Tag: Fashion

What’s LUV Got to Do with It?

[tribulant_slideshow post_id=”5889″] Story by: Annie Miller  Photos by: Stanley Tran  When you think of ‘90s fashion, which sneaker comes to mind? This is the exact question Jair Barbour asked herself when customizing the dressing room in her startup shop, UNLUVD Boutique. “I thought, how about we make it a shoebox?” says Barbour, explaining the bright blue, box-shaped fitting room with the iconic three white stripes slapped across the door. “I wanted my store to be more than just white walls and endless rows of clothing racks. I wanted to stand out.” As a Richmond native, Jair Barbour attended college at Virginia State University, pursuing a career in psychology.  All the while, and with a growing closet overflow, she collected an inventory of never-been-worn and hardly-ever-worn apparel, selling it all out of her garage through EBay. “It started with Michael Kors bags and that lead into everything else,” says Barbour, showing us the perfect example of classic consumerism- buying things we think we want but end up rarely ever using. While it may be just a “girl thing”, Jair Barbour took it up few notches turning “it’s just a girl” thing into an, “it’s just the dopest shop in Richmond” thing.   UNLUVD boutique opened for business this September 2018, right on time for the fall return of Virginia Commonwealth University students.  Located at 701 West Cary Street next to Monroe Park in the heart of campus, the boutique provides the broadest variety of clothing, easy to satisfy the tremendous melting pot of style and personality throughout the VCU student population. While maintaining a constant inflow of unique and exciting retail, customers are offered a vast array of merchandise stretching from today’s modern market all the way back in time to the most one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, planting the ultimate theme for the store’s retro roots. UNLUVD Boutique digs up some truly extraordinary old-school garments, reviving the funkiest forgotten styles and brands from the streetwear-centered age of hip-hop and Michael Jordan.   Classic tee’s and hoodies, leather jackets, neons, metallics, distressed denim, fresh sneakers, vintage watches and bags- I’m all there. A trip to UNLUVD Boutique and you’re guaranteed to walk out, arms heavy. Barbour has done much more than create a simple shop-around store; rather, she has produced the ultimate customer experience, expressing an explosive compilation of culture with the most heightened sense of creativity. UNLUVD evokes intense ‘90s nostalgia, everywhere from the pink painted walls lined with neon lights and splattered graffiti to aesthetic additions of gold chain balloons, Fresh Prince and Tupac portraits, old pay-phones, stereos, TVs, and even a basketball hoop.  That’s not to mention the subway themed bathroom, Nintendo gaming system (for customers to play while shopping), photobooth, and let’s not forget the Adidas shoebox fitting room. Enter the boutique only to find a metal gate door leading you into the shopping section; which as explained by Barbour, was inspiration pulled from their first summer weeks exposed to the Gladding Residence Center and Monroe Park construction.  With all that said we still have only scratched the surface of UNLUVD Boutique’s depth and design, and for those who have never been, it will surely exceed your expectations. So especially as such a quaint start-up shop, why put so much investment into all this extra stuff? “I want my store to be a place where people feel comfortable to come in, shop, take pictures, and hang out,”  expresses Barbour, her tone reflecting her chill, genuine personality. Barbour emphasizes how much she already admires the loyalty of VCU students to their campus businesses.   Appealing to and developing relationships with the locals is her utmost goal seeing the future of UNLUVD play forward. A lot of talk about teamwork came into our conversation, as she stressed the importance of people in the fashion industry, and all in general, working together in order to achieve success and make an impact. Aside from all the fun, she also purposes her store as a stage to help promote all brands and designers, including small local ones, in hopes of boosting every business and helping them to thrive. “That’s what I think I love most about the nineties,” Barbour explains. “There was a stronger sense of unity and togetherness. Everything was family oriented and themed around teamwork. I want my store to be a place where anyone can come in and feel welcome to do their thing.”   What I find most fascinating about today’s generation is our infatuation with the past and times that never belonged to us. I never experienced the 1990’s as Jair Barbour and others before me were able to, yet I still felt overwhelming contentment and sentimentality when treading through her whimsical wonderland of a shop. With passion and intentions so bold and pure, this boutique has given me an optimistic outlook on the future of fashion and its evolving industry, as creative naturals like Jair Barbour are surely essential in improving its direction. For a shop called UNLUVD, they sure have a lot of love to give. So take a break  today, head over to this red-hot spot, and dive into a different decade. Bring your friends, shop around, play some games, and take some photos! Their door is always open.   Models: Ayanna McKie, Celeste Chaves,Nick Reardon Stylists: Anna DeBald, Daniela Osuna Fashion Editor: Aayesha Poudel Editor in Chief: Jacynth Serrano Rodriguez

