Suzanne and Rich Connelly started Habitat Clothes to Live In in 1999 when Suzanne was eight months pregnant and raising a three year old son.  They had been selling at trade shows on behalf of large brands for over 10 years, but they weren't seeing what their customers really needed.

As Suzanne's own body changed through pregnancy and beyond, Suzanne looked to create comfort through style for the woman she was- and the women she knew.

They started small, with a thoughtfully designed T-Shirt line of just eight styles.  At the next trade show, they presented the collection beside other brands without telling buyers it was their own collection.

Little by little, their basement started filling up with orders that would eventually take over their entire first floor and up.  Neighbors helped fulfill shipments from their dining room table. It was time for a warehouse.

Design inspiration stemmed from real-time customer feedback, that was woven right into each design and soon the small T-Shirt line grew into complete collections from sweaters to jeans and dresses. With customers always at the forefront, the company thrived. Recognizing that women seek to stay stylish and current in their own unique way, Suzanne and Rich identified a demand for a more casual, laid-back clothing line—leading to the creation of Escape by Habitat. In contrast, Olivia by Habitat Clothes emerged to offer a more refined, fashion-forward collection. Now, with three distinct clothing lines, Suzanne and Rich believe they have curated a range that caters to every fashion need.

Thanks to this ever-growing community, Habitat Clothes to Live In, Escape by Habitat and Olivia by Habitat now sell to 1200 specialty stores across the country and online.

Truly homegrown, boutique style.