In style: Bellwether in Sewickley defines fashion forward

According to Merriam-Webster, the word bellwether means a leader and an indicator of trends.

Bellwether on Beaver Street features the latest styles from casual to evening wear, jewelry, shoes and home goods — making it an apropos moniker.

“We had a sign here that read: ‘She’s kind, she’s brave, she takes initiative, she’s bold, she’s a leader, she’s a Bellwether.’ It was created by the original owner, Angelique Lorance,” said Lauren Pentland, 24, the store manager who has been working at the shop since she was 16. “We want everyone to find exactly what they are looking for. We take pride in the best quality merchandise. We have unique items that are timeless and worth the investment.”

Angelique Lorence opened the shop in 2015. In January 2020, right before the pandemic, longtime customer Norma Cheek purchased the business.

“Angelique did such a great job building the business with loyal customers,” Cheek said. “She created an enjoyable in-store personal experience.”

Continuing to give customers a personalized experience as they had with Lorence, Cheek said the well-known reputation of the shop helped keep the business going during the pandemic. Customers continued to make purchases via phone and online. During the months the store was closed because of then-Gov. Wolf’s covid-19 restrictions, Cheek and her employees used the time for renovations, which included a fresh coat of paint, installation of new racks and shelves, as well as re-organizing the space.

They would bring merchandise out to a customer’s car for no-contact pickup or make deliveries to homes nearby. One of those loyal customers Amy Elste, a lifelong resident of Sewickley, has been shopping at Bellwether from the beginning.

Shopping locally is an advantage because, just like Lorence, Cheek and her employees know Elste, she said. They will reach out if they have an item that she might like because they know Elste’s style.

And they are usually right, Elste said.

When Cheek and Pentland go to fashion markets, they often find new merchandise with specific customers in mind. Bellwether carries brands including Theory, L’agence, Amanda Uprichard, Misa Los Angeles, Shoshanna and French Connection.

If there is something from a line they don’t have in stock and it’s available they will order it, Cheek said.

Over the years, new designers have been added to the store’s roster. They have a selection of casual athleisure, comfortable clothing suitable for exercise, everyday wear and some outerwear.

“We’ve wanted to continue what Angelique started,” said Pentland, who was inspired to study fashion at Kent State University in Ohio from working at Bellwether. “Being part of a customer’s in-person shopping experience is why we do what we do.”

The store has been part of happenings around town, including the annual Light Up Night, Wine Walk and Night Mart. Bellwether hosted a Dress for Success event last June that was part of a senior high school project for employee Kendall Sykes. Sykes wanted to raise awareness the non-profit organization that provides a network of support, professional attire, and development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

Customers dropped off donations in return for a same-day discount. A portion of the proceeds from that day were matched and donated to Dress for Success.

”We are one big family here at Bellwether,” Pentland said. “We all confide in each other and share stories about what’s happening in our lives.”

Pentland said customers will often stop in just to say “Hello.’”

“It is important to support local businesses,” said Elste, who also worked in some of the retail shops in Sewickley. “I want to see Sewickley grow and thrive. Bellwether carries quality designers. Living in this community it is not just about shopping and dining. It is about so much more. I believe in this town.”

Cheek has loved fashion since she was in high school, when she made clothes in home economics class, including an apron she and her grandmother worked on together. She said she still has that apron. Cheek was an elementary school teacher and said the connection between teaching and fashion is that both are about “making people feel good about themselves.”

“A customer came in to update her wardrobe and when she left she said ‘I feel so much better about myself,’” Cheek said. “That experience is what I love about this business, being able to help someone. We want people to feel comfortable here and Sewickley is the perfect place to do that. Sewickley is a destination. People come to spend the day here because it has so much to offer. It is such a quaint, small town and the people are so friendly and supportive.”

Bellwether is located at 447 Beaver St., Sewickley. Winter hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Details: bellwethersewickley.com