A couple of new fashion boutiques are coming to Elmwood Avenue, one of which is Shopaholic Fashionista – a store that is designed to primarily cater to the ever-changing tastes of high school and college-age clientele.
Boutique owner, Veota Souvannavong, tells me that the premise behind the store is to introduce sassy, sexy and sophisticated clothing to young girls/women who are interested in standing out in a crowd. When it comes to making a splash, Veota is all in, from the outlandish name of the business to the hip, eye-catching garments that resemble more Queen Street in Toronto than Elmwood Avenue. Veota certainly has a flare for fun. “My clothing is all current when it comes to the latest trends,” she told me. “Fringe is hot, and so is leather/pleather and faux fur. You will find some outfits with transparencies (see through accents) on the side or on the back… and we have capris leggings, skinny pants, ruffle skirts… all the styles run in junior and missy sizes.”
Since Shopaholic Fashionista caters to a younger clientele, Veota kept the prices down accordingly. Just about everything in the boutique is $50 and under. Incredibly, Veota herself is still a student at Buffalo State, finishing up double degrees in fashion and business (a great combo for a young retail entrepreneur on Elmwood). “I still have four more classes to go,” she said. “I just couldn’t wait any longer. Spring is here and it’s time to shop for new outfits and accessories (body scrubs, jewelry, skirt-leggings).”
Looking at the clothing racks on the walls of Shopaholic Fashionista, it’s easy to tell that Veota is not afraid to take chances (all in the name of fashion!). A friend of mine described some of the dresses to a tee: “The dark side of Lilly Pulitzer.” And that’s what makes Shopaholic Fashionista so great. It’s like a mash-up between Legally Blond and Bettie Page. If you’re looking for something eye-catching and fun to wear to school, to the coffee shop, or out to a club, you might just find it all in one moderately-priced outfit. Plus, you’re not going to run into anyone else wearing the same thing, thankfully.
Veota is hosting a grand opening for Shopaholic Fashionista on April 12, with live mannequins, a DJ and some food between noon and 3pm. Stop on in and see the clothing in action on that day.
Shopaholic Fashionista | 425 Elmwood Avenue | Buffalo NY | 716-844-8751 | Facebook