Located at 16 E. Main St., Moda Caliente was opened by owners Liliana Locatelli and Barbara Taormina just a month ago; in fact, they actually located the space for Capelli at 14 E. Main St. Yet in that short span of time, both businesses have already generated repeat customers. Perhaps the shared doorway between the salon and shop facilitates extra commerce. Instead of merely reading a magazine while undergoing treatments, clients can simply walk a few steps and select items to try on when they're newly beautiful.

Both Locatelli and Taormina are longtime Los Gatos/Monte Sereno residents, although originally from Argentina. "I worked 10 years in high tech, for companies such as Cisco Systems and Juniper Networks. After I was laid off, I began selling clothing out of my home for two friends in Argentina who have manufactured their own lines for over 20 years each, and soon outgrew my space," Locatelli says. "We say ours is a real family business because all of the men in the family did our build-out here—my son, my husband and my son-in-law. Plus this year I was able to bring my 11-year-old granddaughter on my buying trip to Argentina, which was very special for us."

Their 1,600-square-foot shop features a private office, three dressing rooms, two bathrooms and a large storage space.

The two are the exclusive West Coast representatives for the two Argentinean lines. In addition, they offer European and local lines as well, such as Lori Cali jeans, P. Rylee handmade scarves, and handmade jewelry.

"Our clothing is high fashion with a different sexiness and spiciness. Customers tell us they're glad to see this quality of clothing at such reasonable prices here in Los Gatos," Locatelli says. "We're looking into additional fashion shows of both our existing and new designers. Next year we'll both travel to Italy along with our two Argentinean designers so I can instruct them on what I want to offer, and what I feel will fit my customer base here."

Locally, the two have begun working through the Town of Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce to develop their business and presence in the community, as well as that of neighboring businesses. For example, at a recent meeting they connected with people from Preston Wynne Spa and the Hotel Los Gatos, resulting in both Moda Caliente and Capelli participating in their Oct. 24 Girls' Night event. Locatelli and Taormina put together 110 Moda Caliente gift certificates for the attendees, and Smith and Hatfield included a product sample and coupon.

Many found the gift bags to be one of the best parts of that event. Numerous groups of friends also enjoyed the fabulous mashed-potato-bar idea (courtesy of Kuleto's) made famous by celebrity Oprah Winfrey at her annual friends' get-together. (Just a hint to Preston Wynne—next time make sure you have enough staff to actually perform all of the services advertised, especially with the price increase from the last time. Too many ladies I heard from only received one of the four.)

Additionally, they're working with the Chamber and the town to promote and include their location in the public events occurring over the holidays. The plan is to extend the festive Christmas lights down Main Street, and they hope to offer a block vendor discount.

Moda Caliente is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed on Monday. The store can be reached at 408.354.2227.

Capelli Salon at 16 E. Main St. is open Tuesday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is closed on Sunday and Monday. Contact the salon at 408.354.8920.

Those who haven't become Chamber members are reminded that in addition to business development and networking opportunities, there are numerous member-to-member discounts.

For those who've wondered where Bloomers Florist, formerly of Vasona Station, moved to, owner Jean Paz reports they successfully transplanted to nearby Campbell. Now located at 3493 S. Bascom Ave. (between Woodard Road and Shelley Avenue), the store can be reached at its new telephone number, 408.369.4888.

"We moved out of Los Gatos and into Campbell the weekend of May 17, and didn't miss a day of deliveries," Paz says. "While the new location is smaller—we went from 2,400-square feet to 1,800-square feet—we still have all of the gifts and extras, including two new card lines—and in fact, we're better organized. We're still open seven days a week, with the same great crew." The store can also be reached on the web at http://www.abloomerflower.com.

Do you have or know about a cool new Los Gatos business, a hot news tip or a business anniversary or special event to announce? We'd love to hear about it. Contact Michelle C. Crowe at 408.378.9056 or a1writers@hotmail.com.