Located on 16th street between P and O, Atelier is a boutique that is putting a new spin on thrift store chic.

Nestled between the new Hot Italian Bistro and a Notary office, Atelier relies on a catchy sign and a rack of the latest mod-second-hand fashion to pull in passersby. The first thing that customers will notice in the store is the many unique influences found amongst the clothing offered. This is because of the over twenty contributors who keep Atelier supplied. Some of the clothes come from local designers who create one of kind pieces. Also some designers will take well worn vintage and retro pieces spicing them up by adding intricate appliqués or colorful trim reviving them. Some contributors scour local thrift stores, yard sales, and bargain bins to find the latest in demand decade pieces, consolidating them at Atelier. The prices are as enticing as the clothes guaranteed not to break your piggy bank, but if a truly fiscal shopper is looking for style for a buck, Atelier has a one dollar room that is guaranteed to have something for everyone.

Clothes aren't the only thing that Atelier is doing different. As well, their business model is different from the average consignment store that takes a cut of the designer’s profits. Instead Atelier is a co-op that allows designers to pay a single once a month rental fee, collect all profits made from their sales and work part-time in the shop as well. It is this extra involvement by the designers that gives Atelier a personal touch, allowing shoppers to meet the faces behind the fashion they love.

Atelier is the brain child of local designer sisters Amy and Melissa Hemmens, who wanted to bring a new type of clothing boutique to Sacramento that would express their style. Amy has been a local designer for years who has a line called Naik Fur that reflects her individuality and experience. While Melissa provides the business sense as well as her own line, Threaded Heart, which is a collection of thrift store finds and personal one-of-a-kind pieces.

All of these elements are cultivated to create a welcoming atmosphere that everyone from fashionistas to Plain-Janes can enjoy.