Fashion Board USC: Boutique of The Week: Van Jean

This week, the retailer’s spotlight goes to Van Jean. Van Jean is located on Devine Street and has a wide assortment of designer jewelry, handbags, clothing and shoes. It’s perfect for sophisticated women of all ages who appreciate quality and style in their wardrobe. Whether it’s for a political event or a football game, women are able to find elegant pieces and look their very best. Van Jean was started by Melissa Blanchard in 2004 and she differed herself from other retailers immediately by using well-known, up-and-coming designers. Melissa wanted to carry designers that were difficult to find in a southern city. Van Jean carries 3.1 Phillip Lim, Helmut Lang, Dannijo, J Brand, Tory Burch, Tibi, Milly, Rag & Bone and so much more. Melissa visits New York and Miami regularly to bring back exclusive Ready-to-Wear items that the Columbia area is grateful to have. We were fortunate enough to get to chat with Van Jean’s buyer Aya Alshafei. Aya is a USC graduate and former member of Fashion Board. Here’s what she had to say!

Fashion Board: What kind of girl do you envision in your shop’s clothes?

Aya Alshafei: We have a very mature customer. Someone that enjoys fashion. She lives a small town life but dresses like a city woman.

FB: What makes you continue to participate in USC Fashion Week?

AA: A lot of us graduated from USC and want to support our alma mater. I was in Fashion Board and I know what it's like to work in a good organization that focuses on fashion and helps the community. We also like that Fashion Week spreads the word that fashion is ever changing.

FB: What makes your store unique from other local shops in Columbia?

AA: Definitely the exclusive lines we carry. It’s hard to find these lines in the city let alone the state. We carry exclusive and Ready-to-Wear clothes that you see on the runway. We like that our shop stands out in a college town.

FB: How do you reach out to customers and let them know of the new products you have?

AA: We update our social media daily. Instagram is our number one social media page and we like to post new arrivals or staff favorites, like our Manager’s Outfit of the Month. Our Instagram is linked to Twitter and Facebook. We also send out email blasts to customers.

Like and follow Van Jean and be the first to know about their newest arrivals!

Twitter: @ShopVanJean

Facebook: www.facebook.com/shopvanjean

Instagram: @shopvanjean

Also check out Van Jean on the new app The Near By (it’s like Instagram, but for local boutiques): @Vanjean

Fashionably Yours,

Sara Dixson