I’ve been friends with Arlene Aranzamendez for years. She’s always been a creative person. When I first met her, she was running her own graphic design and web development company, and did jewelry design on the side. Little by little, her passion for jewelry design grew (and so did the demand for what she was making!) and she made a career shift to focus more on jewelry design than the graphic/web design.
A little over two years ago, she opened up a women’s clothing and accessories boutique in Madeira, called “Atelier by Adorn USA” selling select clothing and accessories from other high-end designers, as well as her own designs under the brand name “Konstantin.” Her pieces — which are PETA-friendly, colorful pieces made with man-made and earth-sourced materials — have since landed her partnerships with retailers including Anthropologie and NastyGal.
Last year, she moved to a beautiful, and much bigger, boutique space on Hyde Park Square (right next to Tanya’s Salon). I’ve been meaning to get to her new boutique ever since she moved, but life has been SUPER hectic. I finally made it last week, though, and I’m so glad I did.
Not only was it gorgeous, bright and sunny, but I felt like a princess. Yes, she’s my friend, but I know she would have treated me the same regardless. She offered some fresh, cold-pressed juice from the Juicery across the street. Then we sat down and talked … about me (eek!). She asked about everything from metal allergies, colors I like to wear, problem areas I’d like to conceal, areas I’d like to highlight… to what my days are like from start to finish.
I explained that I get up early to get myself ready, and then the little one wakes up and I get her ready for the day. Then we hop in the car to take her to my mother-in-law’s who watches her while I’m out on appointments. I’ll be in and out of appointments (and the car) all day, and then I usually am hosting or attending an event at night.
“So you need fabrics that don’t wrinkle in the car, wash well if the little one has dirty hands, are comfortable but look professional throughout your day of meetings and events…”
“Yes, exactly… does that even exist?”
The answer was yes, and she pulled out a stack of things she had already pulled for me by looking at things I wore in Facebook photos. And then, she pulled additional items based on our conversation.
It was honestly the most personalized shopping experience I’ve ever had. I felt like she wanted me to leave with pieces that feel like they were made for me. And I did. I left with three outfits (two dresses and a skirt/top) with matching accessories. I can’t wait to share pics of me wearing them (I know I’ll be wearing one to the Haute Hyde Park event that Arlene is sponsoring!) Everything I got was just STUNNING… but the best part is that they fit my style — and lifestyle — perfectly.
I just wanted to share this experience with you in case you’re looking for a little personalized experience to find something perfect for you, too.
Atelier is located at 2716 Erie Avenue, on the 2nd Floor next to Tanya’s Salon. To learn more, visit Atelier’s website and follow along on Facebook!