A Galentine's Day to Remember at Mod & Soul

Story by   Estelle Avbuere Maybe you know Mod & Soul as a stylish, upscale Richmond-based and online boutique. Or, maybe you know the store for its trendy, boho-influenced pieces and contemporary, delicate jewelry. What you might not know is that Mod & Soul can also throw gorgeous events! They proved it when they threw their first annual Galentine’s Day event last Thursday night. This event was complete with colorful decorations, delicious deserts, a photo station, fun giveaways, and lovely (not to mention stylish!) women. One of the best parts was the opportunity to be styled by co-hosts, fashion bloggers and stylists, Zumreta of of Bloom with Zum Bloom with Zum and Shanna of Me and Minnie Me and Minnie check out the post right here . The event kicked off at 6:30 pm – the perfect time for a stylish soiree if you ask us. Upon entering, one could see the fabulous, fashion-filled event was already underway. Pink lights were strung from the ceiling, red and pink balloons floated about, and the clothes, clothes, well they looked as beautiful as ever. Sparkly gold fabric hung on the far wall as a background for “gals” and their friends to get their pictures taken. The set-up included fun props, like X and O balloons, while photographer, Juliet Bryant , clad in the cutest denim overall dress snapped away. The center table was decorated with flowers, candles, sparkly hearts on sticks, and delightful treats (including PINK popcorn!). Both the co-hosts and the Mod & Soul sales associates were quick to give you a smile, ask how you were doing, and style you in the perfect look for the night. Women in all sorts of chic outfits were scattered around, sipping their drinks and chatting brightly. Some eagerly searched for the perfect blouses or dresses, excitedly waiting to try them on, while others conversed with new friends. The whole place was abuzz with the energy of these lovely ladies. It was clearly going to be a memorable Galentine’s event! Zumreta , writer of the blog Bloom with Zum Bloom with Zum , looked lovely in her statement red wrap dress and velvet (obviously from Mod & Sou l) , blush heels. While Shanna writer of Me and Minnie Me and Minnie , wore a ruffle-detailed fuchsia blouse tucked into cropped, distressed jeans and gold heels – chic as ever. Both ladies were the perfect co-hosts, as they went around smiling, laughing, greeting people, styling outfits, encouraging every woman, and, like any good blogger, updating their Instagram stories. By the end of the night, we left with new friends, pretty purchases, style inspiration and a love for who we are: strong, empowered women who are free to encourage each other. Overall, the evening was absolutely beautiful. This is not only because of the amazing clothes, shoes, and jewelry, the talented stylists, or the adorable place that is Mod & Soul, but also because it was a celebration of women and our friendships with each other. During this event, Mod & Soul provided a space where girls could come together, meet other women, share stories, and inspire each other’s looks. In fact, this was an opportunity for women to simply inspire each other. And they used fashion to do it. We’re here for that. We are so grateful to Mod & Soul, Shanna, and Zumreta for being here for that as well!

Fantastic Pink Plastic

web This through-line was more than evident as beautiful people in nearly every shape, size and skin tone strutted around the DC gallery dressed to impress. Check out some of our favorite looks:

