Last week, I had a chance to hang out with Amanda Doumato, owner of Flaunt, at the Arcade PVD location. (Their other store is in Smithfield and it's also definitely worth checking out. Shout out to Nick who works there and walked me thru that store - until I realized I was actually supposed to be in PVD to meet up with Amanda.) #MyBad #IAmNotUsuallySuchAFlake

Now, having worked in retail for almost two decades, I can be a little jaded and not so easily impressed when it comes to shopping. But I was pretty impressed with (and inspired by) so much of what Amanda & Co. are doing, including:

• their selection of stylish and well made (Take it from me, the two are not always synonymous.) jewelry, accessories, and gift-y items from RI based companies like Luca + Stella, Benrus (Their backpacks and duffles are perfect for the man in your life who still insists on carrying his stuff around in a plastic shopping bag from the grocery store.), and JAVA skin care for starters #LocalIsTheNewBlack
• the fact that "they" are one of only two retailers in the entire country who can boast that they carry Atelier Swarovski, an absolutely gorgeous to die for line of luxe crystal necklaces, earring and bracelets that will wow even the most difficult person to please (Seriously.)
• Amanda's commitment to doing good - evidenced by Flaunt carrying hip, philanthropic lines like LA based The Giving Keys  (Founded by actress/singer Caitlin Crosby, this company's mission is to help homeless people get a hand up by hiring them to refashion vintage keys into jewelry that is meant ideally to be bought and given away to someone else who is in need of inspiration. See photos above.) and also, via their Mission Of The Month (Every month, customers nominate a local person or family who needs some help. Amanda and Flaunt choose from those nominations, then dedicate 15% of their sales from a specific Saturday during that month to that person or family. See their site for more detailed info.)

Amanda and Team Flaunt also do a lot of charity work with one of my favorite organizations, PARL - Providence Animal Rescue League. In the past, they've run pet food drives and even held kitten adoption days at their stores. More recently, Amanda has partnered with Luca + Stella and PARL to create a great paw print bangle with proceeds benefiting the rescue...Uh, LOVE mine. (Thank you!!!) And when I posted this pic to my FB and Instagram:

so many dog owners messaged me to find out where they could get one...Quite simply, it's a stylish way to show your support for all the homeless and unwanted animals in the Ocean State. (PS - the RI charm bangle is also a fab-u-lous gift for the jewelry lover on your list who wants to show their Rhody pride.)

And speaking of paws, how could I forget about Stella, the boxer? I got to meet her too. She's adorable and a regular at the PVD store. 

To see more from Flaunt Boutique - They're also RI Monthly Best Of RI Winners for 2015 btw. - click here. To stalk them on Instagram, click here. Psssssst: They're always running contests and giveaways on IG. 

Ciao for Now,

Patty J

Photo Credits: All photos (except for the one featuring the paw print bangle) by Ashley Farney. To see more of her work, click here.