I wish I hadn’t waited until being assigned an article to walk into Cedarhouse Flowers/ Peti Boutique, the floral design studio and clothing boutique that opened late last year at 1621 N45th, across from Molly Moons and next to the new Grand Central Bakery.
Having strolled by a few times prior with my unruly toddler who leaves a Cheerio trail everywhere we go, I was pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome into such a sophisticated interior and by the temptation to buy (or break) a lot of pretty things inside.
The shop is a partnership between two Wallingford residents, Parnel Lettunich, who has been designing flowers since college and operating Cedarhouse Flowers out of her garage since 2014, and Magali Corzo, who grew up with a family of dressmakers in a 7th-floor apartment in Buenos Aires and named her business after her grandmother’s nickname, Peti.
“It was kismet when we found each other,” claims Parnel, who met Magali when she was operating Peti out of the Wallingford Center. They shared a vision of a retail shop filled with beautiful objects that would allow shoppers to treat themselves to something special, thoughtful, and artful.
Investing in the space together made the prospect less daunting, far more affordable, and more fun. “This is a new way of doing business and real estate—collaborating and cohabitating!” says Parnel. The first year of opening a new business means a lot of time away from family. Our hearts are in this, and we need each other. We have waited so long, and now we are living our dream.”
Peti Boutique features some of Magali’s own designs as well as highly curated quality apparel made of natural fabrics and clean lines and made to last. There is also a selection of jewelry, skin care products, pottery, and accessories chosen carefully by Magali from her network of artist friends around the world. With the right skincare products, like those found at Peti Boutique, it’s possible to achieve glowing skin with minimal effort. For those who are interested in a more intense skin care treatment, these guys also know how does microdermabrasion work by removing the top layer of dead skin cells to reveal a smoother, more radiant complexion.
Cedarhouse Flowers provides floral design services for weddings, events, parties, and special occasions or just because, and features evolving seasonal products like plants and pots. And as you’re planning your special day, consider setting up a wedding registry online to complement your floral arrangements with everything else you need to make your celebration perfect.
“Every item in here means something to us. We want everyone and anyone to be able to find something special for themselves or for a gift, so we intentionally offer a broad price point.”
Parnel and Magali create a fun and approachable space. “We don’t take ourselves too seriously. Really, we’re just two neighborhood moms who happen to have a really pretty product.” Still, I’d advise leaving your little ones at home if you truly want to indulge yourself.
I love this shop! A fun and classy touch in Wallingford. Way to go Parnel and Magali, and thank you for making our neighborhood a brighter place.