Our Special Orders are Truly Special

How many times have you ordered something from the Internet only to find our it's not at all what you wanted or not the quality you were expecting. ETC Boutique can help you take the guess work out of your special orders because we've checked out these suppliers and know they have great quality merchandise. You can browse their websites at your leasure, then contact ETC to place your order for you. Most of our companies get the products to us in five days or less, so you can even make your order if you are in a hurry. And we still keep great prices!
Just look at some of the options available through ETC:
* Special occasion clothing for boys and girls: Lito offers party dresses, communion dresses, accessories and more for girls; suits and tuxedos for boys; baptism outfits for both; and more. The quality is truly top notch.
* Women's and girls' shoes: Coloriffs has fantastic shoes that will make a new outfit sparkle.

* Tuxedos: Ascot tuxedos offers a variety of looks for men to fit any occasion from classic tuxedos to contemporary styles from such famous designers as Calvin Klein, Perry Ellis, Joseph Abboud, Ralph Louren and more.
* Purses: Everyone is in love with our collection of Big Buddha purses! And here's our promise to you: We won't sell the same style and color of purse to anyone else in Salina, so your Buddha will be exclusively yours'. Plus you can get a sneak peek at the fall collection.

ETC also makes special orders for party dresses, men's suits and many more items. Visit our store or call us as 785-826-6668 for your special event.

Celebrating Art in Downtown Salina

La Voz/ETC Boutique/Chapter 2 Books is excited to have hosted Lawrence artist David Loewenstein during his visit to Salina to create the mural "Waiting in the Wings" in Campbell Plaza in Downtown Salina. Campbell Plaza is just across the street from ETC Boutique and just a few buildings south of Chapter 2 Books, so we also were thrilled to watch the new artworking taking shape the past couple of weeks.

David stayed in the loft above Chapter 2 Books while working on the piece. He said he once lived in a loft in downtown Lawrence, so the experience felt very familiar for him. It also was convenient to have a place close to his work site to retreat from the heat and stop for planning sessions with collaborating artist Debbie Wagner of Bennington.

David said he always works with a local artist so he can share his experience as a muralist, plus he needs the help and enjoys the company while working long hours on the large mural projects.

If you are unable to attend the dedication and celebration at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, June 23, 2010, stop by to see the mural while you are downtown then visit ETC or Chapter 2 to let us know what you think.

You can also read more about David's experience in Salina and even see a photo from the loft window at David's Blog.

You also can watch for photos of the Dedication Ceremony at La Voz's Facebook page.

Wedding Season: You Look Fabulous

At least you will look fabulous if you shop ETC boutique for your outfit. June is wedding season and you've RSVP'd to your invitations, but have you found the perfect dress so you will look great, whatever your role in the wedding? ETC does special orders for dresses, then makes the alterations so you will look fantastic when you walk in that church or garden or wherever. ETC also will hook you up with the right jewelry and shoes to sparkle with your new dress.

If the kids are also a concern, we can help you out there, too. ETC has many beautiful spring dresses for the girls plus suits and tuxedos for the boys. We can do special orders on these outfits, too. We even have cute little spring outfits for babies.

If the man is also a concern, ETC can special order suits or rent him a tuxedo. These also are ordered to fit, so he will look great alongside you in your new dress!

Think Big! Think Buddha!

Big Buddha may have moved to the Big Apple, but that doesn't mean you have to leave Salina to find your favorite purses. ETC Boutique is the exclusive dealer of Big Buddha purses in Central Kansas. And our customers are in love with their Big Buddha purses.

ETC discovered Big Buddha purses three years ago when they were an up and coming company based in California. Just a month after we received our first order, Big Buddha was featured in In Style magazine. Since then, their resume has grown and grown and they recently moved their headquarters to New York City to be in the heart of the fashion industry. But they haven't turned their backs on the creativity and unique designs that made them so popular with our customers.

What's more, as the exclusive dealer for Big Buddha in central Kansas, ETC Boutique also promises never to sell the same style and color of purse twice, so your Big Buddha purse will be unique, just like YOU!

