Local stores tell Gainesville what not to wear
By ASHLEY ROSS Avenue Writer
Some people say they want a revolution. You know, we all want to change the world. But local businesses and students are actually trying to change the world ¾ the fashion world that is.
Fashion in Gainesville is, let's just say, not up to par. It may be easy to throw on your workout shorts (the built-in underwear makes it extra easy) and a T-shirt in the morning, but maybe you should skip that long wait at Library West for a cup of coffee and put an outfit together instead.
On Sept. 4, Wolfgang Boutique, Store 101 and Sharab Lounge hosted the Push Pull Fashion and Art Show. The event included a ribbon cutting for Sharab Lounge's grand opening and an art show where local artists painted pieces on site, followed by a fashion show showcasing Wolfgang's newest fall line. While the event included a lot of down time ¾ kinks that should be worked out come the next event ¾ it was certainly something new and refreshing for this town. I honestly felt like I was in Manhattan, without the subway vibrating under my feet every eight minutes.
When I spoke to the owner of Wolfgang, Matthew Turner, about the event, I was absolutely shocked that I hadn't heard of Store 101, a new boutique and gallery located downtown at 101 N. Main Street. Store 101 started as an online apparel store three years ago and opened in Gainesville in April. Nick Black, one of the owners, told me he plans on re-educating people on shopping. So many students find it so effortless to fill up their shopping carts online that they've forgotten how to actually shop. I'm with Store 101, though, and in the famous words of Project Runway's Tim Gunn, "It's time to go shopping, people!"
Store 101 carries funky art, fun prints and a variety of graphic tees, some of which are designed by students. It also sells amazing handmade bags. They're so original and have adorable prints on the inside.
The store is going for an edgier and stronger look and also has a small collection of funky books. What's most interesting is the collection of Kidrobot designer toys. The toys are hand painted and especially out of the ordinary. This fall, Store 101 is getting in new brands and a larger variety of clothes, particularly for women. There will be graphic and higher end dresses from a brand called Waffo. The store is also getting in more hoodies and winter-oriented clothing for men.
For additional fashion, a new fashion blog promises to bring Gainesville style to the forefront. UF sophomore Flavia Cervantes, who works for both Wolfgang Boutique and Store 101, and her friend and co-worker, Leah Southers, recently started a blog called The Tonnish Touch (tonnish is a synonym for high-fashion and style). The two started the blog because they found there isn't really a place to see trends around Gainesville, and they wanted to completely revamp Gainesville's style to make fashion a prominent culture and lifestyle. I have to say that after only one post I'm really excited to read it. My favorite line in their introductory post: "Contrary to popular thought, a fashion culture does exist in Gainesville. Some people actually wear apparel not purchased from a bookstore."
So many girls at UF are so wrapped up in what feels comfortable and safe. While most girls are well put-together, their outfits are missing a sense of inspiration and come off, for a lack of a better word, boring.
Nearly everyone envies the stylish trends that a handful of brave girls wear on campus. I can't tell you how many times a day I hear, "I could NEVER wear that!" It's time to step outside of the safety zone. For more inspirational information, stop by Wolfgang Boutique at 1127 W. University Ave or Store 101 at 101 N. Main St. Visit Cervantes' blog at http://tonnishtouch.blogspot.com or Store 101's entertaining Web site at http://www.store101.net.
