by Dianne Isbell

The saying never ages. It’s a classic. And so are HATS by DI-Anne. Dianne Isbell, nationally award-winning milliner, has something new on her bonnet. In fact, it’s not for your head at all. Think lower. Think neckwear. Think DI’s Ties. Think a new fashion accessory collection. They will brighten up your spring and summer looks. DI’s Ties are a collection of one-of-a-kind Ladies Tie Necklaces. “Dianne is quick to tell you that they are the latest craze in fashion!”

Jackie Wolverton and Dianne Isbell wearing DI-Ties.

DI’s-Ties are the perfect accessory for the fashion-conscious woman of any age who likes "taking it up a notch" for any occasion, whether it is casual or dressy, fun or serious.

Always the sentimental, caring person, Dianne has taken this new collection one step further: Custom "Love Ties”. You provide her with that sentimental tie belonging to that special person in your life, along with some special meaning pieces of jewelry and she will create a “Love Tie” necklace for you or a member of your family or a special friend.

No, Dianne is not ending her awesome career as a hat designer and milliner. Having delighted hundreds of customers including Lady Gaga, Betsey Johnson and Diane von Furstenberg to name a few, her Number 1 passion will continue will in this area.

To contact Dianne: Call or text Dianne at 618-978-2150 or email her at hatsbydianne@gmail.com

Now, "to present" her ties to the fashion world, Dianne called longtime friend, April Feldewerth, owner of April’s On Main, in Saint Charles. After a brief conversation and a few photos -- “voila” —— a perfect connection and a collaboration resulted. April has periodically hosted DI-Anne and her hat designs at her shop through the years and because of their mutual interest in all things: unique and eye-catching, Dianne’s hats were a perfect complement. Now, her latest DI's Ties creations have expanded to another area of fashion that will be fabulous alone or paired with one of her many hat creations. How could April not want to help introduce them in her store!!!!

As a matter of fact, April quickly a group of girlfriends into the shop to “experience” this newest fashion statement. What a hit!

As Dianne tells all of her friends, if you haven’t been to April’s on Main, you are missing out on a wonderful shopping experience. April has a naturally fabulous and creative talent herself. It all began when she was just six years old and her mother began taking her to work at her uncle's gift shop in St. Charles. Working there for over 25 years, April escalated to the top and was the manager/buyer before spreading her wings and opening up her first store in June 2014, located at 222 North Main Street, Saint Charles, MO, 63301, 636-395-7605.

April’s On Main came to life inside this 5000 square foot building with an extremely tall ceiling, a challenge all in itself. One day she was scrambling to fill the space, next she was trying to create more space to keep up with all of her customers' needs. Custom florals (including wedding work), artwork, decorative accessories, lamps and more. Of course she still had room to add fun gifts, greeting cards, children's toys and candy, clothing and jewelry. So many incredible things she could buy and she wanted it all. April's on Main embodied the complete package - something for everybody. But to truly top off the selection, she needed upholstered furniture, rugs and in-home consultations.

So, two short years later she opened Designs by Avé right next door, filled with furniture, rugs, lamps and eventually a women's boutique clothing and purse selection. Between her two stores she has managed to exceed her original expectations. April has never shied away from trying new and exciting treasures for her stores, always challenging the norms and soliciting the needs and interests of her customers.

Fast forward 12 years and you'll see that her selection of products has continued to change and expand. Two wonderful upholstered furniture lines, Justice Furniture and Taylor King are complemented with lines such as Uttermost, Accent Decor and Kas Rugs. Queen of Sparkles clothing, Swan Creek Candles, Inis, Sweet Grace, nora fleming, DIY Paint and Blue Q are among some of the familiar offerings as well as the newly re-incarnated Porch Goose with changeable clothing. Designer purse line Hobo Bags just hit the shelves and will be a fine addition to the boutique.

Jeanne Strickland and granddaughter Sophie

April has an innate desire to help everyone find what they want. Her staff has to run to keep up with her, and are always roaming the floor trying to introduce new items to the regulars and the out-of-town shoppers visiting Main Street. She even has a licensed Interior Decorator who has her office inside Designs by Avé and sets up appointments for customers with more specialized needs in their homes or offices.

Of course, April also does countless house calls for those customers who just need a new perspective to help them achieve their vision. Her staff stays busy as well with endless seasonal decorating in customers' homes, many of whom have been on her calendars repeatedly for more than 10 years.

Since her store opening, April (purely coincidental) has been active on the St. Charles Tourism Committee. Along with our local shoppers, visitors from all over the country and outside the States are always engaged in conversation because April has such compassion and knowledge of this town. Nothing is more endearing than to hear customers say that this is their favorite store and they always feel welcome and appreciated here.

April Felderweld, her mom, and associate Lisa.

Six times per year she hosts a customer appreciation event called "Ladies Night" which includes all day discounts and a lovely party from 5-8 pm with food, cocktails, prizes, giveaways, games and demonstrations. Sign up on her email list and follow her on FB and Instagram for more details and happenings in house and on the street. www.Aprilsonmain.com. Come stop and shop anytime at April's on Main and Designs by Ave but be sure to come for the next "Ladies Night" on Wednesday, April 29th, 2026. Dianne will be there with her latest ties, hats and fascinators!

Award-Winning Hat Maker Dianne Isbell Launches "Di's Ties"