BellaDulce Clothing: Shop Spotlight

When you think of online boutiques, which stores first come to mind? Modcloth? Ruche? Lulu’s? I’m sure that one of the three, if not all, listed online boutiques are familiar to you…maybe even if your favorite stores. If all Princeton collegiettes™ are familiar with the same shops and (possibly) buying the same pieces, we are all far from being unique. We at Her Campus Princeton are all about highlighting up-and-coming brands, Etsy shops, and designers. Today we’re featuring BellaDulce Clothing {BDC}, a online boutique owned by Mika Lucio who has the collgiette™ in mind. BDC offers very affordable clothing (for the collegiette™ on a budget) that can be casual or dressed up for a night on the Street. Enthusiastic about BDC, we’ve scored an interview with Mika; read, enjoy, and fall in love with BDC with HCP.

Her Campus Princeton: How did BellaDulce Clothing begin? What niche in the boutique world does BellaDulce fill?
BellaDulce Clothing: BellaDulce Clothing evolved from a marketing project launched in 2006, working to give models and performing artists additional materials for which to promote themselves and gain greater exposure. The efforts we put into promoting local talent slowly morphed into a freestanding brand, and private label of t-shirts, tank tops, and a private label cosmetics line. BellaDulce has a broad demographic due to the fact that our products appeal to not only younger teens, but college students, and professional women as well. BellaDulce Clothing is focused on illustrating the many facets of womanhood through our designs, use of color, and coordinating accessories and cosmetic line. 

HCP: BDC’s tagline is “Live Lush.” What does that mean and how can Princeton collegiettes™ maintain a lush lifestyle?
BDC: The tagline “Live Lush” encourages young women to experience the best that life has to offer in relationships, careers, or day to day interactions. As women we have to feel empowered, educated, financially independent, successful, and enriched. 
Princeton collegiettes™ can maintain a “lush lifestyle” by demonstrating confidence, staying focused on goals, and surrounding themselves with all things positive, fulfilling, and of course experiencing new adventures. 

HCP: What is one item from BDC that every Princeton collegiette™ needs to have?
BDC: Every Princeton collegiette™ should snag our Classic BellaDulce Tank. Our classic tank is perfect for bedtime, working out,  and it can be dressed up with fitted jeans or a miniskirt. The tank can also be dressed down with sweats and cute hoodie.

HCP: Describe BDC in three words.
BDC: Feminine, Multifaceted, Quality

HCP: Who are your fashion inspirations and what would they think of BDC?
BDC: My fashion inspirations are Dolce & Gabbana, Liz Claiborne, and Ralph Lauren. I think these pioneers would like the synergistic effect of cross-selling clothing items with accessories and cosmetics that makes BellaDulce Clothing a full brand.

HCP: Finally, could you tell us a little more about you, Mika?
BDC: I am from Staten Island, New York.  I graduated Cum Laude from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA with a Communications Degree. I am a member of the Association of Women in Communications, the National Urban League, and also the National Association of Women Business Owners. I am a trained dancer and often volunteer my time to teaching young children and teens ballet and jazz dance. I have a passion for makeup, Japanese animation films, and writing. 

We’re so glad to have BellaDulce Clothing involved in our photo-shoot coming up this October! So what do you guys think of BellaDulce Clothing, collegiettes™? Tell us all about your thoughts in the comment box below.