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Vintage Has Got A Man & His Name Is Mister Style

Q & A

MISTER STYLE

Vintage Fashion's got a song that only a Port Arthur beauty can sing.

Meet: Zoe Jackson-Jarra 

Where is she from? Well, Port Arthur Louisiana of course.

Where is she now? Houston, Tx

Where is the store? Online based out of Houston. MISTER STYLE

 How did you choose a name for your boutique? I named the boutique Mister Style to appeal to the fashionable male whose fashion sense is a little bit off the beaten path, and who is sensitive to seasonal changes regarding it or who aspires to be.

 What was the catalyst to opening this particular boutique? Well, I opened the store for a couple of reasons. One I’d had a boutique, previously, called Fashion Plate Lifestyle Boutique that catered to both men and women. It had a physical location that required my presence daily, which was becoming increasingly more difficult. Also, my daughter, Ciera, has an online store www.Babesandfelines.com

 

and it is an extension of Fashion Plate Lifestyle, however, only the women’s side. Mister Style offers merchandise for the men’s side & shows women how to utilize menswear in their wardrobe as well.

Was opening a store front your idea, or did someone talk you into it? It was, definitely, my idea. I just had to figure out how I was going to go about running it, if you will. I have, and it will be primarily, online. 

Is this a second career?  No, I think it is tied for 1^st with my love for music because for me they are both intertwined. When I’m singing or performing or simply attending an event, what I’m wearing matters, and I think that is true for most people. So, I am also a stylist for artists in various mediums, i.e. music, art, etc.

Why retail? Well, it falls in line with one of my loves which is fashion, and I love to help people achieve the look that they’d like to have or discover what that look is.

Do you have plans to expand? In terms of expansion, I don’t think that there will be more locations, but there may be business that focuses on another aspect of fashion.

Do you still have the same type of merchandise and customers as when you began? Yes, I still have some of the same type of merchandise in terms of pieces from the same quality-driven, legendary designers because there is a vintage aspect to some of what I offer that fits into that “what’s old is new” adage. Regarding customers, I have a very loyal base that has been with me even before I opened the 1^st store, Fashion Plate Lifestyle because I had been called on to be a stylist for some of them. Based on the satisfaction that they had received from that service, a trust in my abilities was developed.
 

Model Josias Diaz

What helps you retain business? Retaining business depends on what is offered, how it is offered, and the way it is offered. In my case, making sure my inventory is seasonally accurate, and stylish made available at the time the customer requests it, and done in a professional and courteous manner.

Do you have a certain strategy on customer service? Yes. The strategy is simply to place a premium on those two words because customers expect excellent service, and if they don’t get it, they have the right to go elsewhere with their business. I, as a customer, feel the same way.

 Where has your success come from? I think my success has come from my ever-expanding knowledge in the area fashion. My attention to detail, my work ethic, and the value I place on customer service.

 Have you had any struggles/ challenges? The struggle, sometimes, can be customer consistency. The number of sales vary each month, so it can make it difficult to determine when to replenish inventory, and by how much. The challenges are being a one-person shop owner, and being available practically every day, but also, needing to balance participation in other events in town or away from the city that can secure more new business.

With the economy still in the early stages of recovery, how do you feel about the future of your business? Do you think we’ll break out of the funk soon? I think the future is bright, because fashion is so important to so many people. People will find money to get the things that they want like that new outfit for that special occasion. You know everybody has a birthday, and often a celebration they’d like to attend in honor of it wearing something new.  I think, overall, the economy is improving although some businesses were not affected or affected very little by the economy because there are a lot of wealthy people out there. Million dollar homes are still being sold in spite of the economic times, for example.

You’ve been recognized for your Vintage Pieces, How would you describe your store’s style? I take great pride in the items I select and offer to our customer base. Oftentimes it’s hard to tell whether or not a piece is vintage, because it is of such quality. Quality is important to me and also items that have a long lasting style to them. My aesthetic is wide as fashionable finds span the world. I have a world viewpoint when pulling items from many countries & cultures to make up the style in Mister Style.

