For the very first blog post in the Fashion Forward with SSB series, I had the privilege of interviewing Nicole Rae Styer, Owner of NRS Boutique in South Philadelphia. I have shopped with Nicole for a few years now, and have many pieces that she designed for me, so I was excited to learn more about her and her business. In our interview, we chatted about all things retro, and then some! Below is our Q&A session. Enjoy!
Q: What made you decide to open your own store? What do you sell?
A: I always had a love for fashion. I went to school in Massachusetts and studied the Fine Arts. Then, I came to Philly and went to school and studied Fibers and Textiles.
While in Philly, I started working out of my dorm selling pieces. The first items I created were finish slips and I embellished them all by hand. After I graduated, I had a small studio apartment I worked out of. There, I worked with small Boutiques in California, Florida and Texas. I would create pieces, the most popular were my one of a kind embellished party dresses and sell them at wholesale prices. It was basically my own little factory out of my studio apartment! A lot of my business was networking and word of mouth.
I eventually outgrew creating pieces in my apartment and decided to get a retail space of my own. My brother has a restaurant up Passyunk Avenue, so I found an office space available down the street, and I have now been there for 9 years.
In my shop I sell both vintage and reconstructed items. I enjoy reworking and re-dying vintage tees. I make one of a kind pieces, do alterations and custom work. I also sell antique jewelry. My biggest seller since COVID-19 hit are masks. I’ve made so many that I lost count, but masks really saved my business. A huge thank you to everyone who has purchased! As long as masks are needed, I will continue to make them.
Q: This week we are discussing retro fashion. What do you think is a popular piece that came back in style?
A: 50’s style wide leg mock painter pants! Really anything utilitarian like overalls and workwear.
Q: In today’s fashion, what do you think is a passing trend?
A: I hope masks are! Lol All kidding aside, I am going with stretch denim and jeggings. Yes, I do enjoy wearing a nice stretchy pair of jeggings from time to time, but I prefer the look of structured denim. I’m also a fan of high waisted jeans.
Q: What do you think will never go out of style?
A: I’m going to go with denim again. Denim jeans are classic, especially those styles made between the 1920’s to 1960’s. You just cannot go wrong with denim.
Q: What is your favorite era of clothing and why?
A: I would have to say between the 1920’s to 1950’s. The structure of garments was pristine. There was great tailoring and well-made hand stitched items. There were simple silhouettes and much attention to detail (buttons, collars etc.). Overall there was better craftsmanship.
Q: What is your favorite designer label?
A: Oh man, I have a few….
-My go-to for inspiration is Alexander McQueen. I love his silhouettes and labels.
-For the summer months, I love Zimmerman. They have a free-flowing feminine vintage vibe.
-I love Vivienne Westwood. Her pieces are a throwback to punk, but still modern.
-Christopher Rodgers makes absolutely stunning dramatic dresses.
Q: Do you plan on expanding your brand?
A: Expanding – yes! Always moving forward is a good thing. The pandemic actually helped me in thinking more clearly about moving forward and growing in designs. Not sure exactly when I will expand, but my guess is when the pandemic slows down. We’ll see!
Again, thank you Nicole, for allowing SS Boutique to interview you. It was a pleasure and I know Danielle and I will definitely be making more purchases in the future.
If you would like to shop with Nicole, her boutique info is below. Tell her SS Boutique sent you! :
NRS Boutique
1822 E. Passyunk Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19148
215-873-7833
Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more fun blog entries in our Fashion Forward with SSB series.
-Lindsay, SS Boutique Business Management and Blogger
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