By Abby Ott, Staff Writer
Hors d’oeuvres will be served, makeup artist Tricia Coble will discuss styling tips for fall and party dresses, and all clothing will be discounted during Westwin Clothiers’ first fashion event of the season, targeted toward college students.
Westwin Clothiers is a Jackson boutique located on Carriage House Drive that carries attire for both men and women. The store is a family business and has been present in Jackson for 20 years. Other stores connected with Westwin are located in Atlanta; Houston; Trenton, Tenn.; and two locations in Virginia.
“A lot of people don’t realize we are over here, and we want to open up our college base,” said Marlie Richardson, women’s clothing manager at Westwin Clothiers. “Our other stores have a good college base, and as a business, we are trying to get a whole new clientele.”
The event will be an open house where college students can purchase current inventory at a discounted price, and even get a preview of collections for 2012. Richardson said the event will also provide an opportunity for students to look at different clothes and speak with numerous local business owners.
“I feel like Westwin is a secret,” said Rachel Porterfield, senior marketing major and Westwin Clothiers intern. “It is strange to me that I was in Jackson for three years without knowing it exists. I never shopped in Jackson because I did not think there was anywhere to shop, but now I know there are options for quality clothing.”
Guests can chat with Westwin employees about questions regarding how to wear items for fall. Coble will have styled some of the guests’ hair and will do makeovers for a few as well. She will also mingle with women as they shop and advise them regarding hair and makeup tips for the season. Jewelry by local designer Brandie Williams will also be available for custom orders.
“If we are not constantly researching, we forget what is in,” Porterfield said.
Many students will be looking for formal dresses and nice clothing for events or interviews in the next couple of months. Westwin gives a standard 10 percent discount to students, but the store will increase that discount during the event. Westwin is currently carrying many coats, vests, ponchos, tops and jeans for fall.
“We have a lot of wearable basics that will appeal to college students,” Richardson said. “Over the past three years, our price point has come down because $400 dresses are just not feasible anymore.”
Even if students have never been to Westwin Clothiers, they are welcome at the event. No one will be pressured to buy anything during the evening, Richardson said, and the event is free. If one is curious about the store, but does not consider herself a fashion expert, Richardson encourages such women to attend the event to gain more knowledge without intimidation. If interested in attending, contact Porterfield at rachel.porterfield@my.uu.edu.