FASHION MEETS FESTIVAL

Story by Briana Thornton Coachella may have already wrapped up its two weekends of desert fun, music festival is in full swing with quite the line-up for the upcoming summer. Music festivals have blown up over the last decade and the rush kicks off in March with South by Southwest in Austin, Texas. The fever pitch comes a month later with Coachella, a flashy two-weekend event in Indio, California that’s known for its desert weather that calls for pretty much as little clothing as possible, its middle-of-the-day, booze-filled, fashion brand-sponsored pool parties, and its high cost that weeds out the crowd till all that’s left are a high concentration of wealthy, beautiful people, with lots of celebrities and fashion bloggers among them. So we, at River City Fashion Uprising, have put together three outfits to inspire your style at three very different summer festivals: Coachella, EDC and Warped Tour. Because we all know, when it comes to these events, it’s all about what you wear. Coachella Let’s start with every fashion girl’s favorite! Coachella practically guarantees you that you’ll see a slew of different Instagram-worthy looks, but the winning formula seems to be an ensemble that exudes both bohemian and laid-back West Coast vibes. The ensembles worn by Coachella attendees are usually reminiscent of what their parents, and in some cases grandparents, wore to Woodstock decades ago. This year, the styles were a little different than in past years as neon tops were replaced by bralettes, bardot tops and swimsuits worn as bodysuits; gladiator sandals were tossed aside in favor of brand-name sneakers; and flower crowns have become a thing of the past having been nearly wiped out by baseball caps and fedoras. In past years, Coachella has breathed new life into the idea of “festival fashion”. No longer are looks seen at festivals simply trendy but poorly made garments. Instead they invoke a much more fashion-forward aesthetic as we see more outfit combos  that look as great in photos as they do in everyday life. You can always expect to see flowy frocks in lace, floral and fun prints, matching separates and a blinding amount of the ivory white pieces that compliment that summer glow. Our stylist chose to the dominating hue with a lace-top bodysuit and flowy, tiered skirt. A Western style belt is the perfect piece to break up a monochromatic outfit and a denim jacket is perfect for when it gets chilly at night in the desert (yes, it happens). It’s best to opt for easy, slip-on shoes in a dark color because you will be doing a lot of walking in sand and mud and therefore, it’s best to dress for occassion! The makeup and accessories you wear to Coachella are almost as important as the full ensemble. Coachella makeup essentially means glitter, face paint and metallic flash tattoos adorning  your face so don’t be afraid to go for something that’s out of your comfort zone. Warped Tour Warped Tour is pretty much on the complete opposite end of the spectrum from Coachella. Let’s just say if Coachella was the music industry’s love child, Warped Tour would be its rebellious, angsty teenager.  Here are some rules you can follow  to ensure that your look is Warped Tour-ready: Dare to go bare. Warped Tour lasts throughout the hottest summer months, not to mention all the sweaty bodies that will be packed into the venue. Dress accordingly. Represent your favorite artists. When in doubt, a band tee is the perfect way to go. web link Dare to go bare. Warped Tour lasts throughout the hottest summer months, not to mention all the sweaty bodies that will be packed into the venue. Dress accordingly. . Warped Tour lasts throughout the hottest summer months, not to mention all the sweaty bodies that will be packed into the venue. Dress accordingly. . Warped Tour lasts throughout the hottest summer months, not to mention all the sweaty bodies that will be packed into the venue. Dress accordingly. . Warped Tour lasts throughout the hottest summer months, not to mention all the sweaty bodies that will be packed into the venue. Dress accordingly. Warped Tour lasts throughout the hottest summer months, not to mention all the sweaty bodies that will be packed into the venue. Dress accordingly. Represent your favorite artists. When in doubt, a band tee is the perfect way to go. Support yourself. While a lot of people in the audience will be wearing bikini tops and midriff-baring crop tops, and rightfully so, make sure that yours provides you with enough support to stay on as your jumping around to the music or crowd surfing, if you dare. Support yourself. While a lot of people in the audience will be wearing bikini tops and midriff-baring crop tops, and rightfully so, make sure that yours provides you with enough support to stay on as your jumping around to the music or crowd surfing, if you dare. While a lot of people in the audience will be wearing bikini tops and midriff-baring crop tops, and rightfully so, make sure that yours provides you with enough support to stay on as your jumping around to the music or crowd surfing, if you dare. if you dare. Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) If you’re attending EDC, you can pretty much get away with wearing whatever you want: tutus, sequined or studded bras, fuzzy boots, hats that look like a furry animal died on your head and tons (and I mean TONS) of glitter. The outfits sported at this rave are the grown-up version of playing dress up and allow the attendees to express their individuality and freedom. Honestly, there aren’t a whole lot of rules for dressing at EDC and chances are, whatever you choose to wear, whether store-bought, handmade or custom-ordered from Etsy, you probably won’t see anyone it on anyone else. The outfits sported at this rave are the grown-up version of playing dress up and allow the attendees to express their