Jewelry is one item that always sells well at Bella Caley. With Black Friday underway, the boutique, which opened in June, will experience its first holiday season. The bijoux and baubles will be finding new homes, and owner Cindy Meals is ready to send them off in gift-wrapped boxes.

"In this economy you may not buy anything else, but you may buy jewelry," Meals said.

While it's hard for shoppers to ignore the sparkling jewelry on display, the boutique's distinctive clothing has been its biggest seller, she said.

"It's what people love about the store," Meals said.

During the Hometown Holidays promotion in Downtown Naperville from Friday through Sunday, the boutique will offer refreshments along with sales promotions. For those truly devoted men who may be out shopping with their significant others, a seating area with a flat-screen TV awaits.

The boutique on Jefferson Avenue offers a variety of items, from funky Anne Taintor magnets and greeting cards to home décor and costume jewelry to cocktail dresses and sweaters.

"We keep price points low, yet we still have the trendy clothing," Meals said. "We are trying to keep it affordable, but stylish."

The boutique has a warm, retro feel, with jewelry displayed on tables, rather than locked away in glass cases. Clothing is found in different locations throughout the store and interspersed are handbags, blouses, home décor items, candles and jewelry.

"We have received a lot of positive feedback and have repeat customers," Meals said. "People send their friends. Many said they felt like there was a need for this."

Meals tries to keep the clothing fresh. Unlike a chain or department store, she can offer different labels and designers based on what she likes and what she thinks customers will want. She isn't stuck offering only a few clothing lines. 

To find the unique pieces, Meals attends apparel shows, but also pursues a clothing line based on reputation or items she's seen in magazines, she said.

"We are able to mix it up," she said. "We just try to find items that not everyone else is selling."

One recent item available at the store that was in high demand was the jacket that Kristen Stewart's character Bella wore in Twilight. The jacket was selling for under $60.

Businesses like Meals' may also benefit this year from a promotion encouraging shoppers to buy at small businesses. Small Business Saturday is a promotion from American Express OPEN.

According to American Express OPEN, Nov. 27 is the first ever Small Business Saturday, when shoppers are being asked to support the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country.

Some of the reasons to support local business: For every $100 spent, $68 is returned to the community; small businesses employ half of all private sector employees; and small businesses represent 99.7 percent of all employer firms, American Express OPEN states on its website.

Meals is doing what she can to encourage shoppers at her store. She has created a brochure for women to give to their spouse or boyfriend. Bella Caley also has a gift registry to help men know what to get the women in their lives. On Dec. 2 and Dec. 9 the store will host a special shopping event just for men.

To learn more about Bella Caley, its products and events, visit the store's website.