Westfield Announcements

by Millicent K. Brody

writer - photographer

I’m all about clothing,” said Westfield resident Regina St. Lifer,  who with her husband James owns Sadie, “a proper lady’s shop” on Prospect Street in Westfield.  

Describing herself as an “old soul” with a huge heart, the St. Lifers’ grew up in the garment center of Manhattan. Raised among the racks of the retail trade, Regina loves to tell stories of her mother Ruth who would literally drag her to Union Square to “Shop”!  

“We’d visit the famous “Back Rooms” of S. Klein’s on the Square, Ohrbachs on 34th Street, and Mays on Broadway and 14th Street. Standing 5 ft. 9 1n., in her stocking feet, my mom would try on a variety of garments, then one-by-one, take them off, and drop them anywhere. My job was to retrieve each outfit, and carefully replace it on the correct hanger.  

Honing her merchandizing skills at ‘Little Impostors’ a children’s clothing store in Maplewood, she then moved to Livingston and opened ‘Basically Kids’. Shoppers would head there for her specially designed tie-die batik children’s clothing.   

“I’ve been a stylist, buyer, wholesaler, and retailer,” she continued. “I’ve always thought about opening a special place for women,” she says. “I’ve kept my eye on a certain small shop on Prospect Street. As soon as it became available, I moved right in. We named our shop Sadie after James’ great aunt who never had a bad word to say about anyone. Owning Sadie allows me the freedom to practice what I love--dressing women of all different sizes and shapes. My goal is to help women feel beautiful about themselves.”  Regina believes women should not dress like their daughters. They should dress appropriately for their age, and leave something to the imagination.   

Embracing ‘old world style and service is what Sadie is all about.  Think Sophia Loren, Marilyn Monroe, and the popular actress, Eva Mendes. ““You’ll find that my clothing fits tremendously well. I feature what I believe will make women look and feel their best. Selections are edited with a great deal of thought.”   “When women open their closet door in search of what to wear, I want them to feel secure in knowing that every garment hanging in that space, can go anywhere. Before I purchase any clothing for Sadie, I take time to try-on each garment. If it passes over my curves, and allows for movement, I am pleased. If my customers choose their wardrobes with care, they too will be equally pleased.”  

“Wear your clothes,” she adds. “Don’t wait for that special occasion. Make a special occasion out of each and every day. Remember, people look at you differently when you present yourself in a special way,” she quips. “Embrace your age with wisdom, knowledge, and security. Know who you are! Whether you’re a size 2 or size 14, know and believe that you are beautiful.”  

“I want all of my customers to feel good about shopping at Sadie.  “Believe it or not, we’re all little girls. We like hearing we look beautiful, for we are all beautiful. I want women to feel good about themselves.”

What: Sadie

Where:107 Prospect Street, Westfield

Call: 908.654-3800

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tues. to Sunday; Thursday to 7 p.m.;12 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Monday by appointment