Closet Shopping: 30 Fits in 30 Days

When it comes to getting dressed on a daily basis, those of us who care generally take the sucka way out and either wear the same basic crap from week to week, and cop to buying some sub-par outfit to go out in.  We never devote the time necessary to building a fully functional wardrobe.  

That stops now.

  I am the first to admit on relying on retail therapy as my go-to plan of action when in dire need of an outfit, and rely on my *Reserves* as my backup plan.  What I will do moving foward is the exact opposite.

  RESERVES: Small supply of misc, never- worn items, however, cannot be an entire outfit. This is what sneakerheads refer to as deadstock.

   What I have been doing my last few shopping excursions is target items to add to the Reserve, not that I would not necessarily be wearing right away. With warm weather already here, and even warmer weather on the way, the Black Kennedys have a full schedule for the upcoming month. I decided to utilize it as a prime fashion experiment.  For the next 30 days, I am not allowed to purchase any items of clothing. I am to rely soley on my current wardrobe, and items in my Reserve.   The only acceptable purchases will be accessories or fairly inexpensive items to add to the reserve.  HOWEVER, no clothing items can be purchased.

Upon completion of this experiment, if sucessful, I will not only have solidified my place as the Flyest Nigga You Know, but I will have also been able to save the necessary funds to buy myself something fabulous.

P.S. As I get older, the more I find myself going for Quality moreso than Quantity. Pick an aspect of your life to apply that martra to and see how quickly things begin to hold their value for you. It works on the people "aspect" of your life too...Just a suggestion.***The Queen***

Outfit: The Blueprint

The problem for most people when it comes to getting dressed, or so they think, is deciding what to put on. Nope. The real issue is you have no idea how to construct an outfit.

An outfit should be built. It needs good planning, the right materials, and most importantly, flawless design. There are certain aspects that can be substituted for a less a less pricey counterpart. HOWEVER, there is one aspect that should never be so; Shoes.

Step1: BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF ABOUT WHAT SIZE YOU ARE AT THIS VERY MOMENT

 The biggest fashion crime being committed on the streets today is bitches being in denial about what size they actually are.  Why is it so hard to understand that you look fat and sloppy when your clothes fit improperly.  It also must be said that, just because it comes in your size, doesn't mean it made for you.  Every body type varies from one person to the next. Just because it works for someone else, doesn't mean it's for you. " If it's tight, you should not bite!"

Step 2: Buy a Fashion Magazine

 If it serves no other purpose, it will most certainly show you an example of what you prefer NOT to look like. I like to look at them to see what's new and how I can make it better. Nobody becomes an expert w/o a little studying ;-)

Step 3: Accessorize Your Outfit Initially, and Purchase Those Items First, Along w/ your Shoes.

 This way, if you find something fabulous, and need to spend a little extra, you can regroup on the rest of the outfit, and possibly wear it with something you already have.

Step 4:  Start Out With The Intentions Of Buying a Great Dress, Then Work From There.

 This way, if you find one, great. Outfit complete. However, doesn't it always seem like you find all these other fly things when you have a specific thing in mind?  Seize that opportunity to try something new.   I have been my most creative when I was unable locate a great dress for an event.

Step 5: ALWAYS Plan Your OutFit Around A Jacket.

 There is never a time when a jacket isn't necessary, it can always be removed, however, if worn, can act as an accessory to the outfit. It can also instantly transition your look from one event to the next for simplifying costume changes on busy days.

Step 6:  Purchase and/or Wear The Appropriate Undergarments For Your Attire.

 Nothing ruins a great outfit quicker than unsightly lumps and bumps underneath a beautifully made garment.  It also attests to the fact that you took the extra step to ensure you look good(Very Ladylike!!).

Step 7:  The Return Process

 Ok ladies, it's inevitable.  You have purchased all of your items and something doesn't work. I know it's a hassle, but you need to take it back.  If another size doesn't rectify the fit, then another item needs to be considered in it's place.  Prior to purchase, inquire with the sales rep as to what the return policy on that specific garment is, and if there are time restraints under which the item must be brought back.

Step 8:  Please Yourself

 At the end of the day, you need to be completely satisfied with what you see reflecting back at you in the mirror.  Regardless of what Advice you are given, if you are not pleased, then the process is pointless. Aim to please you; that's all that matters...***The Queen***

Fashion for toddlers, too!

