These are a few of her stunning creations (the best part is the price!)
Gunmetal and Grey Shiney Matte Panel Leggings, $52
High Waist Paperbag Pencil Skirt w/Pockets, $48
Leather Look Oversized Box T Shirt in Black, $46
Long Feather Stretch Head Band Head Piece Black n White, $20
Gold Studded Black Turban Headband Head Wrap, $18
Boyfriend Sweater Tunic w/ pockets in Grey, $92
See what I mean? I want it all. I want everything in her store. I am a fashion critic and writer - it's rare that something can please me in total, but she has managed. Her collection is flawless. It's wearable, comfortable, fashion forward, and gorgeous - with a little something for everyone. Democratic Fashion is what I like to call it.
She let me interview her, and her answers made me like her and her products even more. Read the interview:
High Fashion Girl: The name of your store is very unique. How did you come to name your shop Babooshka Boutique?
Babooshka Boutique: When I was a child I had a chihuahua puppy named "Francesca's Babooshka Bubble Baby" Bubbles for short. She was stolen from my backyard when I was in middle school. When I was trying to think of a name for my first boutique in 2005 I decided on Babooshka rather then Francesca because of the importance of my dearest puppy and all of the different meanings of the word. When I would pull the gate for my shop that I had in Philadelphia, it was almost daily that someone would stop and ask me if I knew what babooshka means. I love the way the word Babooshka sounds and the way it looks. It was just a perfect match.
HFG: That's a great way to derive a name for a store! I love the name of her chihuahua. My first cat was named Biffy Biffy Boom Ba. Though, I doubt I could use that as the name behind my inspired line of clothing (if there was one).
HFG: How did Babooshka Boutique manifest?
BB: Probably when I won "Best of Philly" in 2006 just months after opening my shop. I knew at that point that what I was doing was special. Philadelphia has a lot of wonderful shopping and for what I was doing to be chosen for such a special award I knew at that moment that I was doing the right thing.
HFG: Are you a one-woman operation?
BB: Yes, I am a one woman operation and always have been.
HFG: Impressive!
HFG: Do you have many employees at your brick and mortar store in PA?
BB: One employee, yes.
HFG: You sew everything yourself and are quite the entrepreneur. Have you had any help establishing your business or advertising to the public or is it all DIY?
BB: I went to fashion design school. Graduated in July, 2005 and opened my first shop October, 2005. The shop was a dream that I had to see through. I did it all myself and I have not stopped working since.
HFG: What has been your proudest moment as a boutique owner so far?
BB: I have had a lot of moments. It seems like they are always replaced by something more current as they happen. In the moment I always think "wow I never would have thought" and then months later something even more amazing topping the previous moment comes my way. I think its all of the hard work. When I had my shop I made everything that was in the shop as well as running the shop, once I shut down my shop down and continued to stock shops across the US I kept doing that on my own as well. Now that I moved to Pittsburgh and run my website Babooshka Boutique as well as my Etsy shop and stocking boutiques across the world I am always working. I never stop which is probably why things always seem hectic here but I don't mind that at all.
HFG: Has the economic recession negatively impacted your business?
BB: This last year has been the best. I think my price points help. In the last year I have sewn over 2500 garments. I would not say (crossing fingers) that I was effected at all.
No kidding! With your price points and accessible trends, it's no wonder you're doing well in this economic climate.
HFG: Who is your fashion inspiration?
BB: It is weird. I don't obsess over any one designer. I appreciate a lot of what is going on in the fashion world out there but at the same time always make things that I want to wear that fit my true aesthetic and Babooshka's image.
HFG: What do you do to make sure Babooshka Boutique stands out from other Etsy stores, online boutiques, and local shops in Philadelphia?
BB: I think it all comes together organically. Like I stated above I just do what I love and stay true to myself. Luckily, it has worked out really well for me so far. Babooshka's 5 year anniversary is this year.
Now, dear readers, if you are enjoying Babooshka Boutique's creations as much as I am, I have a treat for you. Francesca, owner and creator of Babooshka Boutique, is extending a discount code just for High Fashion Girl readers (use the code HIGHFASHION at check-out). It's only valid at her online boutique, not at her Etsy store. However, her Etsy store and online boutique carry nearly all of the same merchandise. Each piece is handmade to order by Francesca herself.
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