Buy the River: Talking fashion with Tiffany Mead

It's Fashion Week, and this is the time to celebrate style and creativity. As I have discovered over the past few years, we have plenty to celebrate here in Cape Girardeau: new boutiques, bustling thrift and antique shops and up-and-coming designers.

I am not always home, so when I look around Cape Girardeau, there is always more to discover. Stay tuned for more features on revamped offerings from established businesses as well as spotlights on new businesses and style stars in my hometown.

This edition of Buy the River highlights a young designer, Southeast Missouri State University graduate and truly a bright spirit, Tiffany Mead.

Tiffany has been perfecting her craft and following her dreams while she works her "nine to five."

I caught up with Tiffany to talk about the inspiration behind her pursuit of happiness.

Tiffany Mead models one of her designs. (Submitted photo)

__Q: When did you know you wanted to design?__

__A:__ I've always had a passion for fashion. I remember waking up one day during the summer just before I began high school and asking my mom to teach me how to sew. So we went to the store, bought a pattern and some fabric, and voila!

__Q: What inspires your designs?__

__A:__ What really inspires me to design are the people around me. I see so many beautiful shapes and sizes throughout the day, and all I want to do is dress them all! My goal is to help motivate and inspire others to love themselves and recognize how beautiful they are, because I know what it feels like not to. Being in a fabric store for me is like a kid who loves chocolate being in a chocolate store!

__Q: Whose style do you admire the most?__

__A:__ MiMi Goodwin. I love her creations and her zing. She's so classy, yet fashion-forward, and what she designs is always flattering to the eye -- something you don't always see or find these days. Not to put anyone else down, but she's my favorite, without a doubt.

Tiffany is not the only new vibrant designer in town. In fact, I will introduce new artists in every Buy the River column. It is important to me not only to encourage newcomers, but to promote our town and its hidden and not-so-hidden gems.

If you know of a designer you think should be featured, send an email to Buytheriversemo@gmail.com.

Have a great Fashion Week by checking out all our downtown and around-town fall fashions!

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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.