Friday, November 4, 2011

A Friday chat with Thompson Fifteen

I had the pleasure of chatting with Thompson Fifteen owner, Chelsea Eager, not too long ago. I get a kick out of making new friends in the world of fashion and arranged a meeting to get the scoop on her latest business venture! What I really dig about Chelsea is that she has a certain je ne sais quoi that only a person having lived in New York City can possess. Her online store, though based in Nashville, has a level of style that can easily cross over into many metropolitan markets! Read our interview below!!









What is the backstory of Thompson Fifteen?

I moved to NYC for an internship for my last semester of college. At the end of the semester, I ended up getting hired with the company selling women's contemporary wholesale to East Coast boutiques and department stores. Selling to these buyers on a regular basis made me realize I wanted to be a buyer myself. I was tired of shopping at the same stores because it was the only thing I could afford on my budget. So I combined the two ideas. I knew that there was a market for girls like me -- girls who are on a budget and want the latest and the greatest. I felt like I was the perfect buyer for that market. At that time all this was going on, I was living on Thompson Street in apartment 15. It was the birth place of it all, and ascetically "fifteen" is one of my favorite words.

2. How has your life changed since you opened your online shop Thompson Fifteen?

I'm busy!!!

3. What is your philosophy on style?

A few good staple pieces are crucial. The whole idea of style, to me, is the way you express yourself. You have to be comfortable in what you are wearing; when you are wearing something you love and feel good in, it totally effects your attitude and vibe. You gotta love it and rock it.

4. Who is the Thompson Fifteen girl?

She is the girl who loves the latest styles and happenings. She appreciates personal style, self-expression, and wants all of this within her budget.

5. Why Nashville ?

Originally the plan was to move from Manhattan and find a space in Austin, Texas for Thompson Fifteen. I came to Nashville for the summer to hang with my older brother in the middle of my move. I never left. I met some incredibly talented people that have become some of my best friends. The people in Nashville have filled a void that I had been searching for since before college. All of my friends have played a crucial role in the building of T15; they are amazing. I have best friends that are hair stylists, PR gals, and business women to the max. Why would I want to be anywhere else?!

6.If you could be costume designer for one movie what would it be?

"Almost Famous!!!!!" Obsessed with it. I love the style of the 70s rock band. I love the long hair, fringe, fur, kimonos, high-waisted jeans, and crop tops. I think I'll always wear all of these things.

7.Who is your style icon?

My mom. She can wear anything and look so graceful and beautiful. When I was younger, she was always dressed in the most beautiful Ralph Lauren long skirts, cream vests, and tall boots, and of course, her turquoise jewelry. I've never seen her wear a T-shirt. She told me once, "Ladies don't wear T-shirts." As a child she never tried to dress me. She would buy me all these cool, random clothes. I would put together the weirdest things, and she would always rave over how beautiful my outfit was. She gave me that creative freedom at a young age, which I am very grateful for. She is a classic beauty.

Check it out here www.thompsonfifteen.com

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Awesome! Chelsea is the best. I'm so impressed by her go getter attitude.