Our People
Winchester, VA Fine Clothing
Since 1959
Founding Chairman of the Pedestrian Walking Mall in Old Town, Rotarian, Past Treasurer of the Winchester Regional Airport Authority & Past Treasurer of the Winchester Parking Authority.
What is your favorite part about working at Bell’s Fine Clothing?
Meeting and talking to the people from out of town, finding out what brings them to Winchester.
Who is your style icon and why?
Cary Grant – He knew that being properly dressed was an important ingredient in lifting the occasion to the highest level.
What’s something that everyone should try doing at least once in their life?
Scuba Diving – 2/3rd of the earth’s surface is covered by water – 2/3rd of what there is to see is underwater. My favorite dive site is Little Cayman, diving Bloody Bay Wall.
You’ve got the day off. How do you spend it?
Ride my bicycle, fly my plane, spend time outside around the garden & having a nice al fresco dinner at home with friends… I like to grill.
Since 1984
Member of the Rotary Club of Frederick County
What is your favorite brand/manufacturer?
Canali is my favorite clothing brand. The fabrics they use are the finest in the world and the fit is impeccable. Canali really has the shoulder part of the garment nailed as far as fit and finish. Their shoulder expression is one of the best in the business.
What is one article of clothing (or accessory) that you own that you can’t imagine living without?
My casual sport coat from Boglioli is definitely my favorite article of clothing. It fits like a second skin and looks great with five pocket model pants. It is a great travel coat.
What is a little-known fact about you?
I am very passionate about my music. I have been playing guitar for over twenty years and three years ago took up the mandolin. I play everything from blues to bluegrass with an emphasis on improvisation.
What’s something that everyone should try doing at least once in their life?
Everyone should try scuba diving once in their life. The ocean’s of the world are truly the last frontier. To experience the underwater world will give you a whole new appreciation of mother nature.
Supporting the Evans Home for Children is a passion. Founded in 1949, the Evans Home provides a home for abused, homeless and otherwise needy children from within the community and surrounding areas. Please contact me if you would be interested in finding out more about this wonderful community blessing. Member Board of Directors, past-President.
What is your favorite part about working at Bell’s Fine Clothing?
The creative…the visual presentation of beautiful clothing… The hunt for the unique…and then the one-on-one crafting of a wardrobe for a client. Everyone’s needs are different. This one-on-one interaction allows me to meet some very interesting people.
What is the best aspect of working for a family business?
We have a family re-union every day! Civil Engineer by Degree ….Can build bridges but prefer to build wardrobes.
What is your personal style philosophy?
Three! In order to be stylish…at least three different components of an outfit need to be well thought out. Each should either complement the others or give rise to need for the others. All the components can’t be the leader…something has to be the focus.
What historical time period would you most like to visit?
The mid-18th Century. These people were resilient, self-reliant and tough… Excuses didn’t get you very far.
Merchandise Manager/Buyer Ladies
Since 1964
What is your favorite part about working at Bell’s Fine Clothing?
A family owned apparel business provides a wonderful opportunity to use many skills, and creativity. It is very satisfying to see customers appreciate the selection of merchandise, and to find just the perfect item they are seeking, or to find a treasure that they stumble upon.
You’ve got plane tickets to anywhere in the world – where are you going?
Travel is wonderful to broaden your horizons and to get new ideas. I enjoy the Southwest for its beauty ,art, sculpture and history. The western mountains for scenery and skiing. European travel is fabulous for its culture, history, architecture and food, especially Italy and France.
You’ve got the day off. How do you spend it?
I enjoy my garden, especially roses, tropical plants such as orchids, bougainvillea, and hibiscus. Herbs are in there too to be enjoyed in cooking.
Since 1979
What is your favorite part of working at Bell’s Fine Clothing?
My favorite part of working at Bell’s Fine Clothing is meeting and building a relationship with my clients, in my case sometimes extending into second generation. Also, in some small way feeling I am helping to carry on the legacy started by Mr. Shendow 83 years ago.
What is one article of clothing or accessory that you own that you can’t imagine living without?
I could not imagine living without my pearls. They are elegant, feminine, and timeless. They add the finishing touch to anything from jeans to evening wear. Pearls are the perfect accessory for any occasion.
What is your most memorable meal ever?
It was a lovely dinner in honor of my parent’s 50th wedding anniversary. My parents were happiest when surrounded by family. After 50 years they not only still loved each other – they still liked each other. What a wonderful example to grow up with.
What is the most beautiful place you have been to?
One of the most beautiful places I have ever seen was a mother/daughter trip to Sedona, Arizona with Tracey. Flying high above the red rock in a ten man hot air balloon was breathtaking. Spectacular sunsets over the rim every evening, a spiritual walk through the vortex with our Native American guide, climbing up to the Chapel of the Holy Cross was moving, inspiring and healing. Sedona with all of her many gifts is one of my favorite places.
Since 1975
I feel that my personal style philosophy is classic, tailored, and understated. Being a behind-the-scenes employee, I prefer my attire to be functional and primarily no frills. I lean towards minimalism.
You love to cook. What is your favorite thing to make?
I do not consider myself to be a very creative person, but cooking is one area that I am fairly experimental. I could eat soup every day, so that is one food I enjoy preparing. Changing just one ingredient can completely change the dish.
What is a little-known fact about you?
I am truly a numbers person. I may not remember names well, but numbers hold meaning for me. In a prior employment situation – before identity theft was a big issue – I knew (by memory) the social security numbers of all sixty-two employees on staff.
You’ve got the day off. How do you spend it?
If I had a day off and could do anything that I wanted, I would probably pick some place that I had never been, and spend the day exploring a new area. I would shop at the local shops, eat in area restaurants, and visit local historic sites.
You have tickets to any concert of your choice – who are you seeing (past or present)?
Rod Stewart – I bonded with him and his music when I was 12. I will not outgrow him – I can relate to how his music has evolved – and yes – I think he’s sexy!
Since 1968
Hired by Mr. Shendow, lovingly referred to as “pops”. “Mr. Shendow thought I was too young, and not sure I knew what I was doing, but Charlie Ritter (a most sought out salesman) assured him I did.”
You love to cook – what is your favorite thing to make?
I love to bake… To satisfy my sweet tooth! —Cakes, cookies, pies. She loves to share her baking skills on each employees birthday.
You’ve got plane tickets to anywhere in the world – where are you going?
Australia is one of the most unique and beautiful places I have visited. I loved the Kangaroos and beautiful birds.
What is your favorite movie?
Sleeping with the Enemy