Fashionista 101

In these days of swagger jackin, I can vouch to you that Shanteé is one sista who definitely has swag of her own. As the face behind Fashionista 101, one of the hottest fashion sites to hit the Net, Shanteé constantly combines her creativity with her perfected eye for what’s hot. Keeping her readers fashion forward by highlighting the latest trends, Shanteé has become the go to girl when it comes to all things fashion. This love of fashion is taking Shanteé to new heights as seen by the launch of her new online boutique, “Klassiq.” Shanteé is simply a true “fashionista” in every sense, and a “fashionista” who is not afraid to go after her dreams.

Onetta: When did your love for fashion begin?

Shanteé: I’ve always been in love with fashion, but the “fashionista” in me really started showing when I was in high school. Although Jordan sneakers, Uptowns, and Timberlands were my faves back then, I still kept my look clean, and I color coordinated everything. I also have to give my mother a lot of praise. She was a “fashionista” way before I came into this world! Unless she’s at the gym, you’ll never catch that lady in
sneakers!

Onetta: How would you describe your own fashion style or what could one expect to find in Shanteé closet?

Shanteé: In my closet, you’ll find plenty of basics and anything that compliments an hourglass figure, like scoop-neck tops, tanks, blazers, skinny jeans, and platform pumps. I’m very into trends, but I’m pretty much a minimalist, so you may find only one of everything in my closet; one pair of ripped jeans, one leopard print piece, a few studs here and there.

Onetta: I think some women have a hard time of discovering what their fashion style is or have a hard time of figuring out what looks good on their body type. What do you say to those women?

Shanteé: To those women I say, there’s nothing wrong with exploring. But, if you’re trying to emulate a style like Rihanna’s, and your lifestyle has no need, or no room for it, then it’s just not for you. Pick up a fashion & style magazine like Lucky, Style Watch, or even Seventeen. They offer many tips and tricks on different body types like hourglass, curvy, slim, tall, short, and etc.

Onetta: Right now, you know we are living during hard economic times, what advice would you give to someone who wants to have a “hot” wardrobe but has a limited budget?

Shanteé: The key is to have a good variety of things in your closet; great basics, everyday jeans, and mix ‘n match accessories (i.e. silver & gold). Trends come and go, so don’t spend too much on them. Splurge on classics, like a timeless leather bag or heels. Some of my fave stores are H&M, Target, and Forever 21 because they’re always up-to-date. But, I must admit they do carry a lot of “disposable” clothing, so you’ll end up re-buying and wasting lots of money on your wardrobe.

Disposable clothing is the types that are relatively cheap or inexpensive. They shrink in the wash, lose their color quickly, and get a lot of pills. Pills are the little balls or loose fabric and thread that show up on your clothing after a wash or simply after too much friction (i.e. when your jeans start to tatter in between the legs or the underarms of your sweaters). LOL! This can also happen when you’re a little heavier than the average girl, but if this happens on your first or second wear, then it’s disposable. You’ll throw it out in a few wears and buy a new one.

Onetta: Why did you decide to start your own online boutique?

Shanteé: Since my early teens, I’ve dreamed of working in the fashion industry and even dreamed of opening my own store. I faced so many obstacles early this year; from financial trouble, to family problems, and even school. One day in early February, I found myself browsing through one of my favorite shopping magazines – Lucky Magazine – which has a section dedicated to clothing and fashion boutiques from all over the U.S. Reading that section always keeps me motivated and reminds me that this is what I really want.

So, I said “F” it. I’m opening my store. I’m gonna name it Klassiq (yes, with a K), and before the end of the year it’s gonna be official. So, after running the idea by a few of my professors at my college in Manhattan, who pretty much looked at me like I was crazy, I said “F” them too! At the time, I was only 20-years- old, so I believe that is why neither of them showed any confidence in me. A week later, I still went and got my business license.

Trust me, it sounds a lot easier than it is, but I’ve been doing my research for years. Before, I could never come up with a name, but that one day in February, it hit me! Right away too. All those things that attempted to defeat me hasn’t, because I believe if you work hard at something and have a true passion for it, then you most definitely deserve it. Klassiq is not the physical store location that I always wished for, but it’s definitely a start and something that I’m very proud of!

Onetta: Tell me more about “Klassiq,” which debuted last month.

Shanteé: “Klassiq” is an online store for stylish and trendy females. I try to stock it with some of the latest trends and the current season’s bests. One of my favorite pieces is a black bold-shouldered long sleeve dress. It’s very sexy. I dubbed it the “Sasha” dress – after Sasha Fierce, of course. LOL!

Make sure you check out Shanteé over at Fashionista101 by visiting www.fashionista101.com  

Shop at “Klassiq” now by visiting www.shopklassiq.com.