MANAYUNK

By Melissa Anderson

On Sunday, Feburary 12th from 6-9 p.m., Vamp Boutique and Sulimay's Studio on Main present The First Annual Fashion Mingle. In preparation for the show, we sat down with Teresa Davis, the owner of the Vamp Boutique, where she discussed her shop, fashion, and what’s trendy.

What led you to this location in Manayunk?

“I walked past one day, saw it was vacant and just thought, wow I should open up a store right here.” Next thing you know, after calling the right people, Teresa was opening a boutique shop here in Manayunk.

Why 'Vamp'?

Not named after the Cher song, Teresa shares that the name ‘Vamp’ was inspired by the idea of revamping your wardrobe.

What are some of your favorite things about owning and working in a boutique?

With the flexibility of owning her own boutique, Teresa said at the time she opened, it gave her the ability to bring her young daughter to work with her, and she was able to operate on her own hours.

“Although,“ Teresa added laughing, “my daughter thought she was the one running the shop.” When she wasn’t busy coloring or drawing, the business-woman in the making would talk to the shop’s customers.

Another thing Teresa loves about working in a boutique is that it allows her to be as creative as she wants, which can be seen in the unique and fun design of the shop.

If you were a piece of clothing, what would you be?

“Most likely a dress!” From flirty, to sexy, to maxi, Teresa is in love with them all. Which is nice, because Vamp carries a mix of fashionable dresses in-store and online.

What do you think the go-to winter outfit is that everyone should be wearing?

“For us, the go-to winter outfit was definitely velvet. Blazers, bomber jackets, pantsuits. Every velvet piece we had did well.”

Sweaters were another big seller, Teresa points out. No matter the style, customers love them.

Teresa mentions that in retail she works six months in advance, so she’s looking forward to selling the last of her winter items to make room for spring items.

What trends are you looking forward to seeing in the spring?

“I’m looking forward to all the denim that’s coming in. I’ve always been a fan, but it seems like everyone is now catching on.”

It’s not just the ripped jeans Teresa loves, though. For Vamp, there will be denim jackets, thigh high boots, pumps, corsets, chokers, and more. Excited for it all to arrive, Teresa adds, “When you see the denim pieces we have coming in, you’re going to be obsessed!”

If you could create an outfit for any fashion designer, who would it be?

After listing off a number of big designers, Teresa finally made the toughest choice and decided upon Diane Von Furstenberg.

Teresa expressed how much she loves the wrap dresses Diane creates and how much she would like to slightly alter them, “She has a signature shape that I love, but sometimes I’ll see one and think if it had ‘this’ on it or if you did ‘this’ instead, it would be 10 times better.”

We know the Fashion Show is coming up in a week, what can we expect to see there?

“A lot of emerging Philly designers will be there and their work is fabulous.” Teresa said that some of these artists have even showed their collections in Paris and New York Fashion Week.

Teresa shares, “I’m honored to have them be a part of our fashion show.”

Where's your favorite place to relax in Manayunk?

When Teresa is working here, she enjoys just grabbing a cappuccino and sitting down to relax.

Where do you hope to see Vamp in the future?

“Our online market has been doing pretty well. I expect to, and I am hoping, for it to have a continued success,” Teresa says. “I just want Vamp to keep growing and growing. I really look forward to seeing where it can go.”

Head over to Vamp Boutique at 4231 Main Street to find fun, flirty, and fabulous items right here in Manayunk. Teresa revealed that they are also working towards adding more items to the Online Vamp Boutique this Spring, so keep an eye on that.

Be sure to mingle with the big names of Manayunk's fashion scene on a night full of fun this February 12 at the Manayunk Brewing Company. Enjoy drink specials, shop trendy and unique items from our vendors and enjoy a runway fashion show collaboration with a mix of emerging talented designers and some of your favorite Philly boutiques. Purchase tickets here.