Local businesses offered lineup featuring casual to retro styles
Exquisite, impressive, elegant, enlightening and inspiring: These are just a few words to describe the Sister Spokesman Third Annual Fashion Show at the Minnesota Music Cafe on September 6. This year’s emcee was Julie Gartrell of
Photos by T.P. Pennister
Fierce Hair & Make Up Lounge. #TEAMFIERCE did the hair and makeup for the show.
The show also featured Sandra Young and her business Affordable Elegance Boutique. She offers very affordable high-end items. Her models wore a mix of formal, informal and casual items. Dresses, jeans, boots and jackets headed up this lineup of fashion show options.
Gartrell, the events emcee, wore fashions from Affordable Elegance Boutique as well. She adorned black knee-high boots with a baby doll heel and a black and tan above-the-knee go-go style dress. “I was only supposed to be in the store for about a half hour to prepare for the show, but I ended up being in there for nearly two hours. I love the place,” she announced to show participants.
Also spotlighted was Top 2 Bottom, specializing in men’s fashion. Tia Blades takes pride in the various men’s suits, shirts, and accessories in the store. The suits are nicely fitted, color coordinated and diverse in style. Sizes go up to 70. Many of Minnesota’s Detroit and Chicago steppers frequent Top 2 Bottom, which truly will have customers looking good, from the top of their heads to the soles of their feet.
Restyle Minneapolis and Autumn’s Vintage collaborated in the spirit of sisterhood and showcased some very retro — although contemporary — clothing items: think classic Diane Ross, Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly. Gloves, hats, pearls, pencil skirts, purses and faux furs were just a few items on the stage. Arnetta Simpson is the owner of Restyle Minneapolis. Autumn Fraiser, owner of Autumn’s Vintage, is also a 16-year breast cancer survivor.
The crowd oohed and aahed at the event. Participant Tishalanee Terry said of the event, “I like the camaraderie of sisters — not just sisters of color, but all sisters.”
The event was not one to miss, but if you did, there is always next year’s Fourth Annual Fashion Show. For updates go to https://www.facebook.com/SisterSpokesman
Brandi Phillips welcomes all questions at bphillips@spokesman-recorder.com.
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