Buy the River: Doing it for herself in style

Stephanie Bird is a style maven, makeup artist and now a boutique owner: She's opening an online marketplace specifically for women with lovely curves. I caught up with Stephanie to ask her more about her new venture as she prepares for her grand opening this weekend at Cup 'N' Cork in Cape Girardeau.

__Q: What made you start your online boutique?__

__A:__ Being a full-figured woman in Cape Girardeau who loves fashion has been very discouraging. Many of the stores force the customer to choose between price and style. Meaning ... it's either super cute and trendy, but very expensive, or, it's reasonably priced, but very outdated. There's no in-between. I want to be that bridge for plus-size women who love fashion and love to stay trendy, but don't want to spend their whole paycheck for a nice office look or a girls' night out outfit.

__Q: How do you choose the styles available for purchase?__

__A:__ I choose my styles by trusting my gut. I like to think I am pretty on top of the latest in fashion, so I rely on my instinct and what I think my customers would want to buy. I watch a lot of television to get ideas (the only reason I watch the "Kardashians" and the "Housewives" is to see their fashion!), and I flip through several magazines to gain inspiration.

__Q: Who or what is your inspiration?__

__A:__ I love the odd, yet eclectic, style of Iris Apfel! I see a lot of her in me. I've watched and studied a lot of her interviews and she is a firm believer in taking risks and making the most out of life.

__Q: Where do you see your boutique in a year?__

__A:__ I am hoping to have a strong customer base here in Southeast Missouri. With the help of social media, I'm sure my reach will extend out to Southern Illinois and the St. Louis area rather quickly. I would love to have a storefront eventually, but I'm still praying (very hard) about that!

__Q: You are always so stylish and fearless with your fashion and style, whether makeup or hair. How would you describe your style?__

__A:__ I have tried to narrow my style down to a couple of words, but I haven't gotten there yet! If I had to sum it up, I'd say it's very trendy-urban-chic! I will rock anything from a purple lipstick to a red leather dress. Fashion is what society says. Style is just your interpretation.

Check out Stephanie and her designs from 3 to 7 p.m. this Saturday, April 18, at Cup 'N' Cork, 11 S. Spanish St. in Cape Girardeau. Her website, www.stephaniemichelleboutique.com/, goes live on Monday, April 20.

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Sheila McKinley is an independent fashion consultant working exclusively with luxury women's golf wear line Ladyb New York. After living in New York City for the better end of 10 years, she has come back home to Missouri to do one of the things she does best: Talk fashion. Check out her Buy the River blog at semissourian.com/flourish.