I see you have both men’s and women’s clothing, How do you decide what to carry? I put myself into the mindset of a traveler who happens upon a store that allows them to go places in their mind of nostalgia & before they leave, hopefully, have found a great treasure to take with them for themselves or someone else. One-of-a-kindness is truly the goal whether the apparel piece is trendy or vintage, for example. Even new pieces can be unique if it’s not something that is mass-produced which is also part of our offerings. I also take huge hints from worldwide popular culture since most people desire to live vicariously through the most popular people in the world. This sets the tone for several of the trendy pieces that are among our selections.

What are your favorite trends that came out of NYFW for Fall/Winter 2013?  What trends are you stocking in your store? NYFW offered a very nostalgic viewpoint which makes it easy to select gingham, plaids, houndstooth patterned influences paired with florals, stripes, camouflage & leather...traditional patterns & textures to add with that crisp white tee or shirt...Naturally, Mister Style will offer its take on these ideas.

Do you have any favorite designers, fashion icons, or style idols/ celebs? I am forever falling in love with those who create fashion & the style of it. There are designers that the world has yet to know and those who we can’t deny knowing, that I am in awe of. To name a few would deny the platform to all. We all have something magical to offer this world of fashion & I am interested & taking note of it all. 

What are your aspirations for your business and in life? To do so much good in all that I do that those who choose to pattern themselves after me will have a great start in building their own legacies. I desire to learn all that there is to learn and pass that knowledge on to keep this train moving. I consider myself to be a legacy builder. I'm proud to say that I am witnessing me being duplicated often. It's a huge compliment to this lil’ girl from Port Arthur, TX.

I know you are at the store almost 24/7, but what do you do for fun to break away from it all? Correction...I’m not @ the store 24/7. However, the store is always on my mind as I think of ways I can enhance it while I travel the world. For fun, Houston is an international city w/ great museums, theaters, eateries, parks, shopping facilities, etc., so there is much to do, but for me it's more about the people I spend time with that bring about my joy no matter where I am. My daughters are #1 to set the pace for those joyous times. I will just leave it at that.

Do you have any advice for anyone out there who wants to someday own there own boutique, or step into the fashion industry? Be knowledgeable about the industry & do not close your ears or eyes to any level of it. I'm continuing to learn... this is how one continues to be successful & that's what, ultimately, anyone would want out of any job they choose.

Up Cycling Is Fashions Future

Up cycling is fashions latest. Take a look at what the the nations most vibrant city has to offer. By the way the city is HOUSTON!!! Fashion Feature Designer Rahill Raheem

http://livewellnetwork.com/Mirror-Mirror/episodes/Vintage-Handbags-Get-New-Life-for-Good-Cause/9290990?pid=9291191

Mister Style by Zoe Jackson Jarra

Mirror/Mirror Episodes

Vintage Handbags Get New Life for Good Cause

We all have outdated or worn handbags in the back of our closets. Instead of tossing them, consider this: one non-profit is turning fashion trash into another woman's treasure, all to benefit a good cause.

When Margot Delarone decided to donate her grandmother's old handbag to charity, she chose an organization called Magpies and Peacocks.

 It landed in the hands of founder Sarah-Jayne Smith. "Magpies and Peacocks is a local non-profit. We collect and up-cycle fashion accessories," says Smith. "People will bring their used goods, mainly handbags and jewelry, for us and we assess whether they're in great shape or they need help," she explains. If the donated item is in good condition it gets resold to raise money for local charities. However, if the item is old, outdated, or damaged, it actually gets a brand new life. "We take the stuff that needs help and assign it to a designer, who basically reinvents it for us, and gives it back to us to resell. Designers come out of the wood work when there's an opportunity to work with great quality materials and on a fun project," she says.

Today, up-and-coming designer Rahill Raheem gets the challenge of re-making Margot's grandma's bag. "Taking something that is vintage or already old, like it already has a story, and then giving it to me and letting me do whatever I want to it and bringing it new life - I think that's exciting and I like doing stuff like that," Rahill says. At first sight, she already has some ideas. However, during the several weeks that she works on the bag, her design changes again and again. Weeks later, it's time for Sarah-Jayne to finally see Rahill's finished piece. The organization chooses how and where each new bag will be sold. Rahill's bag will be sold at Cakewalk Style Shop. "We stock our shop with very special pieces that we love.

