(Copied from Women's Edition, December 2010)

Sazzy’s
By Deborah Eakin Osborne

Donna O’ffill Follick, Owner

Sazzy’s, pronounced “Sassy’s,” originally opened in the Great Mall of the Great Plains. It was there for about a year before moving to Parkway Plaza in Leawood in October 2010. Sazzy’s owner, Donna O’ffill Follick, shares that the Sazzy’s concept is something she has wanted to do for approximately 25 years.

Donna explains that some lingerie manufacturers cater to ladies on the two coasts, but don’t recognize “the Midwest ladies who like to eat steak and a baked potato with everything on it, plus a salad with dressing and oh, by the way, dessert too!” 

The Sazzy’s shopping experience may very well be unlike any other you have ever had. Sizes are not separated here: smaller sizes are on clear hangers, and “curvy/voluptuous” sizes are on black hangers. “We all shop together here,” says Donna. Sazzy’s VIP pass is a discount given at the time of your first purchase, and applies each time you shop. Purchases are wrapped in tissue paper, and a lavender sachet is included with every purchase.

The “Sazzy’s woman” is described by Donna as “a woman with a distinguished sense of style and attitude.” She goes on to explain: “It’s all about getting the fun part of you back after kids or whatever.”

In addition to a shopping experience, Sazzy’s also offers a bridal registry and hosts events such as bridal showers, birthday parties, girl’s nights out, and even parties for the newly divorced. “We have fun here!” says Donna.

Sazzy’s is known for its large selection of corsets that are suitable for the boudoir and/or “out and about,” according to Donna. Custom-ordered corsets will launch during the holiday season and continue as a regular item. A signature perfume and candles created exclusively for Sazzy’s will also be available in time for the holiday season. 

The store currently carries Bridgewater soy-based candles, which Donna says are clean-burning, affordable, beautifully packaged, and come in a variety of interesting fragrances. Sazzy’s will continue to carry Bridgewater when its signature line of candles hits the store. Sazzy’s glycerin bar soap is available now in the store. 

Sazzy’s also carries other items besides lingerie, including a large selection of Leg Avenue stockings, which are described by Donna as “soft, durable, and affordable.” There are currently two lines of jewelry, as well as fun pillows, playful feathered boas, and long and short gloves.

When a woman walks into Sazzy’s, Donna guides her to flattering styles. Her goal is to “make ladies of all sizes look and feel as sexy and sassy and beautiful as they are.” Donna’s greatest reward, she shares, “is the satisfaction of watching a woman find herself. She was there all the time, but now she sees it. When you’ve helped her find that special outfit, that moment is very rewarding.” 

Donna attends trade shows all over the country and handpicks every item in the store. She also tests all of the products she carries. She says she chooses “classy, sexy, tasteful lingerie” that must appeal to her, or she will not carry it. 

The pair of dressing rooms at Sazzy’s, which were designed and hand-finished by Donna herself, are in her words “very romantic,” and were quite literally a labor of love. The inner area was designed to accommodate what Donna calls “the Wonder Woman spin,” while the outer area has a chandelier with a dimmer switch so you can actually see yourself in the light you’ll be in when you wear the outfit at home. The light reflects off the black ceiling and metallic faux finish (hand-created by Donna). The outer area of each dressing room has what Donna calls the “men’s torture chair.” So named she explains, “Because no matter how hot your lady looks, you are not allowed to get up out of that chair!” She shares that this playful attitude relaxes men and adds an element of fun to the shopping experience. 

Longtime friend, Mona, shares that her relationship with Donna first began in a professional setting and over time evolved into a friendship. The women have now been friends for “many, many years.” Mona says having her own store has been Donna’s dream for as long as she has known her. “Donna is extremely passionate about it… it’s her baby!” 

Mona believes that Sazzy’s new location, which she describes as “sexy- elegant,” allows Donna to express not only who she is but the vision she has had for the store from the very beginning. “She’s quite talented,” Mona says as she describes the work that Donna did herself when decorating the store. 

Client Sally first met Donna during the opening week of the original Sazzy’s location in the Great Mall. She is now one of Donna’s regular shoppers, and says she visits Sazzy’s at least once a week to see how Donna is doing and to see what’s new. When Sally purchased a corset, she says Donna worked with her to make sure it fit well and looked good on her. “Donna makes sure you look and feel pretty. In fact, you feel pretty just being in there. And her dressing rooms are not like any other dressing rooms.” 

Client Malyssa first visited Sazzy’s around Christmastime, just a couple of months after the grand opening of the original location. She remembers browsing around a bit, but says it wasn’t until after the New Year that she ventured back in and began making purchases there. 

Malyssa says she has found the lingerie items at Sazzy’s to be well-made and of a better quality than those she’s seen elsewhere. She points out that the lace isn’t scratchy or rough like it can be on similar items you might find at other stores. “It isn’t intimidating or uncomfortable to shop in Donna’s store,” she says. “She knows what will work well for her clients, and she gives good, honest advice.” 

Malyssa says that Donna wants her clients to look their best and feel good about themselves, which builds self-confidence and can even improve relationships. “There is something for everybody at Sazzy’s,” she says. 

Sazzy’s is located in Parkway Plaza on the north side of 135th Street between Nall and Roe Avenues in Leawood. The address is 4800 West 135th Street, Suite 230. The phone number is 913-991-8028. Store hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and major holidays. 

Visit Sazzy’s on the Web at www.sazzys.com. Join Sazzy’s page on Facebook (listed as Sazzy’s Lingerie) to receive notices about sales and other special events. You can also check out photos of the store, including pictures of those one-of-a-kind dressing rooms.