New York - June 29, 2009

Valley of the Dolls

Valley and Portia & Manny Open

You’re supposed to be revamping your career, tightening your belt, and spending time with the people who matter to you.

But while you’ve been trolling the web pantless from your loft bed, Nina and Julia Werman have been on the move.

The sisters reimagined their LES boutique (Valley) as a salon and relocated to Nolita, where they set up beauty shop in the old Hollywould space.

Their gang of pros came with them: Lavinia, the expert waxer; Emma, the graceful facialist; and Mika’s Japanese nail art mani/pedi stations. New for you: Minx, light therapy skin treatments, and product lines like Nature Girl Organics.

Pal Christina Kornilakis (of Sweet Tater fame) split the space for her new shop-in-a-shop, Portia & Manny, lining racks with vintage Dior, Betsey Johnson’s ’80s punk label, thrifty Greek tunics, shoes, and — soon enough — a one-size-fits-all-curves dress collection.

So you won’t have to think about downsizing.

Valley and Portia & Manny, 198 Elizabeth Street, between Prince and Spring Streets (212-274-8985 or valleynyc.com).