SSU STAR NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
Student-owned boutique caters to the environment and fashionistas everywhere

By: Courtney Keeney:   Issue date: 10/21/08 Section: Features

Put some pep in your step and strut what your momma gave you at the Ooh La Loft in Petaluma.

Age is nothing but a number at the "hip chick designer exchange boutique." If fashion is your passion, and you're up for some retail therapy, or a night out on the town, the loft has an outfit to spice up any feminine frame.

Some popular designer brands include: True Religion, Banana Republic, Marc Jacobs, and Abercrombie. A taste of Hollywood is now available in Sonoma County for half the price of a typical brand name purchase.

"Fashion doesn't have to be about buying the most expensive clothes, it's about working with what you've got and making what you've got work," said owner Michelle Wilson.

Catering to the stylish divas, the loft's goal is to boost self-esteem and implement useful shopping strategies in the best interest of the environment.

"Americans dispose of over 4 billion tons of worn clothing and textiles annually. And EPA studies have shown 5 percent of our landfill is composed of textiles. Recycling and reusing clothing keeps them out of landfills, said Wilson.

The boutique offers the opportunity for customers to exchange or trade clothing, according to their individual preference. Customers are supplemented on the spot in cash or check for the items the Loft chooses to purchase.

"We pay 35 percent of the price we will sell the item for in the store," said Wilson. "If you decide to trade, we'll give you 50 percent off the price marked in the form of a certificate for any article of clothing you wish to purchase."

Twin sisters, Senior Michelle and SSU alumna Cristina Wilson, opened the store as a result of their personal interest to re-define fashion and conquer their childhood dreams.

"We wanted to show people that being stylish doesn't have to be an expensive endeavor, especially with the economy dwindling," said Michelle.

The Wilson sisters are extremely busy with the responsibilities of managing their own business, yet they are open to the challenge, and persevering with a smile.

"When you push through barriers in your life, no matter how big or small, you will get rewards that you never dreamed possible," said Michelle.

The girls developed their idea of opening a clothing store based upon their joint interest to seek out glamorous outfits that were easy on the checkbook.

"We would always buy our clothes in the city from Buffalo Exchange on Haight Street. We thought, why not make this happen in Petaluma," said Cristina.

Michelle and Cristina's vision came true Sept. 12, as the Ooh La Loft recently opened their doors for business.

Although the economy may be currently weak in spirits, and deprived of the almighty dollar, fashion is worth the sacrifice.

The Ooh La Loft is located on 145 Petaluma Blvd in Downtown Petaluma and SSU students receive a 10 percent discount with their student ID cards.

"Style is a form of communication that makes a statement. The way a person expresses themselves can reflect their interest, histories and passions," said Michelle.

Lift your chin, grab your purse and get your shop on.