Mindy Juiliano twirled around, modeling a black and white dress that didn't make her feel like a mother of three.

She's quick to say her daughters are collectively the best thing that ever happened to her. But the self-proclaimed "plain Jane" loved the feminine lines that hugged her petite shape in Flair Fashions on Wednesday morning.

"There's nothing wrong with looking like a mom, but sometimes you don't want to," she said.

In addition to being a customer, Juiliano was also in town to prepare for her role in York City's first-ever Boutique Week, held Tuesday through Saturday to promote downtown shops.

Juiliano held a demonstration on Wednesday evening at Sweet Melissa's Dream and will serve as the makeup artist for the York City Boutique Week fashion show on Friday evening in Central Market. She is a consultant with Arbonne International, a vegan-certified cosmetics and health products company.

In addition to teaching women how to create a smoky-eye look, Juliano also planned to teach them the importance of knowing what's going on their skin.

"We always read food labels, but many of us don't know what's in our makeup," she said. "And everything that goes on our skin is absorbed into our bodies."

For everyone: Gearing up for the event, Juiliano spent much of Wednesday morning trying on clothes at Flair Fashions, 102 N. George St.

Owner Andrea Giuffrida said her shop has something for everyone, offering a range of sizes from 2 to 22.

In addition to dresses, pants and a variety of tops, the store also sells a number of accessories, including shoes, hats, handbags and jewelry.

At Flair Fashions and the city's other participating merchants, Boutique Week is off to a great start, said Hilary Arthur, chairwoman of the five-day event.

About 15 downtown merchants are participating in Boutique Week, with many of them hosting events each day, she said.

Arthur, who spent 14 years in New York City's fashion industry, will have a pop-up shop outside Park Street Pantry at 24 N. Beaver St., selling the couture items normally found on her website www.arthuranddaughters.com.

Also along Beaver Street, Kimman's is hosting a trunk show, featuring its Yala line.

Kimman's, a specialty gift shop at 57 N. Beaver St., renovated early this year to make room for the clothing merchandise, said owner Caroline Morris.

Yala is eco-friendly clothing made of renewable bamboo. Kimman's carries Yala skirts, shirts, baby blankets and more. Sizes range from 0 to 24.

"The material is so soft it feels like you're wearing pajamas," Morris said.

Another downtown shop participating in Boutique Week is The Art & Framing Warehouse at 147 W. Philadelphia St. Co-owner Gayle Shadrach said the shop is selling handmade Indian jewelry and scarves, in addition to frames and art.

Additionally, local florist Jo Banfill will be at the store to demonstrate how to wear the jewelry and use frames in new ways.

"Frames aren't just used for pictures. They can also be used as cosmetic trays and serving trays," Shadrach said.

For a full list of events, visit www.downtownyorkpa.org.

-- Candy Woodall can also be reached at cwoodall@yorkdispatch.com.