By JEN CHEN
Every time I go to Dave’s Stagecoach on Westport Road, I have to take a peek into the window of Bon Bon Atelier. This cool boutique, which is next door to one of my favorite bars, is a little jewel-box of a shop; it’s always tantalizing me with its cute displays of purses, shoes and other girly things. When I stopped in yesterday to check out an interesting-looking nautical-inspired purse, I finally got to meet the stylish Betsy Blodgett, who owns the store with her sister, Emily Blodgett-Panos.
The 26-year-old Betsy was wearing an adorable green ‘60s-style shift dress. “It’s not vintage fabric, but it’s very vintage-like,” she said. Her shoes came from Macy’s in San Francisco.
Betsy and Emily have owned the store for two years. Betsy sews and artfully arranges the store displays while Emily knits and makes jewelry. They made this dress for the 18th Street Fashion show. Betsy said that the sequined ship on the bodice was inspired by the surreal designs of Elsa Schiaparelli. “It’s an homage, but probably not really good,” she said.
Like the store, Betsy says her style leans towards vintage and eclectic. She also likes bright colors. I asked for her best fashion disaster story – though it’s hard to believe that she’d have one. “I’m sure there’s been many,” she said. “Well, it’s not really a disaster, but I constantly wear overalls I had in 7th grade. Deep in my heart, I know I shouldn’t, but they’re so comfortable.”
Well, if anyone can make overalls hip, it’s Betsy. And I hope to see a cool denim pair of baggy overalls in the Bon Bon window sometime soon.
