Understatement Opens Friday in Chestnut Hill

Debbie Flynn opened her consignment shop Statement on Germantown Avenue in February.

To her, it was a passion project.

“I woke up one morning and knew exactly what I was going to do,” Flynn said.  “I love clothes.  That was always my passion.”

So, Flynn did what any person does when want to open a new business—she raided her closet.

“I had a lot of clothes that you can’t really wear more than once,” Flynn said.  “They’re the kind of clothes that make a statement, and you can’t make the same statement over and over again.”

Flynn added, “So, I thought, ‘Why don’t I let other people use these clothes to make their own statements?’”

Now, Flynn is ready to move to the next phase of her business.  She’s opened up a section of her store to clothes she describes as more youthful and fun.

“I’m calling it ‘Understatement,’” Flynn said.  “It’s going to be in the basement of my current store so it’s literally under Statement.”

Wordplay aside, Flynn says the name also fits the kinds of clothes the new section will offer.

“We have kids come in here sometimes, and they look at the clothes we have upstairs,” Flynn said.  “What are they going to do with a silk jacket?”

“Downstairs will offer more fun, casual stuff,” Flynn said.

When Understatement opens it will feature t-shirts, jeans, hoodies and a wide array of accessories.

“We have athletic wear and sundresses.  Stuff you want to hang out in,” Flynn said.

To celebrate the opening of Understatement, Flynn will be hosting a champagne reception at her store from 4-7 p.m. on Friday.

“Everybody’s invited,” Flynn said.  “I just want to give all these gorgeous things another life.”

Statement and Understatement are located at 7942 Germantown Ave.