As our Week 6 Shopping Spot in our 6 Weeks of Sparkle Series we chose Brazen Betties of Torrington, the amazing arts, crafts and fashion boutique. Support some wonderful local artists and designers and get some great gifts while you are at it. Brazen Betties is open daily up until Christmas. Visit www.brazenbetties.com for more information.

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Photo: The three top contestants from the recent Bettie Page Look-Alike Contest are seen with the owner of Brazen Betties Julia Sloan (right) at the Torrington event. (From left: Carlena McCord, Angela Colucci, Jennifer McKeeman, and Julia Sloan). Top Photo by Elizabeth Zusev.

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One of the most universal images that evokes warm holiday feelings in the human heart is the scene of a young Jimmy Stewart running through a snowy downtown shouting "Merry Christmas" to everyone in "It's a Wonderful Life". In CT we have our own little downtown that resembles Jimmy's, it's called Torrington. There is a revival of downtown businesses taking place there that is being championed by a brave young lady named Julia Sloan and nurtured by the Torrington Downtown Partners organization. They held a joint event there at the Torrington Armory this past weekend called a Vintage Expo that featured a Bettie Page Look-alike Contest, Fashion  Show and PG-rated chorus line.

Those who don't understand the allure of vintage fashion and lifestyles are critical of such events, perhaps because they have forgotten or fail to see the value of times past when the world was a simpler place. Sure the past wasn't perfect, hopefully we've learned from the mistakes that were made and improved on things a bit - but still, dressing up like your parents or grandparents and getting a feel for what the world looked and sounded like from the 1930's through '50's really isn't going to bring about the ruin of modern civilization. People pay good money and consider it "educational" to bring their families to living history museums and battle reenactments. Consider having a troupe of '50's coiffed females in heels gathering on your main street to be a free preview of what will surely be the admission-charging living history museums of the future. If you can't look at it as educational then try to look at it as entertainment - and, if you can't do that - then try to be glad it's not YOU in those heels and go about your business.

We met several attendees at the event who came from geography far "East of the River" and spent money in Torrington while there for the Vintage Expo. Restaurants, bakeries, gas stations and more benefited from this event as well as the vintage vendors. A larger event or longer would definitely lead to stays at the Yankee Pedlar Inn and even more local meals purchased. No, the crew behind this event don't look like your typical Chamber of Commerce members but, be prepared, these ARE the young men and women who have the guts and smarts to even try to bring business back to the many forgotten downtowns across CT and for this they should be supported and applauded.

Yes, we are a bit biased. Keep your paws off our Bettie!

Center and bottom photos courtesy of Aaron Lewis, Lounge SevenZeroEight Photography

Editors Note: Honorable Mention to Nicole Dileo - she had our vote!

By Kate LaFrance

As the Publisher of Hartford Woman Online Kate is passionate about bridging the gap between the work-from-home and the office dwelling career woman in the Greater Hartford Area. She is open to new ideas and new friends from all of the towns and neighborhoods throughout CT.

Kate has 20 years of newspaper industry experience behind her doing everything but run the press! She's sold ads, designed ads, created ads, written editorial, taken photos, run departments, run managers and more. In the past 10 years, Kate has concentrated on becoming a marketing maven, Virtual Assistant business owner, internet marketing strategist and, now, online publisher.

If you'd like to get Kate and Hartford Woman Online behind your CT cause or business, send her an email and let her know - she will consider all offers that help women.

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