Transforming the former dance studio of Pin-Up Pole Dancing into a unisex boutique, store owner and MSU alumna Michelle Gross is attempting to bring New York street fashion to the city of East Lansing with Jeanologie XX/XY Boutique, 303 M.A.C. Ave., which opened last week.
“Our boutique is really upscale; we’ll be carrying cocktail dresses, which I know none of the other stores around will have anything that formal,” Gross said. “Our denim hits a really good price range, in between $40 and $170. We’re really price conscientious because we know we’re in a college town.”
Jeanologie offers labels including Betsey Johnson, BCBG, Lacoste and Lucky Brand, but also features local designers, such as Niki Biki, a designer from Central Michigan University that has a line of one-size-fits-all camisoles. Gross plans to invite pieces from MSU’s apparel and textile design students into her boutique as well.
“I’ve always loved working with clothing, working with design, and what I really would love to do is with the store is introduce the students on campus work,” Gross said. “I would really love to see the students showcase their work in the store eventually.”
Although Jeanologie offers similar clothing, K2 Boutique, 4980 Northwind Drive, in East Lansing, isn’t worried about losing customers.
“(We’re) a high end consignment shop and we get quite a bit of business from the university, not just students, but faculty too,” K2 employee Marsha Meadows said.
Jeanologie offers a variety of styles for both men and women, said Kathryn Cross, an Western Michigan University alumna who is helping Gross get Jeanologie off the ground.
“I was in a sorority and I ordered all my dresses (online); you can’t get them around here,” Cross said. “I think it’s a great place to find something to go to the bar in and something to wear to a formal and something to wear to work.”
Gross said Jeanologie will be able to attract customers from all niches, such as MSU alumna Rachel Jankowski.
“The clothes in the window, they were very stylish and cute,” Jankowski said. “There is nothing like this around and this is something the students would really like. It’s young, it’s fun, it’s different than what I think you’re going to find in the mall or anywhere else around here.”
Jankowski’s mother, Debbie Porter, said she was able to find something that fit her own taste.
“They have clothes for moms too,” Porter said. “I bought a pair of crop jeans that actually fit.”
Jeanologie promotes the individuality of personal style over the quantity of items sold, Gross said.
“We have quite a selection of dresses, and I think what makes us different and what sets us apart is that we only carry six of the same item,” she said. “Which is really great because students on campus won’t run into the same outfit, and everyone will have something different.”
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