Although it doesn’t quite feel like it yet, spring –– at least in the fashion world –– is upon us. In need of some sartorial inspiration? Let Ninth Street’s Muse Clothing be your, well, muse.
Owned by MU grad Nickie Davis, the store strives to fill a fashion void in Columbia.
“Columbia needed something different –– more alternative, more street,” Davis says.
The store offers high fashion at low prices, making it perfect for college students who want to look stylish for less.
Think of your most fashionable friend’s photos tagged “#ootd.” That’s the best way to describe Muse, whose offerings Davis classifies as “urban,” “alternative” and “classic with a twist.” In fact, a comparison to social media is apt: Davis says she finds inspiration from connections on Instagram, as well as on sites like Etsy.
Speaking of connections, one line, Kill City, is designed by CoMo native and Stephens College alumna Jen Terry (she’s since relocated to L.A.). Many of the other lines Muse carries are from smaller designers hailing from St. Louis and Chicago. In all, around 85 percent of the clothing is made in the U.S.
Muse also gives back to the Columbia community, offering a 10 percent discount to shoppers who bring in five cans of food for the local food bank, and 15 percent off for patrons who donate 10 cans.
I asked Davis about her usual clientele. She says most of her customers are sartorially savvy college students and young professionals who want to look (office-appropriately) fashionable.
Muse has clothes for going out, going to work and going anywhere in between. The store features both organically made basics and staples, as well as statement pieces like T-shirts with cheeky slogans and hologram hoodies.
Now, Muse’s top floor is being used as a pop-up vintage shop. It’s scheduled to remain like that for about two more months. After that, the space will be used for another short-term promotion, so get in while you can before all the fun, funky vintage threads are gone.
Think your style’s on point, but want to share it with more than just your Instagram and Tumblr followers? Contact the store via its [website](http://musecomo.com/) to see about becoming next month’s Monthly Muse, the store’s shopper spotlight. Each month, Muse picks a shopper with impeccable style to be interviewed, and then does a brief photoshoot with him or her. Not only does the fashionable patron get a shoutout on Muse’s website –– he or she also gets a small discount on his or her next purchase.
“We’re all about the customers, and we wanted to recognize people with really awesome style,” says Davis, regarding the inspiration for the Monthly Muse. “CoMo is a melting pot.”
What’s Davis anticipating for spring trends?
“A lot of pastels, deep jewel tones,” Davis says. “Running shorts in silky fabrics (are also becoming popular).”
And hold onto your flannel: she also predicts that the recent ‘90s throwback that’s been taking the runways by storm looks like it’s here to stay, at least for another season or two.
Based on my recent visit, Muse has all of the above to keep you looking on trend and hot off the runway. So, to make Ninth Street your own personal Fifth Avenue, head over to Muse and get in touch with your inner cool kid.
