Style Tastemaker

True Blue

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Janelle Feigley always knew she’d own a store. While some twelve-year-olds are daydreaming about their crush du jour, she was working on the first draft of a business plan for a clothing boutique. Today she is the owner of just that, a shop in Wickford specializing in bohemian style clothing (attention: Free People fans) that’s also her own working painting studio, resulting in a mix of clothing and canvas definitely worth talking about.

How did you come up with the name Gossip?
After getting married, my husband Will and I took a trip out West to visit national and state parks. When we were at Arches National Park in Utah we came across a rock formation known as the Three Gossips. My husband knew I’d been thinking about shop names and said, “Janelle, that’s it!” and that’s how the name Gossip came to be.

Have you always worked in retail?
I actually worked in corporate environments at Kraft Foods and then Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, but I was constantly revising my business plan. All along those jobs were a means to an end and by the time I left Pfizer I had money saved to start my business and my vendors all lined up!


Your shop is known for helping people find their true style. Any simple tips to share?
Celebrate who you are and dress for your personality. You want pieces that you feel good in and that work for your lifestyle. I dress to celebrate myself every day and what I wear is indicative of my mood. Most days you’ll find me with a “California Dreaming” kind of look which [to me] means real hair, low make-up, lots of denim, and layered jewelry. That being said I also love getting dressed up. For women getting ready for a special event I always suggest a beautiful nude or gold heel to elongate the leg, and for men, a nice dress shoe that matches their belt.

Didn’t Gossip have other locations until recently?
Yes, I had four stores. I closed three and kept the flagship here in Wickford near my home. I love having a single location because it allows more time for both painting and styling and my family, which I love.

Tell us more about the painting!
I’m an extroverted artist – I like talking about art and letting people see the process. I also love to live-paint people and have painted celebrities in concert like Joe Perry, Johnny Depp, and Alice Cooper. I’m painting Taylor Swift right now and so her music is always playing!

Gossip Boutique
16 Main Street, Wickford • 294-7333

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