Generations of Style

HARTLY ISN’T JUST a store—it’s a legacy. Passed down through four generations, this beloved Westwood boutique has quietly built a reputation for timeless fashion, impeccable service, and staying power. And under the leadership of Tenafly resident Sloane Levine, that legacy feels more vibrant than ever. Though the store is in Westwood, the Levine family has called Tenafly home for the past 14 years.

All three of Levine’s children went through the public schools—from Maugham to Tenafly Middle School to Tenafly High School—and the family’s life has revolved around school events, local sports, and a close-knit community.

“Tenafly has a very real sense of connection,” Levine says. “People support each other here. And that means a lot.” That support extends to Hartly, too. The store has become a go-to for women in Tenafly—whether they’re dressing for a gala, a family celebration, a vacation, or simply looking for an outfit that makes them feel amazing.

Hartly first opened its doors in the Bronx in the early 1900s, relocated to Bergen County in the 1950s, and seven decades later, it remains one of the most stylish and trusted destinations in the tri-state area.

“Very few businesses can say they’re part of the fourth-generation club,” Levine reflects. “That’s not something I take lightly. My family has worked incredibly hard to grow this store and keep it fresh and exciting.”

TAKING THE REINS

Levine officially joined Hartly in the late ’90s, taking the reins from her Aunt Susan, and bringing with her a sharp eye for fashion, an intuitive sense of what women want to wear, and a talent for balancing elegance with approachability. Since then, she’s expanded the boutique twice.

Today, it boasts over 6,000 square feet of space and offers everything from red carpet-worthy gowns to chic denim, beachwear, elevated everyday pieces, and a full-service alterations department to ensure every item fits just right.

People often refer to Hartly as a mini department store tucked into Bergen County, but what truly sets the store apart is the experience. Walk in on any day and you’ll find a team of stylists—many of whom have been with Hartly for over a decade—greeting customers by name, remembering their style, and helping them purchase items that feel both personal and polished. They don’t just sell clothes; they help build wardrobes. Many people hire stylists to help them shop but Hartly’s sales associates incorporate styling as part of their job. It’s not uncommon to see people come in to shop for a vacation or a whole season!

Levine is constantly attending market appointments, fashion shows, and industry events to discover what’s next. She has a knack for finding emerging designers before they become household names and introducing them to her clients with confidence. Her goal is to offer fashion that’s current but also lasting—pieces you’ll love five years from now as much as the day you bought them.

“My favorite thing is when someone says, ‘I still wear this dress I bought from you ten years ago,’” she says.

CREATING A LEGACY

When asked what makes her proudest, Levine doesn’t point to sales figures. Instead, she talks about the customers who keep coming back—year after year, generation after generation. The ones who trust Hartly with the most important moments in their lives, and the mothers who bring their daughters. Levine can recall many times where she has had three generations of women in the store shopping together—each one walking out with something she loves. Very few people come in just once. Her client base is loyal and has carried on through the generations.

Hartly has also embraced the digital era in a major way. Its newly updated website and real-time social media keep customers connected to what’s in store. A single Instagram post—showing off a fresh arrival or a behind-the-scenes buying trip—is often enough to spark calls, messages, and same-day visits.

COMMUNITY IN TENAFLY

Running a business of this scale while raising three kids hasn’t been easy, but Levine makes it possible. She credits her husband Mitch for being by her side at both work and home. Her older children have even worked in the store, and her youngest is already eager to follow in her footsteps. “It’s important to me that they understand what I’ve built and why I care about it,” she says. “I want them to see the value of responsibility and hard work.”

When she’s off the sales floor, Levine’s loyalty to her local favorites runs deep. You might spot her dining at 130 Club, working out at Underground Training or CoolHot Yoga, getting her nails done at Beauty Bar, or popping into Allure or Trendy Salon for a quick trim or blow-dry.

There’s something deeply personal about what Levine has built. Every garment that leaves Hartly carries her label, stitched right into the piece. It’s not just branding—it’s her signature. The logo features a bright pink heart, and to me—and so many others—it feels like a little badge of confidence. A quiet reminder that you’re wearing something curated by someone who genuinely cares how you feel in it. It’s not uncommon to be dining in Tenafly and spot a jacket tossed over the back of a chair with that little pink heart peeking out from the collar.

Fashion evolves but Hartly remains exactly what it’s always been: customer-focused, deeply rooted in style, and always worth a visit.

BY GABRIELLE MARCUS