A BROAD ST. LOOK AT EDENTON SPRING FASHION

Their billboards on the outskirts of town prompt drivers to slow down to view the humorous quotes and statements marketing what sparkles and glistens within the jewelry cases of their Broad St. store. Vaughan’s Jewelry is one of Edenton’s cherished retailers, by both gift givers and receivers.  

Affection is shown in a variety of ways these days and while social media has replaced many of the former traditions Valentine’s Day still holds strong. The practice of giving those cute cut out Valentine’s cards may be fading, but the tradition of offering jewelry as a gift on Valentine’s Day is still on the top of many lover’s lists.  

The tradition dates back to the Renaissance. While the tradition is ancient, stepping into Vaughan’s Jewelry is anything but, the recently remodeled store has a contemporary elegant feel.

Since 2015, current Vaughan Jewelry owners Valerie and Marty Goodwin have followed in the footsteps of the original owners, Ronald and Peggie Anne Vaughan’s commitment to the Edenton community. Since 1987, Vaughan’s jewelry has maintained a passion to help people connect and celebrate meaningful milestones in their lives.

“We offer quality items for every step in a person’s jewelry journey,” said Valerie Goodwin. “From the five year old wanting to buy a thirty dollar necklace for his mom, to the twenty-five year old buying a five thousand dollar engagement ring for the love of his life, to the seventy-five year old buying a 50th anniversary gift, we want to be able to provide the perfect item for each of them.”

Small town jewelers are in themselves gems. The team at Vaughan’s offers services others in towns without jewelers need to drive miles for. Someone recently asked “Why would I drive 17 miles to town?” The answer might have been to get your watch repaired or have the battery replaced, or have the stone your mother gave you set in a new piece of gold, or just browse for a nice necklace for your wife, for Valentine’s Day. Vaughan’s also has accomplished designers who can help create a cherished piece.

Retailers often have enjoyable moments they share with customers. Jewelers are known for romantic experiences. Vaughan’s is known for exemplary customer service.

“There was a couple that came in to get wedding bands and through conversation we found out they were going to get married at the courthouse that same day.” said store manager Mia Jernigan. “They didn’t have a witness so one of our associates actually went with them and got to be a part of their big day.”

Vaughan’s is known around town for their terrific marketing campaigns. Their annual Digging for Diamonds fund raiser for the local food pantry draws dreamers of huge Karats.

“We have our Digging for Diamonds event every summer to raise money for the food pantry. Our first year having the event, a young boy came and actually scooped up a diamond,” said Autumn Davenport. “He instantly knew he wanted to make it into a necklace for his mom.  He picked out the setting and it turned out beautifully and was just such a sweet moment. We’re so excited to be serving our community in our newly updated space with the same hospitality that has been here for decades. We’re looking forward to this year’s Digging for Diamonds.”

Windows overlooking Broad St. sidewalks are becoming more fashionable.  

Simply Stated is Edenton’s newest contemporary women’s boutique now dressing the windows of the former Byrum’s Craft Store.  

The shop is owner Hanna Davey’s latest entrepreneurial adventure. It offers a welcoming shopping atmosphere and the collection highlight’s Davey’s eye for fashionable classics.   

“My first criteria is that if I would not personally have the item in my own wardrobe, I won't have it in the store. That way I keep the store vibe and style consistent”, Davey explains,

 “I like to have a style that caters to a wide age range of customers.I like to offer style that is classic, and will age well in your wardrobe throughout years and seasons”. 

Her fashion savvy style is evident walking through her shop filled with Fall novelty sweaters. Recently a white cardigan with knitted rosebuds graced the front window along with coordinated trousers. Davey also offers dress selections for day and evening wear, and a wide selection of timely accessories.   

Much of Davey’s experience comes from her days at East Carolina University where she earned a Bachelor Degree in Fashion Merchandise and Consumer Studies along with a minor in Entrepreneurship. The degrees blend well with her early dreams of being a store owner in Edenton. In pursuit of that dream, she had the opportunity to intern at Downtown Diva throughout college.

“CandaceThompson, at Edenton’s Downtown Diva clothing store, was a great mentor. It was pretty clear to me this is what I was meant to do once I got out of school” expressed Davey, “ I was very driven to work for myself. Then I launched  an online shop in 2021”. 

The young fashion entrepreneur had a methodical approach to building her retail brand by perfecting her on-trend ‘pop up shop concept’.  

“I did my first pop up shop in Wilmington. I was so nervous, but it was a huge success.I started scheduling more and more events as we got more noticeable around Wilmington, and I did over 100 pop up shops all over North Carolina”. Davey continues, “I could not have done it without their help of my parents, especially when I got up to doing 10 events per month, sometimes multiples in one day”.

Davey is excited about her upcoming first year anniversary in November.  Although the store is focused on women’s fashion, it carries an interesting selection of accessories.  

It was apparent Fall arrived as Simply Stated’s large windows featured the latest suggestions for cooler weather.

“I don't buy just what I think will sell. I have to love it for it to be in the store.I also am picky about the fabric content, and how the product will wash”, Davey elaborates “I love sharing style with people! It just makes me happy, and I want my customers to feel that too.

Fashion followers can shop in-store or online.  Simply Stated ships across the US and offers local in store pickup on orders placed online.  Simply Stated,  318 S. Broad St., Edenton, NC. (252) 333-7971. Boutique hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. ClosedSunday. Facebook and @simplystated.com on Instagram.