The Brass Owl boutique, purveyor of stylish shoes, accessories, and gifts, is one of the newest additions to the Astoria, Queens, community. Located on the rapidly evolving Ditmars Blvd., the shop offers an eclectic curation of name brand shoes, local NYC designers, and perfect gifts, some of which are not available anywhere else in the five boroughs, while it serves as a much needed dose of retail therapy locally to Astorians of every stripe. Owner Nicole Panettieri has spent her career so far as a buyer for department stores, including eight years as part of the Macy's South team and one year with K&G Fashion Superstore in Atlanta, and, most recently, four years at Ross Dress For Less here in New York. She has considerable experience in the accessory world, with a history buying ladies shoes, trend jewelry, handbags, and hosiery.