 Our customers know that they can come here and find spectacular pieces, and this is a one-of-a-kind so I know that we'll find the perfect buyer for it," says Cakewalk co-owner Jennifer Grigsby. The bag soon sells, bringing its story full-circle. The money from the sale goes to Houston charities. "It's very important for people to realize that their stuff counts. Not just keeping fashion out of the landfill, but making a monetary difference with those pieces& and at the end of the day, the money goes straight back into a local cause. We've made something out of nothing. It's fashion compassion," says Sarah-Jayne.

Houtopia

Walk of the Town: Up-Cycled Fashion Show

Brought to you by Zapatero Bucaram Public Relations

The next installment of our annual Up-Cycled/ Vintage Fashion Show takes us on a tour of trends around town. The looks from River Oaks to Montrose and almost everything in between- and where you can get them, locally. Sustainable Living Festival Houston, TX

Vintage Houston

Ten Great Vintage Stores in Houston

By Shea Serrano, About.com Guide

Whether it's a 1960's-style sofa, ironic Bob Seger t-shirt, or pair of perfectly tattered Levi's 501 jeans, these vintage shops are sure to have what you're looking for.

1. Retropolis

Flickr

Lots and lots of stuff here, but there’s no discernible method of organization, it all seems to be just thrown together. If you’re willing to dig, you can definitely find some high-quality merchandise.

321 W 19th St 
Houston, TX 77008
(713) 861-1950 

2. Dean’s Credit Clothing

Examiner

This is actually a downtown bar with some vintage stuff for sale more than it is a downtown vintage store with some alcohol for sale, but any place that doubles as a live music venue gets extra “cool points.”

316 Main St
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 227-3326 

3. Wear It Again Sam

Heights Blog

This one is located in the bustling Heights so you can expect to be at elbows with other shoppers, but it’s worth it. WIAS is easily one of the most well stocked vintage shops in the city. Expect a lot of pre-1990 merchandise and a really helpful staff.

373 W 19th St
Houston, TX 77008
(713) 862-9327 

4. Blue Bird Circle

Blue Bird Circle

Most agree that their furniture selection (which can lean towards being a tad pricey) is superior to their clothes selection, but this Montrose buzz spot is a definite must-visit when making the thrift store rounds.

615 W Alabama St
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 528-0470 

5. Taxi Taxi

Flickr

Ever get the sudden urge to get a body piercing or tattoo when shopping for vintage clothes? Taxi Taxi was made for you then. They’ve also got a “secret” section where only the coolest hipsters are allowed to shop (called The Vault, of course.)

1657 Westheimer Rd
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 528-5500 

6. Buffalo Exchange

Buffalo Exchange

The Westheimer locale has been a staple on the vintage scene for a good, long while. These people will even sort through your throwaways and either (1) give you cash or store credit in exchange, or (2) make you feel like a moron for ever thinking a Saved By The Bell shirt was ever cool.

1618 Westheimer Rd
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 523-8701 

7. The Guild Shop

Yelp

A great resale shop in Montrose absolutely packed with cool knick-knacks and whatnot for your dorm/apartment/house. They also have clothes, but they’re best classified as “supplemental.”

2009 Dunlavy St
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 528-5095 

8. The Way We Wore

Flickr

It’s not the best place in town (more expensive than most, not a huge selection of clothes), but this solid costume shop/vintage store certainly has the most creatively ironic name.

2602 Waugh Dr
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 526-8910 

9. Value Village

Examiner

If there were ever a prototypical thrift store, Value Village would be it. They have a ton of clothes (which range from horrible to fantastic), are somewhat organized, and possessed of that hypnotic thrifty/moth ball smell. Clothes-wise, there’s not much in here that can’t be had for less than $15.

6050 Bissonet St
Houston, TX 77081

10. That 70’s Shop

Flickr

A decent little family-owned shop in Montrose with a quality selection and lots of bright, bright paint (on the walls). Dig around a bit and you can usually score something fairly nice.

1722 California St
Houston, TX 77006

Bonus Store

11. Mister Style

 

This exclusive vintage beauty will bring music to your ears. Owned by the fabulous song bird Zoe Jackson-Jarra. For the latest arrivals check out the website. https://squareup.com/market/mister-style 

This store is by appointment only. 

713-398-2554 

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