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Boutiques offer highfashion on Elmwood
By Marylou Badawy
On August 17, 2012
Elmwood boutique owners strive to attract shoppers looking for exclusive and
trendy styles.
Sebastiana Piras, owner of Atelier at 820 Elmwood Ave., said she gets all her items
imported from Italy.
Her store carries lots of accessories, as well as a wide selection of female apparel.
Many of her items are one-of-a-kind. She also designs and sells her own collection,
which she hand makes in the backroom of her shop.
Atelier is one of many boutiques a short distance from campus offering unique
trends.
"I have been making clothes ever since I was a little girl, my mother taught me at a
young age," Piras said.
One of her latest summer designs was a bright orange tube top dress.
"It is simple, yet eye catching," Piras said. "Orange is really in right now."
The material of the dress is soft and light. The fabric is stretchy, which allows for a
comfortable fit. Piras said quality is very important, so all of her items are made of
fine materials, many which are pure silk.
She also has a wide variety of handbags. The bags are made out of materials
including leather, polyester, satin, and man-made fabrics.
One of her latest bags is a robin egg blue color that is medium-sized with gold
hardware. It has short handles meant to be carried in your hand, on your wrist, or
forearm. It was on display matched up with a purple and blue floral summer dress.
Another bag carried in her store is a quilted cream shoulder bag with rose-gold
hardware. This bag is from a collection called "Victoria." It is vegan friendly and
made from polyester. Soft and well-stitched, the bag is meant to match well with any
color clothing.
She also has a few bags she designed herself which are smaller and meant to go with
a dressier outfit. One of her favorites is a black handbag that has a little bit of fur on
it.
The price range for clothing and bags is $50 to $250, but some of the accessories and
jewelry could be found at a cheaper price.
"I believe every person should take the time to get dressed up," Piras said. "I
remember when I was young and still living in Italy, my mother would change her
outfit just to go to the grocery store across the street."
Just across the way from Atelier is Sue Marfino's shoe boutique, Shoefly. The shop is
located at 801 Elmwood Ave. Marfino has been working in the retail business since
age 16, and has been employed by numerous retail stores.
Marfino graduated from Buffalo State and from the Fashion Institute of Technology
through a visiting program through Buffalo State. She opened Shoefly in March
2002.
"I try to carry styles and brands that are not readily available elsewhere in Buffalo,"
Marfino said.
Some brands that she said she carries and loves include Miz Mooz, Poetic License,
Irregular Choice, Frye boots, and TOMS shoes, which she has available in many
different colors.
"I keep a really wide price range to make sure there is something for everybody,"
Marfino said.
The range is from $30 to $150 in spring and from $50 to $250 in fall. The store also
offers other items less expensive such as flip-flops, socks, and accessories.
One pair that is available is a pump made by Poetic License. It has a medium-sized
heel, which is meant to flatter a woman of any height. It has a closed toe with orange
and pink stripes on it. This is one of Marfino's personal favorites.
Another pair is a wedge made by Irregular Choice. The shoes are black and tan with
a bird pattern on the front. Marfino recommends them to be paired with a simple
black summer dress, or skinny jeans with a black top.
Just up the street, at 569 Elmwood Ave., is Ali Eagen's boutique, Anatomy. Eagen
graduated from FIT in 2007. She opened the doors to Anatomy in October 2010.
She said she designs her brand and also hand selects various locally designed items
to showcase in her store.
One of her designs for purchase is the "courteous cowl mini skirt." It has a draped
front with pockets and ruffle detail. It is made out of cotton and rayon and comes in
both black metallic and gray. It is displayed with a white short-sleeve blouse.
Another design is the "harmonious caps cami." It is a classic wide-strap scoop front
and back jersey knit cami with delicate chiffon cap sleeves. It is made out of cotton
and rayon jersey knit with silk cap sleeves. It comes in both gray and rose and is
displayed tucked into a solid colored skirt.
Clothing prices range depending on the designer. Items start at about $50 but can
go well over $200. Accessories in the store could be found at a less expensive price
range.
Some of the products at Anatomy are made from reused fabrics. The brand not only
offers quality items but it also focuses on giving back to the environment.
"Anatomy is committed to an enterprise that is environmentally and socially
conscious," Eagen said.
For comments on this story, contact bscrecord@gmail.com.
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