My Sister’s Closet turns 40

SUGAR LOAF — She must be doing something right.

On Sept. 24, a representative of Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt, Town of Chester Supervisor Steve Neuhaus and members of the Sugar Loaf and Warwick Valley Chambers of Commerce joined owner Beth Duke and her husband, Don, for a celebration and ribbon cutting.

Duke was celebrating the fact that her shop, My Sister’s Closet, has been doing business in Sugar Loaf for 40 years.

Borrowing her sisters' clothes
When she opened My Sister’s Closet in 1973, Beth DuCharme thought of it as more of a “labor of love” than a career. It would be a fun way to earn some income while pursuing a master’s degree in clinical psychology from SUNY New Paltz.

She named the boutique for her lifelong habit of borrowing clothes from her two sisters. She stocked it with her own handmade items and the creations of local seamstresses and quilters.

Forty years later, My Sister’s Closet is one of the longest-running businesses in the hamlet. It placed second in the “Best Women’s Clothing” category in the 2013 Times Herald-Record Reader’s Choice poll.

At 1385 Kings Highway, just across the street from its original location, the shop has grown to feature apparel, jewelry and accessories from across the country and around the world.

In 1978 DuCharme became Beth Duke after marrying carpenter Don Duke. The couple raised four children while living above the shop.

'A retreat'
And, until only recently, she also maintained a career as a psychologist.

“During the hectic years of raising a family and working another job,” said Duke, “I found My Sister’s Closet to be kind of a retreat for me. I loved being surrounded by beautiful fabrics, colors and textures and wonderful, appreciative customers who have become friends.”

Many of the first fans of My Sister’s Closet now have their own children and grandchildren and have brought them into the shop. In recent years, it’s become a popular place to find prom dresses and wedding wear.

Duke mentioned one particular incident that reflects her customers’ loyalty.

“One Christmas Eve,” she recalled, “a harried husband rushed in, looking for a last-minute gift. He quoted his wife: ‘Get me anything, as long as it’s from My Sister’s Closet!”

Essential information
Store hours are Tuesday to Sunday from11 a.m. to -5:30 p.m.

My Sister’s Closet will also be a participant in Sugar Loaf’s upcoming Fall Festival on Columbus Day Weekend.

For additional information call 469-9681 or visit: www.mysistersclosetsugarloaf.com