Up to now, we focused on sharing thoughts on women's fashions, but toddlers also can find quality fashions in ETC Boutique. With the addition of Molly & Millie, Wally & Willie, your children, or your grandchildren, will shine on the playground this spring with beautiful mix and match outfits.

And best of all, the quality makes these outfits that will last the summer and be ready to pass down to other children as your little ones outgrow these outfits before they wear out. These 100 percent cotton outfits are preshrunk and built for the wear and tear children like to inflict upon their clothing as they go about their job of playing and learning.

We know your little one already is the cutest child in the sandbox, but won't she or he stand out when also the best-dressed in the sandbox. See Molly & Millie, Wally & Willie at ETC Boutique today!

Weeks Worth of White Tee

It is my sincerist hope in life to make the world a flyer place to live for young black women.  We have to create what we want and look good while we do it, but we can't go broke in the process.  This particular experiment will gage how many different looks can be created and rocked from and assortment of 7 different white tee shirts, all purchased specifically for this particular experiment.  The rules are simple... 

1. No other items can be purchased, the only new item can be the tee shirt

2. No tee shirt can cost more than $10

3. Every ensemble for the week of 3/15/10 must consist of white tee shirt, regardless of the place or event.

Hypothesis:  If I can prove through this experiment just how effortless fly can be, I'm hoping more women will want to contribute to our vastly small population ;-)

P.S. This experiment is dedicated to Printella, I'm doing this one for you.  Never have I met someone so beautiful w SO much swag and untapped potential. U that nigga.

WEEK'S WORTH OF WHITE TEE: DAY ONE

TAG -- You're IT!

Oh my goodness! Spring fiiiiiiiiiiinallllllllllly arrived at ETC today. We've been trickling in some spring merchandise from our regular suppliers, but today we received a shipment of spring dresses from a new designer -- and oh my gosh how gorgeous are they!!!!
The colors are amazing. The styles are totally unique and new. The quality of the fabric is to die for. We can't wait to share them with our customers.
These are dresses you can wear for work. They are dresses you can wear for formal occasions. They are dresses you can pair with jackets or shawls or leggings or jewelry or belts to get a different look every time you wear them. They are a reflection of what ETC Boutique is all about -- clothes that make you look great and that are versatile and durable enough to be worn frequently without anyone knowing you are wearing them frequently.
We'd post some photos, but these dresses definitely need to be photographed on people, not mannequins, so if you want to be a model, stop by ETC Boutique this week and try on the new dresses from TAG. You might even decide you look sooooooo fantastic you'll want to take it home. And if you can't make it to ETC Boutique this week, watch the blog to see photos of the ladies who had the privilege to try on the new TAG dresses.

Art Rush at ETC

ETC Boutique will present the artwork of Vicki Koepsel for Salina Downtown’s Art Rush on Thursday, Feb. 4, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Vicki creates unique pieces of recycled, repurposed furniture with artistic embellishments. She will display her work in ETC Boutique and the Kress Building hallway at 134 S. Santa Fe and her works will be for sale in ETC Boutique in Suite 120. Refreshments also will be served in ETC.
Teresa Hernandez of Great Playn’s Music Program will provide music.
Vicki sells her work through her studio called Junque Yard Dog.

Fashion/Art Revolution TwEnTy-TeN

Fashion Rocks! ETC knows this. Now you can rock with this spring's new fashions during the Fashion/Art Revolution TwEnTy TeN presented by our friends and neighbors in Thiessen-Elise Salon. ETC will be premiering new spring fashions featuring models of all age ranges and body types, because, remember, ETC knows every person is beautiful and just needs the right outfit to make their beauty shine through.
Besides a dynamic fashion show, the event will feature a performance by Cash Hollistah, dance performances, a silent art auction, a cash bar and even pet fashions.
And it's all happening soon, so get your tickets today. The show will start with a social/cocktail hour from 6 to 7 p.m. and the fast-paced fashion show will begin at 7 p.m.
Tickets are just $10.50 and are available in ETC Boutique.
Join ETC in this exciting new event, which also will raise awareness for Project Go Red for Women and the American Heart Association.