Red's Shoe Diaries: Orange & Black Friday

This year I skipped the Black Friday crowds in favor of Netflix by the fireplace in my pajamas, resting up for a little local shopping on Small Business Saturday. If you follow Red's Shoe Diaries, you know I'm always on the lookout for the unique and unexpected. So, while I will shop anywhere and everywhere, I often find the best treasure in small, independently owned businesses that are often overlooked in the onslaught of the holiday media melee.

Profyle Boutique carries a wide selection of eye catching pieces. I wear thes earrings (top right) and leather moto jacket (bottom left) frequently.

Chances are your mailbox (both electronic and streetside) are already filled with ads giving you the scoop on deals at the big chain department stores, so I thought I'd use Black Friday to instead highlight two of my favorite local places to shop: Profyle Boutique and RevolutionEYES. In fact, I'm such a fan of these two independently owned businesses that last month I jumped at the chance to host a private shopping event to introduce them to friends...and because I'm me and the event took place just before Halloween, you won't be surprised to learn that both my outfit and the party favors channeled the colors of the Spookiest season - my own personal "Orange & Black Friday," if you will.

I appreciated the opportunity to fete my friends while introducing them to the unique finds and excellent customer service offered by two of my favorite locally owned businesses. From top left: party favors to match my ensemble and the season; with RevolutionEYES staff Brandon and Donna (and sporting a favorite pair of orange Tory Burch sunglasses, exclusive to the store); talking style; limited edition Prada sunglasses from RevolutionEYES.

Of course, you don't need a personal invitation to visit either place, and if you're local, let me share a few reasons why you should! Besides the warm but modern ambience that greets guests as they enter Profyle's IronWorks at Keystone location, you'll find a mix of classic and trendy wardrobing pieces,including some unique lines (like 724 llc) that can't be found elsewhere in the city, or even the state. Beyond that, it's a "go to" place to find statement making accessories like the collar necklaces, earrings, and clutches pictured in this post.

Profyle Boutique's owner, Wandini Riggins (bottom right) is as stylish as she is friendly, and the selection she showcases in the store never disappoints.

As for RevolutionEYES...let me just say that it is the only optometry office that I have ever been truly excited to visit. It's not just a place to get your eyes checked; it is an experience in eyewear. Whether you're looking for corrective lenses or the latest and greatest in super stylish sunnies, Brandon and Debbie will help you find it. My latest obsession (and one that can only be found locally at RevolutionEYES) are the customizable, interchangeable glasses from French designer Zenka. Like my beloved SwitchFlops, these eyeglasses can be changed in a heartbeat to coordinate with every outfit. Last time I visited, I couldn't resist trying on about 25 combinations. Function AND style - at RevolutionEYES you can find glasses to help you see better and look better!