Who is Francie?

Francy Pinkowski was born in Niagara Falls, NY, on April 27th, 1918. And, she's my maternal Grandmother. Today, at 91 years old, she goes by Frances Gibbs, though she's had many aliases over the years (not because she has been running from the law!): Pinky, Nana, Grandma. It was from her that I "inherited" my love for fashion, as well as an appreciation for a really great deal.

She's been an inspiration in so many ways to everyone she meets. Her life's been a non-stop adventure. She has always worked: from inspecting airplanes at Bell Aircraft during WWII, to a manager at Kimberly-Clark, to a hairdresser, to a restauranteur (my cousin still runs the tavern she and my Grandpa opened up in Sanborn, NY, The Walmore Inn). She's never been one to sit still. She traveled to Hawaii in 1960 right after it became a state, driving through the night by herself to South Carolina in 1942 to surprise my Grandpa who was stationed there, a journey to her ancestors' homeland (Poland) in the 1970's, countless trips to Florida and Las Vegas with friends, and she's been sure to visit me wherever I've landed.

She is the life of the party, even today. She has a vast library of jokes (rated from G to R!) stored in her "computer" - she can hold a room's attention for hours with her jokes and stories. She loves a good Manhattan or Martini and I can think of many nights when I was in my 20's and she was in her 70's where I was ready for bed but she could have stayed out dancing until the sun came up.

She has crocheted her entire life, and does a crossword puzzle every morning (if not two!). She cooks the most mouth-watering comfort food this side of the mighty Niagara. She reads books rather than watch daytime TV. She knows more about current events and news than most people half her age.

Francie's Boutique is my attempt to recreate the service and fashion of the dress shops of the mid-1900's. And, to honor my Grandma.

- Leslie