical tools for growth and collaboration
• Networking: Connect with mentors, partners, and peers
• Lunch & Closing Reception

Early registration through 4/30 and bulk discounts available.

Sponsorship opportunities available.

 

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Longfellow, Wellesley

International Women’s Day speakers to include Anna Neiman, fashion entrepreneur and owner of Wellesley Square boutique

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Metrowest Commission on the Status of WomenThe MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women will hold its International Women’s Day event on Saturday, March 8, 3pm-5pm, at the Common Street Spiritual Center, 13 Common Street in Natick. This event promises to be an empowering celebration of women’s achievements and a platform for advocacy and unity within the community.

International Women’s Day is a globally recognized occasion that commemorates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women while also calling for gender equality.

The event will feature a series of speeches, artistic performances and vendor displays.

The MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women is partnering with We Are Fihri, a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing period poverty, to provide period poverty kits to those in need.

Special guests

  • Keynote: Jin In—Author of “Girl Power”
  • Kristen Pope—Natick Select Board Member & Media Professional
  • Anna Neiman—Fashion Entrepreneur and owner of Anna Neiman Couture in Wellesley
  • Fredie Kay Esq.—Women’s History Pioneer

Tickets for the event are free. Space is limited.

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Wellesley Symphony Orchestra
Wellesley Marketplace 2026

Wandering around Wellesley over the weekend

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The only thing hotter than the weekend weather in Wonderful Wellesley were the bargains at the annual Linden Square sidewalk sale. Shoppers scoured the outside racks and tables for fashions, toys, baby gear, and more. Meanwhile, over in the Courtyard and in Wellesley Square, kids got busy at the crafting tables where they painted, glued, and decorated doodads onto a thingamabobs. The results: fun for all.

Linden Square, Wellesley
The Linden Square Courtyard was the site of free crafting for kids.

 

Wonderful Wellesley, Wellesley Square
Wellesley Square had a crafting outpost, also. The shaded area meant no melting crayons on a hot day that saw temperatures soar into the high 80s.

 

LInden Square, sidewalk sale, Sara Campbell
Shoppers could scoop up a different color pair of pants for each day of the week at Sara Campbell.

 

Pattee, Wellesley Square
Pattee waves hello from the floor of the 87 Central Street space she shares with Lyn Evans. The new business partnership means greater fashion variety at the Wellesley Square space. Pattee brings a funky vibe to the store with her silversmith talents and textiles upcycling skills. The Lyn Evan part of the business focuses on “happy clothes”  for everyday.

 

LInden Square, sidewalk sale
A garden shopping experience at Tiny Hanger in Linden Square.

 

Wonderful Wellesley, Linden Square
Crafting in the Courtyard

 

Babson College, Wonderful Wellesley
It’s not a stretch to say that Babson College students love a good Wonderful Wellesley bargain, like the free session provided here by StretchLab Wellesley. The students came out in droves for the Babson Resource Fair over the weekend, where participating Wellesley stores, restaurants, and fitness studios were on hand, along with a fun prize wheel and guac and chips provided by Roche Bros. 

 

Babson College, Resource Fair, Wonderful Wellesley
Bach to Rock at the Babson Resource Fair

Wonderful Wellesley College Discount Program—participating stores

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Wellesley, Health Dept., Menopause movie

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Wellesley Business Buzz: élan Fine Consignment temporarily closed; Coconut Thai is back; Boston Veterinary Clinic wants to see your pets; It’s brown paper season

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The latest Wellesley, Mass., business news:

élan Fine Consignment temporarily closed

It was the naked mannequin in the window that stopped us in our tracks. On a regular day she’s our style icon, the one we look to as our fashion role model. Some days the well-dressed mannequin of élan Fine Consignment in Wellesley Hills is dressed in Lily Pulitzer. Some days she’s sporting a puffer coat, a cool beanie, and designer jeans. She always looks good. So when she appeared in the window in a state of undress, we were concerned.

elan, Wellesley
élan has been accepting consignment for designer and name brand  women’s clothing, handbags and accessories in new or like-new condition since 2013. We’re hoping they reopen soon.

The sign on the door of the 402 Washington St. business told part of the story: “élan will be closed temporarily.”

Inside, the racks were all but emptied, an unheard-of situation at the popular shopping destination. We checked in with owner Kim Hutchings, who told us by email, “We had a pipe burst in the store, and we are working to get it back open ASAP. We are hoping for the new floor to go in next week, then some painting, and putting all the fixtures back in!”

Sounds like the repairs will be completed just in time for fashionistas to pop by for their spring wardrobe needs.

Coconut Thai reopens

Coconut Thai, located at 257 Washington St., is slated to reopen on Tuesday, Feb. 21 under new ownership.

coconut thai

Boston Veterinary Clinic wants to see your pets

Boston Veterinary Clinic has expanded its reach into Wellesley with a new location at 239 Washington St. (formerly a realtor’s office). The business also has locations in Boston and Brookline.

Services at the 3,300 sq. ft. space include wellness and preventative care (shots, dental, etc.), sick and emergency care, alternative care, and puppy and kitten assistance. Separate exam rooms are designed for cats, dogs, and exotic pets, and there’s a separate waiting room for cats. The staff is trained in techniques to reduce stress for patients.

Early reports are that the office provides friendly and patient care. An open house is slated for April 1 from 10am-1pm.

buster boston veterinary clinic
Boston Veterinary Clinic: Approved by Buster the pug (Photo by Mara Laird)

It’s brown paper season

Brown paper has filled up a number of Wellesley storefronts, sparking excitement about what possibly could be under the wrapping. Among the latest, Wellesley Square’s 101 and 97 Central St., formerly occupied by Joel Bagnal Goldsmiths and Brueggers’ Bagels, respectively.

Any hopes of Brueggers being replaced by another bagel shop or eatery would appear to be slim given that the building permit describes elimination of such elements as the fridge and waste piping. The demolition planned for the site would leave a shell of a structure for the next tenant.

Got the skinny on either of these spots? Let us know: theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

97 central 101 central

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Something looks different inside E.A. Davis…

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I dropped by E.A. Davis (579 Washington St.), now under ownership by Mahi Gold Outfitters, on its opening day this past weekend during Wellesley Square’s Holiday Stroll.

The brightly lit store still features the old-timey E.A. Davis sign out front and the classic cash register inside, but otherwise has a freshly renovated feel all dressed up for the holidays. Clothing hangs from fun rope swings, the wood floors have been refinished, and there is no shortage of colors to choose from despite this no longer being Lilly Pulitzer central.

The upstairs promises to open next year and feature kids’ stuff. The downstairs was off-limits, too, for now.

Without Mrs. Swellesley at my side during this visit, you’re not getting any fashion analysis out of me. I’ll let the photos speak for themselves.

Here’s wishing new owners Becky and Brian Voelkel a successful holiday shopping season.

ea davis newea davis new

ea davis new
A familiar carousel horse from E.A. Davis of old

 

ea davis new

ea davis new
The classic cash register remains

 

Here are a couple of E.A. Davis throwback photos from before the changeover:

EA Davis, Wellesley

EA Davis, Wellesley

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