My daughter and I took a “Rhode Island “ style road-trip recently. We traveled 25 minutes north, in the rain, to visit the high-style boutique Clad In in Providence’s swanky Wayland Square. I went on a mission of sorts. As distinctive and eclectic a mix as Clad In’s merchandise is, so too were their weekend guests – Debra Smith, a textile artist who works with vintage kimono fabrics and legendary stylist and style icon Tziporah Salamon.
My 11-year-old daughter Gabi is following in my footsteps! She has maintained for quite some time that she wants to be in the Fashion Industry. So with intention and excitement Gabi and I stepped into Clad In, placed our umbrellas at the door and introduced ourselves to 2 very engaging artists. Debra Smith was immediately inviting. I have to admit, Tziporah’s commanding sense of self and striking style had me a bit awe-struck. Once I took a deep breath, I regained my composure and engaged in what turned out to be an unexpectedly educational Sunday afternoon!
Here is what I learned:
Old, new, repurposed suits you! – Both Debra and Tziporah shared a common sentiment about style: inspiration and unique wearable pieces can come from anywhere; you just have to be open to the possibilities! Debra Smith creates vibrant, modern pieces from vintage Japanese materials. As Debra loves the “history” behind each material she selects, so too does Tziporah. Each distinctive look Tziporah creates for herself or her client is comprised of a collection that spans decades!
They both made me think about the years it has taken to build my wardrobe and accessory collection. I have pieces that were handed down to me from my Nana – who was quite the fashionable lady! Moral: Don’t be afraid to dust off the vintage pieces and pair them with modern ones to look fabulous!
Fashion can come from all areas – including our walls! Creative inspiration can come from so many areas including the walls! Walking into Clad In, I was immediately drawn to a front display of colorful woven scarves. A rainbow of colors was interwoven to make a wearable piece that can be adorned in so many ways. Tziporah modeled one of the creations as a belt around her waist embellished with one of Debra’s hand-made floral pins. My eyes were then directed to the decorated walls! Picture frame after picture frame masterfully displayed the very materials found in the scarves skillfully sewn to canvas that evoked the same historic mystery as the scarves did. Fabrics and materials that provide comfort and happiness should surround us all!
Tziporah Salamon!
Tziporah Salaman is an artist; she uses her body as her canvas! Let’s avow to engrain this authentic admission into our minds! Tziporah embraces colors, fabrics, emotional connections and lifestyle when selecting her day or event’s attire. Not a paintbrush nor canvas is needed for this stylist! A little imagination and lots of accessories turn simple pants and a top into divinely inspired looks each worthy of a museum exhibition! To follow this mantra, we must first accept and then honor our own body. Walk into your closet, what colors or fabrics are you drawn too? Does the item fit and flatter your body? If so, then build your look from there! When shopping, seek out items that instinctively catch your eye. Don’t get hung up on trends, that is someone else’s vision – create your own! Once you start shifting your appearance to really showcase your personality you too can add “Artist” to your list of professions!
A deeper love for what I do – From a very young age, I was taught the importance of image and style. Shorr Style is an outlet for me to share my knowledge and experience to empower women and men to realize we are all on a journey. I encourage my clients to approach this venture with a positive light emphasizing the power of a first impression. Like it or not, our clothing sends a variety of messages that others surmise based on their own perceptions. Selecting style over sloppy will turn heads and garner attention for the right reasons. Let’s adorn ourselves with outfits that not only fit our proportions as well as emanate our authentic selves. No one else is better qualified!
Upon leaving, I opened our umbrella with a satisfied smile that Gabi and I were both impacted by the dynamic artists we met at Clad In. Designing and assembling various outfits and accessories that convey a certain message is true Artistry! Our clothing speaks volumes about who we are as unique individuals. Don’t be afraid to express your creativity….
