| Raves & best wishes... |
Dear Rosemary,
I'm in shock! Toast and Strawberries seemed like a permanent Dupont Circle institution to me. Although I am sure that you will be pursuing other exciting and stimulating projects in the future, I will join the chorus of voices to lament the closing of this legendary establishment you created.
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Congratulations on your tremendous success in the fashion business, the arts, literature, history, and the community. Toast and Strawberries is so much more than a boutique. It is a cultural center, and a source of pride for all women or the world, particularly women of color. Your promotion of original ethnic designs and knowledge regarding the role of the history of African American fashion designers served people of all races, nationalities, and backgrounds.
I'll continue to be in touch… Best wishes for your future,
Connie Pereau,
(9/14/05)
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Rosemary...what will the world do without Toast and
Strawberries? I'm so sorry to hear about the closing. It's been
a wonderful Washington Institution, and I hope somehow, it will
continue. Best wishes to you!
Joan Christopher
(9/18/05)
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Sorry to hear about the store. It was a well loved institution in Washington that will be missed… my mom had a great fondness for Toast and Strawberries, and I am just remembering right now a dress that I wore and loved for many years from your store…
Good luck with the book.
Jennifer
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Congratulations for over 30 years of fashion and entrepreneurial leadership in Washington , DC . Toast and Strawberries' departure from the Connecticut Avenue corridor leaves an indelible fashion footprint, one which will be long remembered and respected by your clientele and others in the fashion industry.
Best wishes, Sistah Joy Alford
(9/22/05)
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My goodness! 30 years! Congratulations on everything you've done with your store and the community. I hope the closing goes smoothly.
All the best,Love,
Tanya (10/5/05) |
It seems as thought I am loosing a friend so I know how you feel. I love you and if I can help PLEASE contact me. Love, Priscilla S Banks (9/21/05)
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Dear Rosemary Reed,
Sorry to hear that Toast and Strawberries is going out of business. Hope that you can maintain some of the business through the web site location. Tried to access the website referenced below and unable to access.
Would you please let me know what the website address is and whether it is yet up and running if the one below is correct.
I wish you the best and thank you for maintaining your business for so many years here in Washington DC. AS a new comer to the city, I found your shop very interesting and over the few years I have been here found some lovely gifts and presents there.
Best Regards,
Bernice K. McIntyre
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I have told several folks about your closing and the sale items. I have also forwarded your email regarding the closing. I think I told you I would be in Baltimore foe a conference last week and unable to come to the closing sale.
You have done an outstanding job being a renowned African-American boutique owner and civic minded individual. I take my hat off to you.
Joyce Fitzgerald
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My goodness! 30 years! Congratulations on everything you've done with your store and the community. I hope the closing goes smoothly.
All the best,
Love,
Tanya & Paul
(10/5/05)
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Sara Penn wrote:
This is shock and awe for me. I hope you are cool with your decision. We are part of another era before gap-walmart-k-mart-banana republic and trustfund babies of wealthy artists and movie stars--all followed our lead.
[ Sara Penn had the wonderful store called Knobkerry [which means walking stick in Zula..the tribal group in South Africa ] the store was located in East Village. Knobkerry had fabulour designs, and an international clientel. ]
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I hope you aren't too exhausted
after the closing. I'm sure it was an emotional time too. In 1970
I bought a snugli at your old store, used on all my kids. Hope to
hear from you soon. Susan Learmonth
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Rosemary, so sorry to hear you're going out of
business. I hope it's a decision that makes you happy.
Hope to be in D.C.next year. Take care.
Brenda Perry
(10/17/05)
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hi rosemary. really sorry that i could not get into dc to see you before you closed toast & strawberries. the closing of the store closes out wonderful memories of stopping by for always wonderful clothing and pleasant conversation. even though i have not been in a while, i will miss you being there in that spot. i still have quite a few of the wonderful clothes that i purchased from you over the years and when i wear one of those pieces i think of you and your unique selection of clothing, Sunday brunches and social mixers. saying good bye to you and that wonderful store is like recognizing that we are all aging and changing, for the better i hope. be well and enjoy what ever it is that you choose to do next.
Betty Lewis
(10/19/05)
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Rosemary, It must be so hard giving up the store, but there is life after toast and strawberries, indeed a delicious helping of veg or non veg entrees. Then there is the dessert.
Sandy Bacote
(9/12/05)
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Dear Rosemary,
I'm so very sorry to hear that you're closing. Are you moving to another location or coming to the end of an era?
I'll definitely call you.
Vanessa Dixon
(9/22/05) |
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Congratulations on a job well done. You have left a mark on the city and I am proud of you even though I have not been to the shop lately.
Take care.
Joan Wilbon
(10/7/05)
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I am so proud of you for having paved the way for other minority merchants to have businesses on previously exclusive locations such as Connecticut Avenue. You have reached out to the community by having such events at your boutique, You have also reached across racial and religious lines.
Toast & Strawberries will never be forgotten. I know you are already planning to venture into new areas and to expand upon some the areas y for which you have been involved. Your parents, your children and relatives have and are proud of your achievements.So am I.
Joyce Fitzgerald
(10/23/05)
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Sorry to hear about your store. You were a landmark according to friends of mine in the DC area.
Love, Virginia Evans Smit
(10/25/05)
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Elsie Spruill resides in Los Angeles, Ca. She’s a playwright and author of a book for children of domestic violence titled DEAR GOD. During Elsie’s visits to DC she always enjoyed shopping at TOAST and STRAWBERRIES. The one of a kind type of clothing and the unique ambiance of the store was one that greeted each customer with professionalism and sincere care and concern that one did not leave TOAST and STRAWBERRIES disappointed. Rosemary Reed made herself available to each customer individually. And, her so very fashion savvy consciousness enhanced the uniqueness of the store and made it a delight to shop at her store. I will miss the fashion shows and the promotional avenue that TOAST and STRAWBERRIES offered. Elsie Spruill (10/29/05)
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You always have the energy to help make life better for others trying to make it in the business world, improving your community and helping to empower children and adults to conquer their personal issues as well. You have been a tremendous positive influence to the entire Washington DC community. Yet, you have enough of "it" left to make a life for yourself and a joy for those who have visited Toast & Strawberries. You will be missed but I am looking forward to your future success in all your new ventures, including Toast Online.
Joseph Perry (10/29/05)
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