Introducing: Saraphernalia

Hi! Long time no blog. I have an excuse, though! It has nothing to do with laziness or procrastination. I have been cooking up something uber-exciting during my blogging sabbatical.

I've been pursuing an entreprenuial venture. In simple terms, I'm starting a business!!!

As you all know, I am a fashionista through and through. I've always envisioned myself as my own boss working in the fashion industry. Read the blog about my anticipated future in fashion here.

I must first mention the inspiration that ignited my biz idea, which has sat latent in my subconscious since my entrance into this world.

Credit is due to my dear friend Imani, a talented stylist and old colleague of mine. She and I were both on the inaugural team of the fourth Savage X Fenty storefront in the world! An opportunity that was very exciting in theory, but quite underwhelming in actuality.

I can't blame Savage X management for their disorganization, expanding an e-commerce platform into a brick-and-mortar location must be difficult. But the job was not nearly as cool as the team expected. Shouts out to the OG Savages, you are all forever in my heart. I made some great friendships while working in that store.

ANYWAYS, Mani messaged me one day in search of a certain pair of shoes for a photoshoot she was styling. Though I didn't have anything that resembled what she was looking for, it got me thinking.

I realized that my eclectic closet could be of interest to stylists and fashion enthusiasts all over. I pondered how I could capitalize off my unique collection of pieces without giving them up forever.

What if I rented them out to interested parties, collected them back after a brief rental period, dry cleaned them, and repeated the process? I could make repeated revenue off one singular piece!

With that, SARAPHERNALIA was conceived. During the business' gestation period, I conducted in-depth research of the shared apparel market and drew up a detailed business proposal to present my idea to investors.

Thank you Jefferson University for supplying me with the knowledge to organize a professional pitch. The 30-page proposal, encased in a very official BINDER, screamed "Fashion Merchandising & Management degree!" It's giving college graduate.

I found, through extensive research, that there is an increasing demand for clothing rental services amongst the masses forming a Sara-sized hole in the market. Consumers in this economy crave high-fashion styles at fast-fashion price points. I will do anything in my power to save victims of fast fashion.

No brick-and-mortar location exists in Philadelphia that satiates the hunger for super duper awesome, cool, incredible, head-turning garments at affordable prices. With a rental business model, SARAPHERNALIA will allow for brief ownership of startlingly iconic pieces at a fraction of the purchase price.

Catering to those who wouldn't dare rewear, clients will return the clothing after they've attended their event, snapped an Insta-worthy pic, or worn it when they feel especially fabulous.

I'll be stocking the store with high fashions from my own closet, globally sourced vintage designer, and local indie designers whose pieces speak to me. Everything in my store will be a reflection of my personal style.

I DO NOT intend to stock trendy fashion, and I'd be hurt if that's what you expected. On the contrary, I want to foster a community of trend starters.

SARAPHERNALIA's mission is to bridge the gap between high-end fashion and conscious consumption, creating a space where individuals, stylists, and creatives can come together to celebrate the art of dressing!

Every fit pic I've ever posted to my Instagram has culminated to this moment.

More info will be released in the new year, when SARAPHERNALIA opens its doors to the public. In the meantime, give a follow to @saraphernalia.shop on Instagram for updates straight to your feed. There's no posts yet, but THERE WILL BE. Be on the lookout for the flyest fashion flicks you've ever seen in your LIFE.

TTFN,

Sara | Founder of SARAPHERNALIA (;